When it comes to today’s trucks, to say you have choices is a massive understatement. From powertrain to trim, cab size to bed size, you have many choices to make before you find the ultimate truck for you, not to mention having to decide which brand’s selection is right for your needs. This choice is simple for many, as the GMC Sierra 1500 is a tried-and-true favorite among many drivers because it’s classy, stylish, capable, and highly functional. It can roam through the forest with finesse and tackle challenging work without breaking a sweat, but its true potential depends on your choice of cab. If you’re interested in a GMC Sierra 1500 for sale, you’ll need to make some big decisions to get the truck you really want, and the most important of these is cab size.
The Sierra 1500 is available in a multitude of cab sizes, but the most popular are the Double Cab and Crew Cab configurations. Between these two configurations, which one is the best for your needs? You’d be surprised just how different these cabs can be, not just in size but in their offered trims and features as well. Let’s explore what each of these cab sizes has to offer to your daily ride.
Size Needs
The biggest difference between Double Cab and Crew Cab is size. The Sierra 1500’s Double Cab is the smaller of the two cab sizes in question, which poses a limitation if you’re looking to travel with more people or gear. This may not be a problem for many, but it’s important to keep in mind. The Double Cab will generally offer less room in the backseat and a shorter overall length than the Crew Cab, which may not work for those traveling with their family.
On the other hand, the Crew Cab is highly spacious inside, offering best-in-class front head and legroom, making it easy to sit back and relax while you’re making your way down the highway. It also offers more space for cargo, as the Sierra 1500’s SLT trim, for example, comes standard with a 60/40 folding bench seat in Crew Cab models to help you stow away more of the critical items that must accompany you to your destination. If space and cargo room are your main concerns, the Crew Cab is worth exploring further; however, there’s more to your decision than this, so read on.
Capabilities & Performance
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a wonderfully powerful truck, showcasing some of the most impressive capabilities in the business. The Double Cab configuration offers best-in-class diesel towing capacity of 13,200 lbs when equipped with specialized trailering tech to heighten control and precision while towing heavy loads. Many of the Double Cab models can also be enjoyed with the standard 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which clocks in at 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque in 2025 models, able to tow up to 9,400 lbs with ease. You’ll also be able to upgrade to V8 power with the available 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 powertrain, providing you with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque to be able to tow up to 11,200 lbs.
Although some of the Double Cab trims can be enjoyed with the even more powerful 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, like the SLT, this powertrain is found more often in the Crew Cab lineup. Clocking in at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, this engaging V8 can offer a 13,000-lb towing capacity, making it a breeze to pull heavier loads wherever you need to go, whether on the jobsite, the campsite, or elsewhere. Virtually every model can be enjoyed with any powertrain you wish, including the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6, which clocks in at 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, not only offering top tow ratings, but also allowing you to take advantage of maximum efficiency. This dutiful diesel can achieve an EPA-estimated 29 MPG on the highway, making it an excellent pick for many daily drivers. If you want more powerful choices, you will find this in the Crew Cab arsenal, although some of the Double Cabs offer access to more engine options as well.
Though it’s nice to know what each cab configuration is able to achieve strength-wise, you’ll want to think beyond towing power and more about the level of performance you require in your full-size truck. Those seeking to get off the beaten trail will want to carefully explore some off-road-ready Sierra 1500 variants, which are only available in the Crew Cab configuration. With an off-road tuned suspension, a two-inch factory-installed lift, and specialized Rancho monotube shock absorbers, the Sierra 1500 AT4 is a crowd favorite for those who are chasing adventure. Those serious about off-roading will be drawn in by the AT4X, which offers Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and uniquely tuned springs to bring your dreams of trekking through the wilderness to life. These particular trims are only available in Crew Cab configurations, so if you want to venture into nature with authority, you’ll be in a Crew Cab.
Available Trims
A phenomenal selection of trims is available in the 2025 Sierra 1500 lineup, and not every trim will be available in every cab configuration. You’ll need to keep this in mind, especially if you’re in the market for the top-of-the-line Denali Ultimate, but want it in a Double Cab—something that isn’t offered by GMC at the moment. Let’s meet the trims that can be enjoyed with a Double Cab, Crew Cab, or both.
Pro, SLE, Elevation, & SLT
These entry-level and mid-level trims can be enjoyed in both a Double and a Crew Cab, with the exception of the SLT, which is only available in a Crew Cab. These trims offer a perfect blend of high-end style and practicality, with features like available leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a power sunroof in many models. If you want an affordable way to get into the Sierra 1500, these trims will offer this.
AT4 & AT4X
As mentioned above, these trims are the fearless adventurers of the bunch and can only be enjoyed in the Crew Cab configuration. They feature everything from a lifted suspension, heavy-duty skid plates, and a two-speed Autotrac transfer case to perforated leather seating surfaces and 16-way power front seats to elevate the adventure in every way. If you want to get out and explore, you’ll want to be in an AT4 or AT4X model.
Denali & Denali Ultimate
Finally, when you’re in the market for unmatched luxury, the Denali and Denali Ultimate should be on your radar. Like the AT4 and AT4X, these trims are only available as crew cabs. These trims feature elegantly upscale appointments to maximize the experience behind the wheel, including open-pore wood trim, perforated leather seating surfaces, and commanding exterior elements, like a signature Vader Chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, to really make a statement on the streets. If you demand high-end sophistication in your truck, the Denali and Denali Ultimate won’t disappoint.
No Easy Choices
As you can see, the choice between these two seemingly simple options might be more difficult than it looks. If you want a broader selection of trims, you’ll find this with Crew Cab options; however, if you’re more interested in entry-level trims with features designed for solitary drivers, you might be more inclined towards a Double Cab. The choice is yours to make, but it’s important to note that for many, finding the features you want in a pickup truck is much more important than cab size. Size can be negotiated, but features are critical to your enjoyment of the ride. Thankfully, the Sierra 1500 is no slouch when it comes to available features, so don’t hesitate to explore a little the next time you go shopping for a pickup truck!
