Ford F-150 SuperCab vs SuperCrew: The Ultimate Comparison

The Ford F-150 is an iconic American pickup truck and is a go-to choice for those seeking power performance and versatility. But if you're in the market for one you'll probably notice two main cab styles: the SuperCab and the SuperCrew. What’s the difference between them? Which one should you choose? Let’s dive deep into the Ford F-150 SuperCab vs SuperCrew debate and help you make the right decision for your lifestyle and needs.

Understanding the Basics: SuperCab and SuperCrew

Ford offers multiple cab styles for the F-150 and it’s important to understand what sets the SuperCab and SuperCrew apart from each other. While both cab styles are focused on providing more space and comfort than a regular cab they have some key differences that will greatly impact how you use your truck.

SuperCab: The Classic Workhorse

The Ford F-150 SuperCab often appeals to those who need a little more space but don’t want to compromise too much on bed length. SuperCabs are often used for both work and play offering a balance between cab and bed space.

Key Features of the SuperCab

• Rear Hinged Doors: The SuperCab features smaller rear doors known as "suicide doors" because they hinge from the back. These doors make access to the rear seats easier when the front doors are open.
• Smaller Rear Seat Space: The rear seat space in the SuperCab is adequate for passengers but is not as spacious as the SuperCrew.
• Longer Bed Options: The SuperCab allows for a longer bed length (6.5 feet or 8 feet) which is ideal for those who need extra cargo space for work tools or outdoor gear.

SuperCrew: The Family-Oriented Option

The Ford F-150 SuperCrew focuses on providing the maximum amount of comfort for passengers. It is the preferred choice for families or those who plan to carry passengers often and need more interior room.

Key Features of the SuperCrew

• Full-Sized Rear Doors: Unlike the SuperCab the SuperCrew has full-sized rear doors that open just like the front doors providing easier access to the rear seats.
• Spacious Rear Seating: The SuperCrew offers much more legroom and headroom in the rear making it a more comfortable ride for passengers especially on long journeys.
• Shorter Bed Length: The trade-off for the added interior space is a shorter bed length. The SuperCrew is usually paired with either a 5.5-foot or a 6.5-foot bed.

Comparing Dimensions: Space Matters

When deciding between the SuperCab and SuperCrew it’s essential to understand how their dimensions compare and what impact they have on overall usability.

Exterior Dimensions

The main takeaway from the dimensions is that SuperCab offers a longer bed length making it better suited for hauling cargo. Meanwhile, the SuperCrew focuses more on maximizing cab space and comfort.

Interior Space: Comfort Levels

Rear Seat Legroom

• SuperCab: Around 33.5 inches
• SuperCrew: A spacious 43.6 inches

As you can see from the numbers the SuperCrew offers significantly more legroom in the rear making it more comfortable for rear-seat passengers.

Rear Headroom

• SuperCab: 40.3 inches
• SuperCrew: 40.4 inches

The difference in headroom is minor but combined with the increased legroom the SuperCrew gives a much more open and spacious feeling for rear passengers.

Performance: Does Cab Size Affect Driving?

While both the SuperCab and SuperCrew come with a variety of engine options from the standard 3.3L V6 to the 5.0L V8 and the powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 their overall performance can be influenced by the cab size you choose.

Towing and Payload Capacity

One significant difference is how the cab size can affect towing and payload capacities. Generally speaking, the SuperCab can tow a bit more due to its lighter weight and longer bed options. However, the difference is not usually significant unless you are planning to regularly tow heavy loads.

• SuperCab Payload: Up to 3,325 lbs (with the right configuration)
• SuperCrew Payload: Up to 3,020 lbs

For most drivers, this difference will not make or break a decision but it's something to consider if you’re planning to use your F-150 for heavy-duty work.

Maneuverability and Handling

Because the SuperCrew has a shorter overall length compared to the SuperCab (when equipped with an 8-foot bed) it is generally easier to maneuver and park. If you live in an urban area or find yourself frequently parking in tight spaces this can be a crucial advantage.

Real-World Scenarios: SuperCab vs SuperCrew

When deciding between these two cab options it helps to think through the scenarios in which you’ll be using your truck.

Work and Hauling

If your primary focus is using the truck for work hauling materials or outdoor gear the SuperCab might be your best bet. Its longer bed length options and slightly higher payload capacity make it more versatile for those who need the truck bed space.

Family and Passenger Comfort

If you’re looking for a truck to double as a family vehicle or if you plan to regularly transport more than two people the SuperCrew is the better choice. The spacious rear seat area makes it much more comfortable for passengers.

The Pros and Cons of Each

Every vehicle has its benefits and drawbacks. Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of both the SuperCab and SuperCrew.

SuperCab Pros

1. Longer Bed Length Options: Ideal for those who need more cargo space.
2. More Affordable: Generally the SuperCab is cheaper than the SuperCrew.
3. Lightweight: Slightly better payload and towing capacity.

SuperCab Cons

1. Limited Rear Passenger Space: Rear legroom is tighter which can be uncomfortable for long rides.
2. Rear-Hinged Doors: Access to the rear seats requires the front doors to be open which can be inconvenient in tight parking spaces.

SuperCrew Pros

1. Spacious Rear Seating: Perfect for families and those who carry passengers often.
2. Full-Sized Rear Doors: Easier access to the rear seat area especially helpful for kids or elderly passengers.
3. More Comfortable Ride: Overall improved passenger comfort with extra legroom and headroom.

SuperCrew Cons

1. Shorter Bed Length: The focus on cab space means the bed length is shorter which could limit cargo capacity.
2. Higher Price Point: Typically more expensive than the SuperCab due to its added features and space.

What the Experts Say

To give you a well-rounded perspective on this topic, I reached out to Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast who has owned both a SuperCab and a SuperCrew.

“The SuperCab was great for work. I used it to haul all kinds of gear and it was fantastic. But when my family started growing and we went on more road trips the SuperCrew just made more sense. It was way more comfortable for everyone.”

According to Alex, the choice largely depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you’re using the F-150 for work and need the bed space the SuperCab could be a better option. But if comfort and passenger room are a priority the SuperCrew wins out.

Pricing: How Much Will It Cost You?

While exact prices can vary based on trim level engine selection and optional features generally speaking the SuperCab is the more affordable option.

• Ford F-150 SuperCab: Starting price around $35,000
• Ford F-150 SuperCrew: Starting price around $39,000

It’s important to note that the price difference can increase significantly as you add features or upgrade to higher trims like the Lariat King Ranch or Platinum. For those on a budget the SuperCab might be the way to go but if you can afford a bit more and need the extra space the SuperCrew might be worth the investment.

Bed Length: Which Works for You?

SuperCab Bed Options

• 6.5-Foot Bed: Standard bed length for versatility.
• 8-Foot Bed: Great for those who need maximum cargo space.

SuperCrew Bed Options

• 5.5-Foot Bed: Standard on the SuperCrew for maximizing cab space.
• 6.5-Foot Bed: An option for those who still need some extra cargo room but want the benefits of a SuperCrew cab.

The SuperCab's 8-foot bed can be a game-changer for anyone needing to haul longer items like lumber or construction equipment.

Choosing the Right Trim Level

When picking between the SuperCab and SuperCrew your trim level choice will also play a role in the features you get. Here’s a quick look at some of the popular trims available:

• XL: The most basic no-nonsense work truck option.
• XLT: Offers a good balance between features and affordability.
• Lariat: A step up with more luxury and tech features.
• King Ranch/Platinum: High-end trims with premium interior finishes and tech.

Remember that certain trim levels are available with both cab styles while others may be limited to just the SuperCrew.

Verdict: SuperCab or SuperCrew?

So which one is right for you: the SuperCab or SuperCrew?

• If you’re primarily using your F-150 for work and need the bed length the SuperCab is likely your best option.
• If you need more passenger comfort and plan to use your truck for both work and family life then the SuperCrew is a better fit.

Conclusion: It’s About Lifestyle and Needs

At the end of the day the decision between the Ford F-150 SuperCab and SuperCrew boils down to how you plan to use the truck. Consider your typical use cases passengers and cargo needs to make the best choice.

Remember as Alex Collantes mentioned "It's all about finding that balance between what you need for work and what you want for comfort." Both cab styles have their merits so take your time to choose wisely.

References:

1. Ford.com - Official Ford F-150 SuperCab and SuperCrew specifications and details.
2. Automotive reviews and test drives from popular truck-focused forums and communities.
3. Personal experiences and quotes from truck enthusiasts like Alex Collantes.

Whether you choose the SuperCab or SuperCrew you’re guaranteed to get the quality and performance that the Ford F-150 is known for.