Truck 101: Differences between Double Cab and Crew Cab

Updated Jun 01, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive FYIs

See this before heading out to get a new truck.

1. What is double cab?

If you are in the market for a pickup truck, you will notice that a model is offered with different variants that usually consist of the word ‘cab.’ To make it simple, cab is a shorter term for cabin.

Isuzu D-Max front view

Most pickup trucks in the local market come with a double cab configuration

A double cab configuration consists of four doors and four seats, two upfront and two at the back. Pickup trucks in the local market mostly come with a double cab configuration such as the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, and Isuzu D-Max.

A single cab configuration, on the other hand, only consists of two doors and two seats. This is ideal to use for those pickup trucks that will be used for mobility in a business as it has more cargo space.

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2. What is crew cab?

You might think that double cabs are larger than crew cabs by just their names. However, a pickup truck with a crew cab configuration is actually larger than those trucks with a double cab configuration.

Toyota Hilux front view

An example of a Cab and Chassis configuration

Due to the longer door and body in a crew cab configuration, it comes with a more expensive price tag than a double cab to compensate for the production costs. However, you get more legroom and easier second-row access, which is perfect if you have a big family.

There are different terms used by different manufacturers depending on how they want to market their pickup trucks. Some use the term ‘extended cab’ to let customers know that the pickup truck is longer than the regular model. However, the term extended cab is just another word for double cabs in other markets.

3. Differences between double cab and crew cab

The difference between double cab and crew cab is actually not hard to distinguish. Both configurations might offer four doors and four seats, but the second row in the double cab is evidently shorter than those trucks designed with a crew cab configuration.

Toyota Hilux front view

The Toyota Hilux remains to be one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the country

Inside, the legroom of pickup trucks with a double cab is significantly shorter than those with a crew cab configuration. The access to the second row is also more difficult on a double cab truck. 

There are not many differences between the two configurations other than the said features. Since crew cab configurations offer larger space, the price is also higher than double cab configurations due to larger doors and slightly longer body.

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4. Double cab vs crew cab: Which is right for you?

In terms of powertrains, most pickup trucks usually have the same engine regardless if it comes with a double cab or a crew cab configuration. So choosing which is which comes down to how much space you need for your pickup truck.

You can start by asking yourself questions such as how many passengers you are carrying with you who will be your passengers on a daily basis. If you are driving solo, then you can opt for a double cab. Pickup trucks with a double cab are generally more affordable than those with a crew cab configuration.

Ford Ranger front view

Local midsize pickup trucks such as the Ford Ranger usually come with a double cab configuration

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A pickup truck with a double cab is also ideal if you are just starting a family. In the early stages, it will be just you and your spouse so the second row of seats isn’t really necessary. Once you and your spouse get a kid, the legroom in the second row of a double cabin is enough even if he/she reaches the age of 10.

However, if you are just in the market to buy a new pickup truck and you already have a big family, then you can go for a truck with a crew cab configuration. The legroom in this configuration in the second row is sufficient enough even for adult passengers.

Chevrolet Colorado front view

Buy a truck good for you and your passengers

Despite having a more expensive price tag, buying a pickup truck with a crew cab configuration could help you save money in the long run as you won’t need to buy a larger truck once your family gets bigger. There will always be tradeoffs between the two configurations. Go for the option that best suits your needs in interior space.

>>> Related: 5 must-have skills & qualities to be a good truck driver

5. What brand offers double cabs and crew cabs?

To help you get an idea for your next truck, here are the models available in the local market with their respective cab configuration.

Car Brand
Model
Cab Configuration
Toyota
Hilux
Double Cab
Ford
Ranger
Double Cab
Ford
Ranger Raptor
Double Cab
Ford
F-150
Crew Cab
Mitsubishi
Strada
Double Cab
Isuzu
D-Max
Double Cab
Nissan
Navara
Double Cab
Foton
Thunder
Double Cab
Mazda
BT-50
Double Cab
Maxus
T60
Double Cab
Chevrolet
Colorado
Double Cab
JAC
T6
Double Cab

6. Double cab and crew cab: FAQs

Q: What is a double cab?

A double cab is a configuration for a pickup truck that consists of four doors and a second row of seats. However, the second row is slightly shorter than the first which results in shorter passenger doors and less legroom.

Q: What are the other cab configurations other than double and crew cabs?

Other than double and crew cabs, there are also other cab configurations such as the access, super, mega, extended, and more.

Q: What is a crew cab?

A crew cab is a configuration for a pickup truck that consists of four doors and a second row of seats. The second row is slightly larger than those pickup trucks with a double cab configuration.

Q: Should I get a double cab or a crew cab?

It depends on who will be utilizing the second row of seats. If you have kids above the age of 10, then it is ideal to get a pickup truck with a crew cab configuration.

Q: Are crew cabs more expensive than double cabs?

Yes, crew cabs come with larger doors and body which results in higher production costs.

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Know more about Toyota Hilux 2024

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux 2024 is a midsize pickup offered in the local market as both fleet and regular units. Toyota Hilux Prices Philippines range from PHP 885,000 to PHP 2,192,000 with 13 variants, spanning from the basic cab & chassis 4x2 model to the range-topping GR Sport 4x4. It is also available in two turbodiesel engine options and four gearbox choices, accompanied by eight exterior colors. Dimensions start at 5,285mm in height, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm. Among the rivals to the Toyota Hilux in the market are the Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and the Isuzu D-Max.

This popular pickup continues to evolve and slowly move upmarket after gaining luxuries. The most significant revolutionary jump of the Hilux happened in 2004 when the seventh generation of the model was introduced. It was the first 21st-century iteration of Toyota's pickup. It is also the first generation to ride on Toyota’s new Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle architecture. It provided improved safety, better ride comfort, modern D-4D diesel engines, more interior space, and a more modern aerodynamic body.

The current 8th generation offers a more refined and stylish design than its predecessor, but the tradition of being a tough pickup continues. It received a much-awaited refresh in 2020. 

>>> New and used Toyota Hilux 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Toyota Hilux Launch

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) debuted the refreshed Toyota Hilux in 2020, featuring a meaner and more aggressive pickup truck design from the front to the back. The biggest update the Japanese carmaker added to the latest model is the minor power bump for the 2.8-liter engine option, which now makes it one of the most powerful in terms of performance numbers.

To cater to different car consumers who are in the automotive market for a reliable workhorse, TMP is offering its pickup truck with a wide array of variants, namely the Cab & Chassis, Cargo, J, FX, E, J, G, and the top-of-the-line Conquest. Only the top-ranging variant gets to benefit from the updated engine that now joins the superb 500 Club alongside the Ford Ranger

For 2024, the GR Sport received a massive update and it is now more powerful and more off-road capable than its predecessor. The brand also added a new E AT trim to its variant lineup. 

Toyota Hilux Exterior

The current generation Toyota Hilux features a bolder and more rugged exterior styling. When Toyota's business unit in the Philippines introduced the Conquest variant of the Hilux, it received some much-needed flare. The top variants can turn heads because of their several external enhancements. The Conquest variant of the Hilux features a more aggressive exterior design while the standard variant leans on the safer side.

Upfront, it can come with either a set of projector or reflector halogen headlights, depending on the chosen variant. The higher trim levels feature an LED lighting set, as well as benefit from an array of DRLs. The E and G variants ride on 17-inch wheels, while the Conquest uses 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The new GR Sport meanwhile, also uses a 17-inch though these are off-road ready, Dakar-inspired wheels.

Toyota Hilux Philippines front view

The current generation Toyota Hilux features a bolder exterior

Other exclusive features made available on the Toyota Hilux Conquest variants only include a tailgate assist, a bedliner, a sports bar, a roof ornament, and side decals to provide a sturdier road presence on the go. 

The GR Sport meanwhile, gets a wider track width, a set of beefier fender flares, an aero sports bar, under chassis protection, etc. 

Toyota Hilux Interior

The Toyota Hilux currently on sale mostly carries over the interior from the 2020 update. Inside the pickup, there is the right amount of dimensionality that is also found in other Toyota vehicles offered in the Philippines that sit on the same platform. However, there are subtler styling elements that distinctly mark it as Hilux.

Higher trim levels feature seats with leather wrappings while lower trims have fabric seat coverings. Top variants are also equipped with automatic climate control and steering wheel audio control that depends on the head unit. The twin-dial setup gauge cluster comes with a multi-function display in the middle.

Technology & Safety Features

For on-board entertainment, Toyota gave the G a new eight-inch touchscreen. The Conquest likewise uses an eight-inch display, while the updated GR-S comes with a nine-inch headunit. The E meanwhile, retains its 6.75-inch display. Standard on the Conquest and GR-Sport is wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The displays on the G though, get the wired version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The top-range variants come with a push-start system and keyless entry. Hill-start assist is also available in this pickup. It adds to the livability and drivability of the Toyota Hilux. Depending on the trim, the Hilux also gets radar cruise control.

Toyota Hilux side view

Safety is not an issue for the Toyota Hilux

This popular pickup from Toyota is a safe vehicle. The basic variant features passenger’s and driver’s airbags as standard. Higher variants have two front, side, and curtain airbags. Other safety features include ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, and speed-sensing door locks.

The GR-S and the Conquest get the Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistive kit, which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and more. The higher-spec trims also have blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a panoramic view parking camera. 

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota Hilux is a midsize four-door pickup truck. It shares the same Toyota IMV platform as Innova and Fortuner. This pickup truck features a double-wishbone front suspension, and the rear setup is a rigid axle with leaf springs to further bolster its reputation as a reliable workhorse in the Philippines.

Toyota Hilux rear view

Toyota's pickup truck has a commanding presence on the road

On the top-spec GR Sport, the Hilux's suspension system is updated with monotube shock absorbers. It is also the only trim that gets disc brakes for all four wheels. 

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood, TMP offers two engine options for its entry to the Philippine pickup truck segment. The first engine option is a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV diesel engine which is used on the E, G, and Conquest 4x2 variants. It can generate 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm. 

The second engine option for the model is a larger 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine which is capable of generating 201 hp at 3,400 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,400 rpm (500 Nm of torque for the top-of-the-line Conquest 4X4 A/T variant). Both the said engines can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the chosen variant.

The updated 2024 GR-Sport meanwhile, is propelled by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel that can generate up to 220 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. Like the other automatic versions, it also uses a six-speed gearbox, but this has been tuned for better performance. 

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Available colors for the Toyota Hilux Philippines are Super White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Emotional Red. 

Much like most of its rivals, the Toyota Hilux 2024 comes with a rear-locking differential for added traction and control in slippery driving conditions, especially when off-road. It also retains its 1,115-kilogram payload capacity, one of the highest in its segment, for superb carrying capability. Toyota has equipped the Hilux with a variable-flow control power steering pump to relieve driver stress during strenuous drives.    

Toyota Hilux Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rugged appearance
  • High payload capacity
  • Improved steering
  • Powerful engine choices 

Cons

  • Harsh ride
  • No power tailgate function
  • Top-spec variant is expensive compared to its rivals

Toyota Hilux 2024 Price List

Variants  Price
Toyota Hilux 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT ₱885,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 J DSL 4x2 MT ₱995,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 Cargo 4x2 MT ₱1,001,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 FX 4x2 MT (w/ rear A/C) ₱1,124,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 J DSL 4x4 MT ₱1,195,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 E DSL 4x2 MT ₱1,312,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 G DSL 4x2 MT ₱1,390,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 E DSL 4x2 AT ₱1,392,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 G DSL 4x2 AT ₱1,466,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 DSL 4x2 AT ₱1,675,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 DSL 4x2 AT (Emotional Red) ₱1,695,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 MT ₱2,003,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 MT (Emotional Red) ₱2,023,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 AT ₱2,078,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 DSL 4x4 AT (Emotional Red) ₱2,098,000
Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR Sport AT ₱2,158,000
Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR-S 4x4 AT ₱2,172,000
Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR Sport AT (Emotional Red) ₱2,178,000
Toyota Hilux 2.8 GR-S 4x4 AT (Emotional Red) ₱2,192,000

Toyota Hilux FAQs

1. How much is the Toyota Hilux 2024 Philippines?

Toyota Hilux 2024 price Philippines ranges from 885,000 PHP for the entry-level 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT to 2,192,000 PHP for the top-of-the-line Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 4x4 AT (Emotional Red color).

2. What are the Dimensions of Hilux 2024?

Dimensions for the Toyota Hilux 2024 include 5,285mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm.

3. What are the colors available in Hilux Philippines?

Toyota Hilux 2024 colors are available in 5 colors in the following shades: White, Super White, Sliver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Crimson Red, Attitude Black Mica, Nebula Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Emotional Red.

4. What is the Engine Capacity of Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT?

Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT is offered with a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV diesel engine which can generate 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm.

5. Is the Toyota Hilux available in Automatic Transmission?

Yes, it is. All Hilux trims available in the Philippines are automatic transmissions.

₱ 879,000 - ₱ 2,166,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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