Pickup trucks were mainly built as single cab models, meaning they had only two doors and one row of seats. These trucks were designed for tough work, like farming or construction, where the focus was on towing and hauling heavy loads.
However, over the years, pickup trucks have evolved. They’re no longer just workhorses; they’ve become versatile vehicles that can handle both work tasks and family duties.
With the growing demand for trucks that can carry both people and cargo, the crew cab with four doors and two rows of seats has become the most popular style.
In fact, the popularity of the crew cab has pushed the single cab design to the background. Many midsize trucks are now only offered in crew cab configurations, and some manufacturers, like Ram, no longer even make regular two-door single cab trucks in their 1500 series. This shift shows just how much pickup trucks have changed in response to what buyers want.
Single cab trucks haven’t completely disappeared. If you’re looking for a classic, two-door pickup, your best bet is to explore the heavy-duty truck market, where more options are available.
But if you’re interested in a lighter-duty 1500 series truck, there are still some great options to choose from. Automakers continue to offer a few single cab models for buyers who prefer a simpler, more traditional truck style.
The best light-duty single cab trucks of 2024, focus on models that combine the rugged practicality of a work truck with modern-day comfort and technology. These trucks may be fewer in number compared to their crew cab counterparts, but they still pack plenty of power and capability for drivers who want a straightforward, no-frills truck for work or daily use.
Whether you need a reliable vehicle for towing and hauling or just prefer the look and feel of a classic two-door truck, these 1500 series pickups are among the best choices available in 2024.
3) The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in its regular cab configuration is one of the more affordable options in the light-duty pickup truck market, with a starting price of $38,795. It’s only slightly cheaper than the Ford F-150 by $165, making it the most budget-friendly truck on this list.
The regular cab version comes with a 6.5-foot bed, and standard features include durable steel wheels, heated side mirrors, LED headlights, and a vinyl floor that’s easy to clean.
Inside the truck, buyers can choose between gray cloth or vinyl seat coverings, depending on their preference. The interior is simple, with limited customization options.
However, it does come with some nice standard technology features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which allows you to connect your smartphone easily.
Under the hood, the Silverado is available with two engine options: a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower or a more powerful 5.3-liter V8 that delivers 355 horsepower.
Both engines are paired with either an 8-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission. The Silverado can handle heavy loads, with a maximum towing capacity of 9,600 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,260 pounds.
In terms of mechanics, the Chevy Silverado is very similar to its sibling, the GMC Sierra. They share the same engines and performance specs, but the Silverado has a slightly higher payload capacity and a slightly lower towing capacity compared to the Sierra. While the GMC Sierra can tow up to 9,900 pounds, the Silverado tops out at 9,600 pounds.
The Silverado also comes with a few basic safety features, including forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, and automatic high beams. However, it’s a bit light on advanced driver-assistance systems compared to other trucks in its class.
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 regular cab is a solid choice for anyone looking for a practical, affordable, and capable truck that can handle both work tasks and everyday driving. Its combination of power, technology, and affordability makes it a great option in the pickup market.
2) The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the few pickup trucks still available in a single cab, two-door configuration. GMC is one of only three brands that continue to offer a regular cab light-duty truck, as many other manufacturers have shifted to larger crew cabs. For example, Ram no longer offers a single-cab 1500, and brands like Nissan and Toyota stopped offering this option in their Titan and Tundra models back in 2019.
To get a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 with a regular cab, buyers must choose the Pro trim, which comes with either a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed. Shorter 5.5-foot beds are only available on extended or crew cab versions, so single cab buyers need to opt for one of the longer bed lengths.
The base engine for the Sierra 1500 Pro is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 310 horsepower. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and powers the rear wheels, although buyers can also choose a four-wheel-drive (4WD) option. If you want more power, there’s also a 5.3-liter V8 engine option that makes 355 horsepower and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of features, the regular cab Sierra is very similar to its sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The two trucks share most of their components and performance specs. However, the GMC Sierra tends to cost a bit more and offers slightly higher towing capacity.
The Sierra Pro model comes with 17-inch steel wheels and simple, durable interiors with cloth or vinyl seats. On the outside, the Sierra has some extra chrome trim, giving it a more polished look compared to the Silverado.
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab is a solid choice for those who want a classic two-door pickup truck. It’s powerful, practical, and capable of towing up to 9,900 pounds, making it a great option for work or daily use.
1) The 2024 Ford F-150
The 2024 Ford F-150 regular cab, particularly in the XL trim, stands out as one of the best single cab trucks available, earning a rating of 8.5/10. Starting at $38,960, this truck offers a wide range of engine options and impressive towing capacity, making it a great choice for both work and everyday use.
The F-150 XL comes standard with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 325 horsepower, but buyers can also opt for a powerful 5.0-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. The latter, for an additional $1,660, delivers 400 horsepower and a hefty 510 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong performer for heavy-duty tasks.
What really sets the F-150 apart from its competitors, like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, is its towing capability. The F-150 can tow up to 11,000 pounds, which is about 1,000 pounds more than the Silverado and Sierra in their regular cab configurations. This makes the F-150 a better choice if towing is a priority for you.
The 2024 F-150 also shines in terms of technology. Even the base model comes equipped with a fully digital 12-inch gauge cluster and a matching 12-inch central touchscreen.
These features make it feel more modern compared to other trucks in the same price range. Like its competitors, the F-150 also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and options for either cloth or vinyl seats.
In the safety department, the F-150 XL goes a step beyond the competition by offering additional standard features. While the Chevrolet and GMC models include basic safety features like forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist, the F-150 adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse parking sensors. These extra features can be particularly useful when driving or parking in crowded areas.
The 2024 Ford F-150 regular cab offers a great combination of power, technology, and safety features. It’s a versatile truck that can handle both tough work tasks and everyday driving with ease, making it one of the top choices for anyone in the market for a single cab truck.
Pros and Cons of a Single Cab Pickup Truck- Is It the Right Fit for You?
Single cab pickup trucks, also known as regular cabs, come with both advantages and drawbacks, making them ideal for some buyers but not for everyone. The most noticeable benefit of a single cab truck is its lower price.
Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC are the only brands offering full-size regular cab trucks in 2024, and these models are the most affordable options in their lineups. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pickup that gets the job done, a single cab can be an excellent choice.
Another advantage is the utility. Regular cab trucks are the only ones that come with the option of an 8-foot-long bed, which is the largest cargo bed available. If your primary reason for buying a truck is to haul materials or equipment, a single cab truck with a large bed is hard to beat.
Additionally, the highest payload capacities for the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 are found in their single cab versions, making them great for heavy-duty tasks like construction or moving large loads.
Single cab trucks also come with some trade-offs. One downside is that these models are usually the most basic versions of the truck, with fewer features. They typically come with steel wheels, minimal interior comforts, and fewer engine options.
For instance, while the 2024 Ford F-150 offers eight different trims, the regular cab model is only available in the base XL trim. This means you won’t get access to many of the advanced technology, safety, and luxury features found in higher trim levels.
Another limitation is seating capacity. Single cab trucks only have one row of seats, accommodating up to three passengers. In contrast, crew cab trucks, which are more popular for everyday use, can seat five or six people depending on the configuration.
This makes crew cabs a better choice for families or those who need extra passenger space. Automakers focus more on crew cabs, offering more modern features and customization options for these models.
In Single cab trucks are great for buyers focused on affordability and utility, but they lack the comfort, space, and features that come with larger cab models.
