There’s nothing like a truck if you want maximum payload and towing capacity. While they offer plenty of utility, many of them lack in comfort and space. Throughout the years, we’ve seen some that didn’t fit the standard mold. They went beyond the norm to create something suitable for the entire family. In this article, we will rank our top 10 best 4 door trucks.
But first, let’s grasp a deeper understanding of the various cab configurations you can choose from.
Cab Configurations
When you start shopping four-door trucks for sale, it’s likely you’ll start seeing a lot of cab configurations. Don’t let the names confuse you; there’s truly only a few to choose from. Knowing the different classifications of trucks makes shopping for your next 4 door truck even easier. Here are the major terms you’ll likely run into and what they mean.
Crew Cab, SuperCrew, CrewMax, Quad Cab
This name varies depending on the manufacturer, but essentially, they all mean the same thing. It’s a four-door pickup truck. The important aspect of this style is that the rear doors are full-size and usually front-hinged. They look like a standard automobile door and help create room to hold four to five adults.
While the varying automakers will call them different things for marketing purposes, any of these names mean the same thing. You’re going to get a full-size truck with four doors and a large back seat.
Extended Cab, King Cab, SuperCab, Double Cab
While this sounds like it would be the biggest of the bunch, it’s actually a mix between the variety listed above and the one below. Extended-cab trucks usually come with four doors, but the rear seats and doors aren’t normally full-size. It’s still possible to fit adults in the back seat, but it won’t be nearly as roomy or comfortable.
Regular Cab, Short Cab
Clearly, this isn’t used to describe 4 door trucks. This is the smallest size pickup truck and they feature no rear seats or doors. With that said, they used to contain the largest towing capacity in comparison to other models. As people want a more versatile vehicle, they are becoming obsolete in the market. That’s because drivers want to be able to tow and haul while still having room for their family. Trucks aren’t just about the bed anymore.
Ranking The Best 4 Door Trucks Out There!
1. 1999–2007 Ford Super Duty
At the time this Ford hit the market, consumers were hungry for something different. Prior to this, automakers just took the company’s light-duty truck and upgraded it for heavy-duty hauling. Ford saw the opportunity to do something different and created the Super Duty.
It was a different model featuring its own hardware and style. They still had the F-150 for the milder work, but the Super Duty was the cream of the crop. It handled all the big work while pleasing hard-core truck fans.
Underneath the hood, you’ll find a variety of engine options. There was a 6.8-liter V10, 5.4-liter V8, plus the 7.3-liter turbo-diesel. The latter option produced 500 pound-feet of torque. There are also plenty of options to look for when shopping 4 door trucks. One of the best choices is to look for the side mirrors that are manually telescoping. This makes it easy to see when towing because the driver simply slides out the mirrors further.
Ford continued to build the Super Duty for the F-450 and F-550 models which featured a higher GVWR. This market is still one that the American automaker continues to dominate, even today.
2. 2004–2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10
Sport truck enthusiasts had their own line that made them happy; it was the Ram SRT-10. This truck became the fastest pickup in the world and created monster speeds. It simply wasn’t your typical truck. The SRT engineers utilized the Viper V10 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission and put it inside a Ram 1500. This was strictly a street truck; designed specifically for performance.
What came from this combination was a 500 horsepower truck that hit the five-second range during 0-60 mph runs. It even went on to set a Guinness World Record for having a 155 mph top speed. There’s no denying this truck was badass. You’ll find plenty of these 4 door trucks on the used market today. Many of them feature low mileage and a price tag below $5,000.
3. 2005–2014 Dodge Power Wagon
While this 4 door truck is essentially a Ram, it couldn’t be more different from the last model we reviewed. Our previous vehicle was geared toward the racing enthusiast, while the Power Wagon aims to please off-roaders.
In fact, the Dodge Power Wagon continues to be one of the best packages for hardcore four-wheel drive enthusiasts. It was built on the 2500 series chassis for some serious heavy-duty ability. Then, they fitted it with electric locking differentials which offer more traction. There’s also an anti-roll bar which is electrically disconnecting to give the suspension more flex.
This all pairs with a lower 4.56:1 gear ratio and 33-inch tires. Nothing is stopping this Dodge from going wherever it desires. It can conquer any trail it fits on. Even if it were to get stuck somewhere, there’s an attached Warn 12,000-pound capacity electric winch attached to the front. The downside is the price you’ll pay for this equipment. These used 4 door trucks go for a pretty penny. In fact, the 2014 model regularly sells for more than $30,000.
4. 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Supercharged
There was nothing new about Ford and Harley Davidson collaborating on this truck; they’ve been doing so since 1999. What is different was this specific model. This one featured iconic Harley style and reminded users of some iconic years. It featured big chrome wheels, plenty of Harley badging, plus a special paint job.
This four-door truck isn’t just for show; the power behind it is quite surprising. With a Saleen 5.4-liter V8 engine, this truck had no trouble getting around. In fact, the optional supercharger helped this engine push out 450 horsepower. Even in today’s terms, this is lots of horsepower for an engine. It was a huge bump up from the previous model Harley pickup which featured 110 less horsepower.
Truck enthusiasts loved how this truck could roast its tires just like an American muscle car. That was due in part to the 500 pound-feet of torque it came with. Even after all these years, they still aren’t cheap to buy on the used market. Many models range in price from $10k to $20k depending on mileage, condition, and options.
5. 2004–2008 International CXT
When you’re a little kid and you dream about heavy-duty pickup trucks, this is what you fantasize about. There’s no denying that this truck is the beast of all beasts. You won’t find a heavy-duty pickup quite like the International CXT.
Starting with the 2004 model year, this commercial truck manufacturer decided it was time to enter into the consumer market. They didn’t want it to look like the rest of the pickup trucks but instead set out to end the debate about the biggest truck. We think they succeeded!
The CXT was their 14,500-pound medium-duty commercial four-wheel drive truck, but it featured a Ford Super Duty bed on the rear. It’s like a real-life Tonka truck that stood nine-feet tall. In addition, it featured a payload of 12,000 pounds. That means this monster truck could almost carry itself if it wanted to.
Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to get your hands on one of these anymore. If you are able to find one, you’ll most likely pay more than $30,000 simply because of the rarity.
6. 1988–1991 Chevy R3500/GMC V3500 Crew Cab 4×4
The 1988 Chevy and GMC 4 door trucks were new to the market and hailed as a revolutionary design. Despite the drivetrain and features, the hard-core four-wheel and towing enthusiasts didn’t warm up to the idea quickly.
Through 1991, GM kept its 3500 crew cab body and chassis to please naysayers. This truck came with a heavy-duty Dana 60 solid front axle that was suspended with leaf springs. It also featured an all-gear NP 205 transfer case that was almost indestructible. There was no chain involved which added to the durability. In its final year, GM added an overdrive automatic. Overall, this truck became a dream come true to any big truck enthusiast.
7. 1973-1987 Chevrolet C/K 30 Big Doolie
If you head out on the open road today, you’ll likely run across several heavy-duty pickup trucks with dual rear wheels. That’s due in part to the original design by Chevy with this first dually model. In fact, we’ve listed this model specifically in our 10 best dually trucks ever made list.
For people looking to tow a heavy fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer, there’s no better design to go with. The dually wheels help to spread out a heavy load across four tires instead of the typical two. Even with a blowout in one tire, the other three stabilize the load and keep you safe while driving.
This truck was a major breakthrough when it came to hauling and towing. In fact, this model was nicknamed “Big Doolie” just because of its capability. It featured a 10,000 pound GVWR and could be found with a 454 cid big block V8. In 1977, Chevrolet also added the option of four-wheel drive to the mix which further added to this truck’s capability. Where was Ford during this time? They didn’t offer a dually until 1980. It looks like Chevy won this round.
The downside to this is that you’ll have some trouble finding one of these 4 door trucks for sale. They just aren’t around much anymore.
8. 2018 Honda Ridgeline
Truck enthusiasts everywhere might scoff at having the 2018 Ridgeline on our list. They’ll argue that the unibody is too much like a car and not like the body-on-frame design of most trucks. Sure, this does hinder the maximum towing capacity slightly, but there’s a lot to love about this truck.
The reason that we’ve listed this one is because of its comfortable ride. Thanks to that unibody construction, the drive is much smoother than most of its rivals. In addition, it features a spacious, roomy cabin capable of holding four adults without a problem. You can take this to work during the day and then out on the town at night; it’s just that versatile.
Honda also included some unique storage solutions plus the dual-action tailgate. This opens to the side or down for maximum versatility. There’s even an under-bed trunk that’s lockable and ideal for storing away any valuables. This trunk also doubles as a beverage cooler for tailgating.
With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it still suits many people’s needs while offering a user-friendly design. We wouldn’t recommend this for serious off-roading but for a starting price of just $30k, it’s a great option for a light-duty truck.
9. 2018 Ram 1500
The Ram has been a fan favorite since its debut back in 2009. We’ve even listed several models in this list alone. The newer line of Ram trucks adds much more to the table than ever before. First of all, it doesn’t use your standard leaf-spring suspension. Instead, it comes with coil springs for a more comfortable ride.
There’s even the option to add an air suspension which further adds to the comfort. If you’re towing or have the bed weighed down, you’ll enjoy the cushioned feel that keeps the truck leveled out. Of course, the 2019 model year brings us a completely redesigned Ram truck, but we’re completely happy with this extremely competitive model.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2018 Ram is 7,600 pounds on the 3.6-liter V6 and 10,620 pounds with the 5.7-liter V8. That’s plenty of towing power to get the job done. In addition, it features a maximum payload capacity of 1,880 pounds. You’ll be able to grab yourself one of these 4 door trucks for less than $30,000 depending on the options you choose.
10. 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Ending out our list of best 4 door trucks is another giant in the industry. Of course, it doesn’t have the same suspension as the Ram, but the ride is plenty comfortable. Just like in the company’s F-150, you’ll find plenty of aluminum in the construction. This gives it a higher payload and tow rating than its competitors.
It’s also lighter weight and features a high-quality interior. There’s a major emphasis on passenger comfort while still providing a workhorse. There are two engine options available: the 6.2-liter V8 and a 6.7-liter V8. They yield between 385 and 450 horsepower. It also comes in two bed length options: 6.8-feet and 8.2-feet. If you don’t mind spending well over $30,000 to get the 4 door truck of your dreams, this might be the best option for you.
Bonus Models Worth Looking At
While our top 10 list is over there are still a number of excellent trucks that you should consider when searching for a new car. Finding the best model for your needs isn’t going to be as simple as reading advice from a top list anyway, so when you’re out car buying and searching for a bargain new pickup, make sure you compare cars and trucks best suited for your needs and budget rather than just choosing something at random! So what else is worth looking at?
You can’t go wrong with the Chevrolet Silverado or Chevrolet Colorado, so keep those models in mind. Also, don’t rule out the likes of the Toyota Tundra or Toyota Tacoma TRD either. The Nissan Titan and Nissan Frontier, and the GMC Canyon and GMC Sierra 2500HD are also worth 4 door trucks options too. And of course, the Ford Ranger is always an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts on 4 Door Trucks
In the trucking market, you have a handful of companies that get the job done right. When you want to tow and are also concerned about passenger comfort, it makes sense to look at buying one of these 4 door trucks. Of course, the newer models come with the best features and smoother ride, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the used 4 door trucks. They had plenty of power, unique style, and plenty of capability as well.
Your budget will dictate a lot when looking at whether to purchase a used or new 4 door truck. With that said, there are plenty of used 4 door trucks that cost just as much or more than the newer models. Evaluate your needs and you’ll be able to find the four-door truck of your dreams.
