With the arrival of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, General Motors opted to axe the extended-cab style with the rear-hinged “suicide” doors and the small second row, replacing it with the “double” cab. That style is just about functionally equivalent to the old extended cab, although the rear-hinged doors were lost in the process. As always, folks requiring less or more space than that still had the option of the regular and crew cabs, respectively.
A 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab
So, one might think that even with the cancellation of the extended-cab GM trucks, Chevrolet and GMC still have most every conceivable sort of full-size truck customer pretty well covered. Despite this, we here at GM Authority have received quite a few inquiries regarding the extended cab, and more precisely, whether General Motors might bring it back with the brand-new, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The answer is a resolute “no,” but the follow-up question – “why not?” – is worth exploring.
The primary difference between the old extended cab and newer double cab – apart from a small increase in size – is the absence of the rear-hinged doors. That may seem like a minute difference, but it’s actually considerable given that the intent of the extended cab is to serve customers who use the second row very occasionally. The doors mean that the usual B-pillar can be omitted, widening the aperture for back-seat passengers and making ingress and egress easier. The only trade-off is that, unlike in a double-cab or crew-cab truck, the front doors must be open in order for the rear doors to be opened or shut.
A 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab
In essence, this means easier back-row access on the rare occasion that you need to use it, with only a small inconvenience resulting. The double cab has a slightly more difficult-to-access second row, as while the back doors are roughly the same length, there is a B-pillar taking up space.
What do you think? Do you wish that GM trucks would begin selling in extended-cab configuration again? Weigh in using our online poll, and feel free to drop us a line in the comments section below. And of course, stay tuned for all the latest Chevrolet Silverado news and GMC Sierra news.
Comments
Good reason is likely side impact crash testing
It was nice for really only one thing, getting off shaped items in the back seat and allowed for a shorter rear door. But was an absolute pain in the ass getting people in and out of the back seat especially with a car parked beside you. Also relied on a different seatbelt system incorporated into the front seats.
I was never a fan, rear hinge door with the double cab was a long overdue move
Here is the deal.
The majority wants the Crew. Most can only afford the Extra and it suits their needs.
The extended cab can be of great benefit especially in the work truck class.
I would keep the crew and extra then replace the standard cab with a extended cab of some size to make the standard cab more useful but not much larger. Make it cargo room not passenger.
I would eliminate the doors and used about half of the past extended cab room. Use front seats that slide forward or fold for better access.
Like in the Colorado the extended cab should eliminate the seats and just go cargo as no one sits there.
I had a “double cab” as a rental a couple of weeks back. My 7 and 8 year old girls – accustomed to my crew cab Sierra or their mom’s Suburban – said they liked the “cute little baby doors,” while simultaneously complaining they couldn’t easily access the back seat if they were much bigger.
A friend bought a Ford last week simply because he wanted rear-hinged only for personal use. He wouldn’t consider anything else.
After driving the “double cab,” if I had to go budget and downsize from a crew cab, I’m pretty sure I would only consider the rear-hinged.
I’ve own a few trucks with ext. cab. And hopefully won’t own another.
1.super inconvenient in parking lots.
2. More wind noise and more cab movement when off roading, which creates more noise.
3. Not as strong structurally in all cases (font, side, and rollover accidents)
4. Always a pain to have rear seat passengers, and they usually slam rear door on top of front door.
Glad GM went away from that rear hinged design and hopefully never comes back!
For anyone with a child in a car seat the extended cab is a must. It is so much easier not to have to turn child upside down and side ways to put the seat in. I also have 2 golden retrievers and it is easier for them with the extended cab. I can easily load a flat screen tv with the extended cab, but not in crewcab. Please bring it back!!!! My 2008 Chevy Silverado extended cab needs to be replaced in the very best future
Just because extended cab isn’t right for you, is not a reason to stop making them.
If all that was built was what I like,there would never be another vehicle with 4 doors.
As an adult with size 13 shoes I find it very difficult to get in the back of a 14-18 double cab
Either go back to extended or make the opening bigger. The B billar is unnecessarily large with rounded corners (why not square?). If the crew got 3″ bigger, why didn’t the double cab?
The rounded openings make for a lighter stronger structure over square ones. That is why airliners have round windows.
The extra cab is built for price.
Yes but – if Ford can pass crash standards with no B pillar GM can find a way to use a smaller one, with squared off corners.
I would have bought an extended cab if it was available, for the extra space. I’m not married, no kids yet, so it would have been a nice spot to put groceries and other small items.
Ended up with a ‘16 regular cab long box instead
I’m surprised that so many people want the rear-hinged doors back. After being a passenger in the back of my dad’s truck with rear-hinged doors for years as a kid, I’ll never buy a truck with that style cab. The convenience of having access to the back seat without having to open the front doors is well worth the decrease in foot space when getting into the back.
Will be purchasing Ford since they respect the wishes of the truck consumer
It is impossible to load items into the rear cab when you are standing at the drivers door. Every time you want to access the rear cab, you have to walk around the aft door. Very, very inconvenient.
I image in the near future when purchasing a new 4×4 truck to retire my current truck I will need to focus on the American Built foreign truck manufacturers since they will happily offer extanded king cap options. At 6′ 4′ crew cabs are a tight fit…
I have a 16 double cab and it does me just fine as someone only sits back there a few times a year and I think that is the market for them. Day to day the rear seat just holds random stuff like hats i toss back there or the wifes purse, I use the extra bed space more often.
I have a 2007 extended cab and just recently learned the new models no longer come with it. This has be so bummed that I have already came to terms with buying a Ford in the future.
I use the rear hinge doors so much every single day. I put my work bag and lunch box in the back. Why would I want to walk around a damn door every time I do that? Ease of access is unmatched with a rear hinge. I always keep the back seat folded up and use that to store my hearing protection and other items used for my lawn care company. The floor in the back has plenty of room where I have my ratchet sets and other miscellaneous tools.
All of these items contained in the back are so much easier to access when I don’t have to keep walking around a door to get between front and back. As stated, I’m already in on the F-150 for this exact reason.
Yes…. That is the exact reason the extended cab trucks should be in the market. The rear cab is primarily used for storage of items. It is far easier to access the rear cab with the rear hinged doors. Having to walk around the rear door in order to reach into the rear cab to get tools or groceries is a huge drawaback.
If you have kids and need the extra space (and need the rear seat passengers to get in and out without opening the front door) then purchase a “double” cab or a crew cab. The rest of us just want the extended cab truck with the rear hinged doors.
I also have an 07 Chevy 1500 LT. I need to replace it, so I cannot purchase anything newer than a 2013 model.
Yes I do not like the look of the 4 door .
I want and would buy a regular old style extended cab. If they dont come back by 2020 I will go back to Ford.
Adios troll.
I am with you there. The people that are posting here are people that complain about room in the back seat area. How many times are you using it, as compared to the trips that you do alone or with one other person. Then there is the bed of the truck add the second door and your bed gets smaller or the truck gets longer now try parking that in the jammed parking lot.
I have had both, extended and double and I much prefer the extended. The extra hinge GM had in there made parking lots easy and the times the kids or even adults rode in the back the extended was way better for ingress and egress than the double doors.
Plus, the look alone is reason to bring them back! AN extended cab standard bed truck is the sportiest looking truck made! If I had to make a choice between losing the extended cab or a regular cab, I’d have to keep the extended as odd as that seems. They are just perfect for those who do not need a crew cab.
BTW. Interesting thing I discovered over the years, most people I know who had the extended cab, never knew about the extra hinge feature on the doors!
Agree. Ext. Cab much cleaner looking truck. People who demand “front” hinged rear doors will buy crew cabs anyway. Another cost cutting measure was the complete elimination of Reg.Cab short bed. Terrible job by GM. Money, money, money dictates just about everything they do and don’t do circa 2018.
How about an extended double cab. On the right side it would have a Front hinged door with one seat. behind the driver would have a rear henged door. For cargo no seat.
Get the extended back into production…ASAP….waiting to place an order….
I have a 2012 ext cab and three reasons why. 1) The bed length I preferred at 6.5 ft. 2) kids are gone no one needed for the back seat on a daily basis. 3) I think the truck looks better. The current one with a ridiculous small door looks all out of balance.
If you ever looked at the rear hinge of an extended cab it is double hinge set up so the door can open nearly 180 degrees is nice. It may have been dropped because of the expensive mechanics. Everyone else was still selling regular door setup so why not GM. Less cost same sales
Just make it so the rear seat folds DOWN flat for rear cargo. And bring back the step side box.
I also hope by the time I need a new truck GM Chevrolet gets their act together and offers a extended cab option to customers. I know most people buy trucks as family vehicles as to why we only see 4 door models. No everyone has young kids or a fat a** who needs 4 doors to get in & out of a truck. Not to mention the shorter beds due to 4 doors. What can you possibly haul with that? Who ever wanted 4 doors vs 2 door look since cars or trucks have ever been made. No 4 door Dodge Charger ever looked better then any 2 door Dodge Challenger. No different with trucks. $45,000 to $55,000 for a 2019 Silverado in same ugly only 4 door model no thanks. Love my Sliverado had two of them. Purchased a new one in 2013 before the change over to 4 door only. Please Please offer it back. I’m sure thousands would buy one if you did.
In 2015 Chevy changed the extended cab to the “double cab” and changed the rear door to a regular front hinged door. You still get a 79” bed. The crew cab is the larger rear door with a shorter bed at 70 “ and and that is what you almost always see with in ads and commercials. Starting at $36,000, as shown $56,000. You can order a 79” bed with the crew cab.
…but it probably won’t fit in the garage.
The last two Sierras I owned were extended cabs . In 2015 I bought a new double cab Sierra ? . I never realized how much I miss the old style “ suicide doors “ until I got into this double cab . Most of all for functionality ! The rear opening hinge was a really great design in engineering . It was so much easier to reach into the vehicle with the “B” pillar out of the way , and also with the door almost swinging 180• out of the way . I will not buy another Sierra unless they add the rear opening doors again . The truck also has a cleaner look with the absence of the rear door handles .
Please give us back the extended cab with suicide doors! We don’t need 4 doors and want the bed space
Two retirees here, no kids, no passengers, no parking lots, just open road with our coats or a few groceries in back seat. Presently pull our hvy. 33′ travel trailer to sunshine in winter months with ’12 LTZ 2500HD Duramax extended cab.Looking to renew our ’12 truck , but find 2500HD Duramax is not available in double cab-the equivalent of our present truck.
Not looking forward to Ford truck after 45 years of Chevy trucks, but Ford seems to be only option for 2500/3500HD class diesel extended cab.
I have an old 1996 Silverado extended cab that did not have the rear door option for that year. It has a seat in the rear that you can access from the passenger side like the old Blazers did. I only use it for extra storage and I love it. It’s only used occasionally as I have other vehicles . Please bring back the extended cab. 4 door trucks are as ugly as 4 door cars in the 60’s.
I have drove chevy trucks since i started driveing in 84 my first truck was a 72 3/4 ton ive had 3 extended cabs and love them ive never liked the crew cab don’t look right with a smaller bed there harded to park in a parking lot and to be honest it makes me think of a old mans truck with topper on it and isnt the consumer allways right i hope buy the time i have to replace my 2010 silverado chevy will have pulled there head out hear the pop and realize pepole love the the look of the extended cab not every one has kids or is a yuppie soccer mom please bring back the extended cab dont screw it up like you did the blazer
Eventually I would like to replace my truck with. Chevy or GMC but I use the suicide doors on my truck all the time and the convenience of them makes my handyman jobs so much easier. Please bring back the extended cab with the suicide doors and full bed.
I agree with the people requesting the return of the extended cab pickup…..I have one now and am contemplating a new Ford F-150 because GM has not realized the their elimination of such model has probably hurt their sales very, very much…..BRING BACK THE EXTENDED CAB…..NOW!
Charles, they have done the math on this and the amount of people like yourself who are requesting rear-hinged doors come hell or high water is a loud minority. A very small minority, in fact. Most people want regular doors. Have you tried the current Double Cab models?
I have an extended cab Canyon.
I would possibly upgrade to a new one, or even a Sierra, if extended cab were available in anything other than base trims.
Not every TRUCK buyer wants a jacked up family sedan
Extended cab was awesome design gave you room in back for storage , and easy access to rear seat. Never had any passengers complain in mine. Regular cab and extended cab trucks look like trucks. The new 4 door style trucks look like an suv with a short bed. Please bring back extended cab trucks with standard bed and watch sales increase!!
I agree! I see local contractors driving around with 8′ sheet rock and studs sticking out of their short box pickups. Crew cab, short box pickups make no sense!
In half ton GM trucks, you can only get an 8’ bed with regular cab, double cab only comes in 6.5, and crew cab either 5.5 or 6.5.
GM is missing out on a segment of the work truck market by not having an extended cab pickup. I have three in our business that my service techs use. We do not have rear seats installed (two man crew) and my guys put their test equipment, delicate service parts and battery operated power tools in the rear seat compartment. Its a more secure, better climate controlled space for them to use than the compartments of a service body. Its also great for putting their winter clothing there during the winter work period which can really fill up a conventional cab. They are in and out of this compartment often during the day getting parts and equipment and the rear swinging doors without a pillar really works well.
I buy Chevrolet and Ford trucks for my fleet but it looks like Ford will be getting my service truck business hereon out.
My Dad was a Chevy owner all his life and started buying Chevy trucks in the 1960s. I started driving Chevys in the early 80s. It is my plan to retire in 2020 with a new truck, replacing my 2011 Silverado LTZ extended cab. Sadly my last truck ever is going to be a Ford extended cab. Sorry Dad.
That’s sad! Ford seems to be your only option for extended cab 3/4 or 1 ton truck other than WT work truck trim. I was going to buy a new 2020 double cab 3/4 diesel pickup last year to pull my travel trailer but was told GM only makes their double cab HD pickups in work truck trim with gas engines.
I found a clean 2017 Chevy double cab 3500 LT and bought it. I am hoping it last a long time.
I did my vote for the rear hinged doors on the 1500 trucks. I love it as only my wife are in my truck 99% of the time. The smaller rear seats are great for grandkids or an adult needing a quick ride drop off.
As a GM retiree, please be advised that Ford still offers our Extended Cab called the Super Cab. Since I do not have an employee Ford discount, (5%), the currency exchange CAD-USD (24-25%), gives me one hellava discount. I am currently in discussion with Crestwood Ford, Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada where I RV resort camp JUL-SEP for a Super cab 2020 Ford F-150.
With people getting bigger we need a truck that can handle us. A extended cab truck offered a ease for back seat passengers. I feel there should be a way to have a crew cab truck with a integrated “B” pillar in the rear door. There are always going to be parking problems. Getting the right truck isn’t just about what goes where, it is who goes where. If my 6’ tall sons are riding with me and my wife, I want them to be comfortable in the back seat.
I currently have a 2017 Canyon All-Terrain Extended Cab. I love it, but it doesn’t have as many options as I’d like.
I would trade it for the new AT-4, but it only comes in family sedan. Don’t single people buy trucks anymore? Or are we second class citizens who must settle for low-end vehicles if we want a SPORT truck?
I’m sure I’m not the only buyer who wants LUXURY SPORT trim.
i’m in a Wheel Chair and the Extended cab works great for Us People that want to live a normal life and drive a pickup also. I used to buy a new truck every two years so i had a reliable truck to drive Now i have to drive a 7 to 15 year old truck and hope it doesn’t break down. also with all the ADA Laws i can’t understand why You took the Extend cab off the market . There are a lot of people with different Handicapped problems that can use the Extended cab over the 4 door I own a Business and all My Fleet of Trucks are GM and i Try to buy Every Extend cab I can so I have Trucks to Drive I have 7 now the Newest being 09 I would love to buy some new ones. I think it Should Be a Federal Law That Something is Offered to People like My self to Buy with out Paying another 10to 20 thousand to have it Modified for are Needs Because after having that done it has no resale value I just Hope My time Writing this gets Some Feed back where it needs to
I find the suicide doors to be so much more convenient to work out of than the front hinge crew. I carry a back seat full of tools and gear and moving things around are a real pain with the front hinge door that is always in the way. Never had any complaints from the kids when they did ride in the back. My oldest son-in law bought a Toyota instead of another Chevy and he misses the extended cab rear hinge doors. GM should consider why Ford beats them on sales. For goodness sake, the cup holders are now built into the middle armrest. How inconvenient is that? Do the engineers/designers ever work out of a truck? Didn’t think so.
Missing the GM extended cab. Personally I don’t like crew cab pickups, as I need a long bed for hauling lumber and weekend atving. Crew cab and long bed makes for a super long vehicle that is hard to park if you work in the city.
GM: ARE YOU LISTENING ???
I want a new GMC to replace the 2013 extended cab rear hinged door but since GM doesn’t offer one I am looking at the Ford.
I’m looking at Ford too…
I wish GM would offer something for us, even if it’s a special option with a pre-order.
I think extended cabs on something the size of the late model Chevrolet S10 was perfect, in fact, that size and style not being available is why I have not purchased a truck. I don’t need a truck that huge for my work.
Nikky, I agree! I’ve had several Sonomas and it’s nice for the occasional dirty jobs. I’m hopeful that with the return of the regular cab long bed, the extended cab will follow; Ford is adding the Maverick so time will tell what GM does!
Looks like I will not buy a new truck ever again, I don’t want a 4 door. Many times I have had to take wood that I couldn’t get wet and with the rear hinge an 8 foot board can be placed on the passenger side easily because of the missing B pillar besides there is no need for child safety locks because the door can only be opened when the front door is open.
You can get a Colorado extended cab but not full size truck extended so that blows Chevys safety issue out the window. I agree, That B pillar just gets in the way of loading things. Not all trucks are just people haulers.
I had a 2003 Duramax extended cab loved it! I now have a 2013 Duramax extended cab,time for a new one but I will not buy a 4 door double cab. It’s just me never any rear passenger, I guess I’ll have to shop the competition or keep my 2013. I think GM should give the buyers a choice. Besides I can’t get a double cab 4 door in my garage, my extended has less than 1 inch to spare b4 the door scrapes my bumper. I’m very disappointed in GM’s decision to stop making it. I might just have to try out a Toyota if I have no choice.
The blue double cab you have pictured is labeled as a “2007 double cab.” The double cab didn’t come out until 2014. The label on that picture is incorrect, the truck pictured is a 2014, not a 2007. Do you guys not proof read before publishing?
Looks like I won’t be buying a GM truck again. Not only because of no ext cab but all the issues I’m having with my 2011 Duramax
2 broken belts on 36,000mi crappy Goodyear tires. numerous nos sensors lost count. TCM out at 65,000 mi. also rear oil pan gasket.
And now at 75,000 mi looks like the turbo is on it’s way out. In the back of my mind just wondering when the CP4 is going to let go.
The only good thing is I don’t drive my truck in the winter so my body panels are still all there.
What do you mean by “2 broken belts on 36,000 mi crappy Goodyear tires.”
Are you saying that the radial belts around the perimeter of the tires have “broken” with only 36,000 miles on them?
I need the extended cab because I’m in a wheelchair and I can load my chair and still get in the truck by myself but with the new style I put chair in the back and have no way to get to the front door to get in the drivers seat !!!
Please bring back the extended cab pickups! They are best because they don’t have the B post and you can move things from rear to front much better than having the post and another door to work around. I have had 2 extended cabs but looks like I will need to keep my 2008 silverado a long time because someone said no more full size extended cabs and they are now gone. Please bring them bsck!
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I have not bought a new truck since they stopped the extended cab. I need it very badly. I’m in a wheelchair and I use the suicide door to put my chair in the back seat area. Can’t be done with a 4 door car or truck. I could give a crap if the 4 door is suppose to be safer, one excuse I’ve heard as to why they stopped making them, since it’s impossible for me to use the 4-door.