Crazy Tailgate-Tech Has Yet To Hit Midsize Trucks
Tailgates are getting more technical and sophisticated. Do the upgrades to pickup back-ends make them worth your while?
Written by Andrew Koole
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The car industry is seeing a lot of changes lately, and the innovations aren’t limited to self-driving and clean energy.
In the
pickup truck
segment, the biggest auto segment in the U.S., technological advancements are headed to one aspect of the vehicle that makes it unique—the tailgate.New, creative tailgate ideas
Whether you prefer Chevy, Ford, GMC, or Ram,
Kelley Blue Book
says tailgates have changed dramatically since the days when a latch and two cords were the only elements they had besides the doors themselves.General Motors’ offering is as good an example as any. Available as the Multi-Flex in the Chevy Silverado or the MultiPro in GMC Sierra, this tailgate functions as a step, a workspace, or hose and cord storage. It also has a push-button release that can be controlled from inside the cab.
Ram’s tailgate can be used in similar ways, but can also open french-door style from the middle. And its step function works from a retractable center mount, giving you a fun parlor trick to show off at tailgate parties.
Ford got real creative with the storage options in the tailgate for the F-150. Pencils, cups, phones, and tablets all have their designated space in what looks at first like a regular two-hinge, swing-down door. An upgrade can even turn it into a stereo.
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Other innovations available in midsize pickups
The tailgate might be one way that pickups set themselves apart from other vehicles, but it’s by no means the only difference. The many intended functions of a bed-backed set of wheels give automakers a whole swath of opportunities to get creative.
Off-road capabilities are one area that’s getting a lot of attention from automakers. GMC, Ford, and Rivian all introduced their version of rear-wheel turning, giving their pickups the ability to turn on a dime like a tank.
Elsewhere, automakers are increasing the level of autonomy and luxury in pickups to the point where the comfort and quality of top trims rival that of a Mercedes.
MORE: Would You Spend $85,000 on a Luxury GMC Pickup Truck?
Owning a midsize truck
The increased attention to detail in pickup design might make you ponder trading in your minivan or SUV for one of these utility vehicles, but a closer look at the costs related to owning a truck might make you think twice.
In most cases, gas mileage and car insurance rates average higher for pickups than for other vehicles. Unless you can actually put the bed of a truck to good use, buying one can easily become a case of owning more than you need.
But if a pickup truck ticks off all the right boxes for you, make sure to shop for car insurance with Jerry. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and can even help you cancel your old policy.
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