2024 Pickup Truck Tailgate Tech: The Latest Innovations
No longer a simple hinged barrier, the tailgate has been upgraded.
Ram
Some brands have simple designs, while others go big with tailgates that can open to seemingly any position. There are a few upgrades for 2024 pickup trucks from Honda, Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, and GMC.
Honda
Honda's Dual-Action Tailgate Pioneered Easy Access
Debuting on the first-generation Honda Ridgeline back in 2006, the dual-action tailgate is perhaps the most straightforward of the bunch. It can be used as a traditional gate, but a hinge on the driver's side means it can open like a barn door.
Honda
While the door can fully swing out to 80 degrees, it can also be stopped at 30 degrees so drivers don't accidentally hit anything with it when parked in a tight space. When lowered traditionally, the tailgate can handle 300 pounds while the truck is in motion.
The Dual-Action tailgate is standard on all 2024 Honda Ridgeline trims.
Ram
The Ram Multifunction Tailgate Can Handle 2,000 Pounds
Ram first brought the multifunction tailgate to its full-size 1500 truck in 2019. This tailgate works in the standard way but also features two swing-out doors in a 60/40 split. They can be opened to nearly 90 degrees either together or separately, allowing easier access to the bed. A standout feature is the tailgate's 2,000-pound load rating.
For 2024, you can get the multifunction tailgate on the Limited Longhorn trim with the addition of the Southfork Edition Group for about $1,300. The top Limited trim gets the fancy tailgate with the inclusion of the roughly $2,100 Elite package.
Ford
A central swing-out door is Ford's Pro Access claim to fame
Ford just recently threw its hat into the tailgate ring with the Pro Access gate on the refreshed 2024 F-150. Like the Honda and Ram tailgates, this one can function like your everyday gate, but Ford designers decided to put a swinging door in the center of the tailgate, splitting it in a 20/60/20 configuration.
Ford
The middle 37 inches of the tailgate swings out from passenger-side hinges to three stops: 37, 70, and 100 degrees. The sections on either side of the door are fixed and don't move in swing-out mode. The entire tailgate can also fold out flat.
The Pro Access tailgate is available in 2024 on the Tremor F-150 as part of a just over $600 Bed Utility package. However, it is standard on the King Ranch and Platinum trims.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet Multi-Flex and GMC Multi-Pro share six configurations
General Motors first debuted the Multi-Pro tailgate in 2019 on the GMC Sierra, but the versatile feature has since made its way over to Chevrolet trucks as the Multi-Flex tailgate. Both function in the same six ways by virtue of having a smaller tailgate within the large gate.
Chevrolet
First, the tailgate works as a traditional tailgate — no surprise there. With the tailgate down, a panel can be flipped up from the inner gate to keep things from sliding out of the bed. That's the second position. From there, the inner gate can fold down, allowing a driver to stand closer to the bed for easier access. Position four entails keeping that inner gate folded down while flipping up the panel from position number two. Voilà, you have a step into the bed.
Chevrolet
Close the main tailgate but keep the smaller gate open, and now it functions as a work surface. From this position, the panel on the inner gate can be lifted to keep second-tier loaded items from sliding out.
Chevrolet Options Vary in Availability and Price
Chevrolet offers the Multi-Flex tailgate on all trims of the 2024 Silverado 1500. Depending on the trim level the tailgate costs between about $260 and $445. It appears it is available on the upcoming Silverado EV, although Chevrolet hasn't confirmed if it's standard or how much it would cost.
It's a different story with the Silverado HD 2500 and 3500 trucks. The Multi-Flex tailgate is available on all trims of both trucks in 2024, but the pricing gets a little complicated.
On the 2500, the lowest WT trim requires the Work Truck Convenience package, adding about $1,500 to the bottom line. The LT trim requires four more packages for a total of around $3,400 more, and the LTZ and Custom demand a roughly $2,000 Convenience package to get the cool tailgate. Fortunately, the Multi-Flex is available as a stand-alone option for about $260 on the ZR2 and High Country trims.
The 3500 HD is not quite as complex. The Multi-Flex tailgate is a stand-alone option on all trims but at different prices. Expect to pay around $600 on the WT, $400 on the LT and LTZ trims, and $300 on the High Country trim.
GMC
GMC's Tailgate Pricing and Availability Are Less Complex
In the world of GMC, things are streamlined a bit. The Multi-Pro tailgate is available on the base 2024 Sierra 1500 Pro and standard on the rest of the trims. On the Pro trim, you need only pay about an extra $600 for the feature.
The GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 both offer the Multi-Pro tailgate as an option on the base Pro model and standard on the rest of the lineup. In the 2500 Pro truck, you'll pony up an extra $1,800 for a Convenience package and a few options to get the upgraded tailgate, but it is a stand-alone $400 option on the 3500 Pro model.
If it's the Hummer electric truck you're looking at, the Multi-Pro tailgate is standard, regardless of trim.
None of the manufacturers here offers upgraded tailgates on the midsize offerings. However, GMC has a MultiStow tailgate on the Canyon with an integrated storage compartment available on the base Elevation trim and standard on all other trims.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Emme HallEmme Hall loves small convertibles and gets out to the canyons in her 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata whenever she can. You can also find her in the dirt in her lifted (yes, that's right) 2001 Mazda Miata, or racing air-cooled Volkswagens in races like the Baja 1000. She's taken first place twice in the Rebelle Rally — once driving a Jeep Wrangler and then a Rolls-Royce Cullinan the second time. She was also the first driver to take an electric vehicle to the Rebelle Rally when campaigning the Rivian R1T to a top-five finish.
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