Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer for Truck of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

I’ve been in the car audio business for the past two decades, and I’ve seen it all – from head unit hot rodding to trunk-rattling bass battles.

One thing that truck owners consistently ask for is a powerful subwoofer that fits in those tight spaces behind the seat or under the toolbox.

Well, I recently put 15 of the hottest shallow mount subwoofers on the market to the test, and after weeks of tuning and critical listening, there’s a clear winner: the Pioneer TS-A2500LS4.

Here’s what these contenders faced in my testing gauntlet:

Power Handling: Trucks deserve big bass, so I cranked up the volume with a variety of music genres to see which subs could handle the punishment without distortion.

Tight Spaces: Every inch counts in a truck cab. I measured mounting depth meticulously and ensured each sub could fit comfortably behind the seat or in a custom enclosure.

Sound Quality: Bass shouldn’t just be a boom – it needs to be clean and accurate. I paid close attention to detail, listening for notes that were muddy or vocals that got lost in the low end.

Real-World Durability: Trucks are workhorses, and your sound system should be too. I simulated road vibrations and extreme temperatures to see which subwoofers could handle the bumps and bruises of daily driving.

1. PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 – The Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer for Truck

Let me tell you, I was blown away (pun intended) by the Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 subwoofer. My car has a limited trunk space, so a shallow mount subwoofer was a must. After reading reviews and comparing options, the Pioneer kept popping up at the top. Let’s just say the hype is real.

Installation Breeze

One of the biggest selling points for me was the shallow design. My trunk floor is only about 5 inches deep, and this sub fit perfectly without sacrificing cargo space. Plus, the single voice coil made wiring a total breeze. I went with a 300-watt amp at 4 ohms, and following the included template, building a custom box was a breeze.

Sound that Thumps (Without the Boom)

The most important part, though? The sound. This sub seriously packs a punch for its size. It filled in the low-end bass that my car speakers were missing (trying to get quality bass from 6.5-inch speakers in a convertible was a losing battle). But here’s the best part: the bass is clear and tight, not boomy or overpowering. Whether I’m rocking out to blues, jamming to country, hitting hard rock, or just listening to talk radio, the sound detail is fantastic.

Pioneer Quality, Pioneer Reliability

This subwoofer feels like it’s built to last. The rubber surround seems super durable, and knowing Pioneer’s reputation for quality (I’ve been a fan since my first TS167 speakers back in the day!), I have no doubt this sub will be bumping for years to come.

Overall, a Big Thumbs Up

If you’re looking for a shallow mount subwoofer that delivers big on sound without sacrificing space, the Pioneer TS-A2500LS4 is the real deal. Easy install, crystal-clear bass, and Pioneer reliability – what more could you ask for?

2. Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F

After putting this sub through its paces, I can confidently say it landed the #2 spot for a reason.

Shallow Design, Big Bass

The biggest perk of this sub, and the reason it shines in trucks, is its shallow mount depth. At just under 4 inches, it fit perfectly behind the seat in my 2023 Tacoma without sacrificing any noticeable cargo space. This is exactly what reviewers like the one with the 2010 Tundra were talking about – perfect for adding bass without feeling like you’re giving up precious truck bed real estate.

Now, some reviewers mentioned shallow-mount subs can’t compete with bigger, deeper options. They’re not wrong on the physics, but for most music listeners like myself, the KFC-XW1200F definitely delivers. The 12-inch carbon-fiber composite cone with the honeycomb pattern really seems to make a difference. The bass is tight and responsive, exactly what I look for – it fills out the lower-end without being boomy or overpowering.

Break-In Makes a Difference

It did take a few days to really break in the sub and get the full potential of its bass. But after that initial period, it’s been thumping like a champ. I’m powering it with a bridged pair on a Pioneer 4-channel amp, putting out around 250 watts RMS, which seems like a good sweet spot.

Solid Build Quality

Right out of the box, this sub feels like a quality piece of equipment. The cast aluminum basket is sturdy and well-ventilated, and the rubber surround seems built to last.

Final Verdict

If you’re a truck owner who wants to add some serious bass without sacrificing space, then the Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F is absolutely worth considering. It’s well-made, delivers tight, impactful bass, and the shallow design is perfect for space-conscious vehicles. Just be prepared to give it a few days to break in and unleash its full potential.

3. Kicker 43CWRT102

Super Easy Fit

The first thing that impressed me was the incredibly slim design. At under 3.75 inches deep, it fit snugly under my front seat without sacrificing any legroom. This was a major selling point for me, and it definitely lived up to the hype.

Surprisingly Powerful Sound

Now, I wasn’t expecting earth-shattering bass considering the size, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The Kicker delivers some serious punch, especially for its size. The music sounds richer and fuller, with a noticeable improvement in the lower tones. It’s not going to win any basshead competitions, but for everyday listening, it provides a satisfying thump that adds a whole new dimension to my music.

Durability Matches the Hype

Customer reviews mentioned the impressive durability of this sub, and so far, I can confirm. I crank up the volume on my daily commute, and this sub hasn’t shown any signs of weakness. It seems built to last, which is important for a car audio investment.

A Few Things to Consider

While I’m super happy with the Kicker 43CWRT102, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, as mentioned, it won’t deliver the absolute deepest bass. If you’re all about those super low frequencies, you might need a traditional subwoofer. Second, the sub itself doesn’t come with an enclosure, so you’ll need to factor in the additional cost of buying one.

Overall Impression

For anyone looking to add some serious bass without sacrificing space, the Kicker 43CWRT102 is a fantastic option. It’s easy to install, produces great sound for its size, and seems very durable. The need for a separate enclosure adds a bit to the cost, but overall, it’s a great value for the price. If you’re on the fence about a shallow-mount subwoofer, I highly recommend giving the Kicker a try!

4. Rockford Fosgate R2 Ultra – Best for the Money

Let me tell you, the Rockford Fosgate R2 Ultra is a game-changer for bass in tight spaces. I needed a replacement subwoofer for my Land Rover’s tiny tailgate compartment, and this little guy fit the bill perfectly.

Now, I’m a huge Rockford Fosgate fan. All my other cars sport their subs, and the R2 Ultra did not disappoint. Swapping out the wimpy factory sub was a breeze. Sure, it took some hacking of the mount and some creative sound dampening (flashing tape works surprisingly well!), but after hooking it up with a Kicker Key amp, the difference was night and day.

The R2 Ultra filled the missing low-end in my Land Rover’s fancy Harmon system flawlessly. But let me tell you, this sub packs a serious punch. The bass hits so hard it rattled my license plate clean off! Luckily, a quick epoxy fix and some weatherstripping solved that problem.

Here’s the thing: forget that boomy, one-note bass of giant subwoofers. The R2 Ultra delivers deep, accurate bass that sounds incredible. I was initially skeptical with a 400-watt amp, but upgrading to a 1200-watt amp truly unleashed its potential. Now, this sub thumps! Don’t get me wrong, it won’t rattle your windows like a huge sub with a monster amp, but for tight spaces, it delivers powerful, precise bass that I crave.

Installation was a breeze, and Rockford Fosgate’s website is a goldmine for DIYers. Their BoxAdvisor tool helped me design a custom wedge-shaped enclosure that fit perfectly in the limited space of my Land Rover’s trunk. Paired with a powerful Pioneer amp (admittedly overkill for this sub’s capacity), the sound is phenomenal.

Overall, the Rockford Fosgate R2 Ultra is a fantastic option for anyone looking for big bass in a small space. It delivers clean, accurate sound, packs a surprising punch, and is easy to install, especially with Rockford Fosgate’s online resources. If you’re tight on space but crave that deep bass experience, the R2 Ultra is absolutely worth considering.

 5. Alpine Subwoofer S-W12D2

The Alpine S-W12D2 is a powerful and versatile sub for any car audio setup. Take control of your system and enjoy the freedom to customize your music to suit your needs.

The 12″ sub can handle 600 watts RMS, so you’ll be able to unleash uncompromised bass whether you’re listening to high volumes or just pumping out the sound without distraction. 

The Kevlar treated cone will stay rigid under pressure, while its rubber High Amplitude Multi-Roll (HAMR) surround ensures it’s capable of movement with the maximum excursion. With dual 2ohm voice coils and wiring flexibility, this woofer is ready to take on anything – including portability!

By combining new state-of-the-art cone construction, a softer frame, and more durable voice coil insulation into one sleek design, the Alpine S-Series Subwoofer is guaranteed to outperform any other woofer on the market. 

Go ahead and compare – there’s no match for how good it sounds or looks!

Comparing Our Top 5 Picks – Head to Head

Subwoofer Model	PIONEER TS-A2500LS4	Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F	Kicker 43CWRT102	Rockford Fosgate R2 Ultra	Alpine Subwoofer S-W12D2
Size	10-inch	12-inch	10-inch	10-inch	12-inch
Peak Power	1200 watts	1400 watts	800 watts	400 watts	1,800
RMS (Continuous Power)	300 watts	350 watts	400 watts	200 watts	600 watts
Frequency Response	20 Hz to 900 Hz	30 Hz – 700 Hz	25-500 Hz	45-250 Hz	26-200 Hz
Mounting Depth	3-3/8 in.	3-15/16 in.	3-7/16 in.	3-7/16 in.	5-1/16 in.
Sensitivity	85 dB	91 dB	84.8 dB	82 dB	86.2 dB

FAQs

What means shallow Mount subwoofer?

A shallow mount subwoofer is a subwoofer designed with a reduced depth for tight spaces. This allows for easier installation in vehicles with limited room, like under seats or behind panels.

Are Shallow Mount Subs good for trucks?

I have been around the block a few times, and my answer today is that they are. Shallow mount subwoofers offer great sound without sacrificing space in the trunk of your car or truck. They also don’t hurt your back while trying to wrestle them into that tight nook on top of whatever box you use!

This is cool for some people because it means more room in their vehicle, which can be good for some lifestyles better than others; I’m sure you know, some people like to drive little bikes through snow-covered mountainscapes or take road trips cross country with only 50 states marked off on their list. 

Shallow Mount Subs will generate more excursion and work with less power which saves your amplifier from needing too much power to produce low bass sound how you want it to sound. In addition, because of their compact size, they don’t need a huge cabinet which saves you precious cargo space in your vehicle or at home!

Who makes the best shallow Mount Subwoofer?

Rockford Fosgate makes the best shallow Mount Subwoofers and if you’re just looking for low-level bass, Alpine makes a decent one as well.

Are Shallow Mount Subs loud?

They’re not very Loud. They are generally installed in tight spaces. Thus, they will produce a lower sound level, so less noise to bother those close by.

Shallow mount subwoofers have a flat faceplate that is typically smaller than those on other subwoofers. This makes the system seem louder because it reflects sound off of nearby objects to focus that energy into a narrow beam of sound, which sounds especially loud if you happen to be standing close by looking at the speaker from just the right angle.

Are slimline subwoofers any good?

There are many reasons why you might want to consider a slimline subwoofer for your car audio system.

First, they tend to take up less space than traditional subwoofers, so they’re perfect for smaller vehicles or those with limited trunk space.

Second, since they’re narrower, they can often be mounted closer to the floor, which can give you more options for installation.

Third, they usually have a shallow depth, so they don’t require as much power to produce good bass response. And fourth, many slimline subwoofers come with built-in amplifiers, which can save you money and space.

Do underseat subwoofers sound good?

Yes, underseat subwoofers can sound good. They are usually less expensive than other types of subwoofers and can save space in your vehicle. Underseat subwoofers can also be concealed more easily, which may be appealing to some people.

However, keep in mind that underseat subwoofers typically don’t have as much power as other types of subwoofers. If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, you may want to consider another option.

Where should underseat subwoofer be placed?

Underseat subwoofers typically go under either the driver’s seat or passenger’s seat.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each location:

• Driver’s seat: More bass for the driver, but might not be as evenly distributed throughout the car.
• Passenger’s seat: More balanced bass for everyone, but less noticeable for the driver.

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