GMC has a 6 function multipro tailgate.... mine just opens and closes.

I'm putting on my design engineer hat. The Tacoma tailgate is not very tall. To design a tailgate for a Tacoma that has the same functions as the GMC multipro tailgate will be a challenge for automotive engineers. There's not a lot of space to include all the mechanisms required. When the step is lowered it better be low enough for a person to easily step up into the bed. Rather than just copying the GM design the Toyota engineers need to take a different approach if they take a serious look at adding the multipro feature to a Tacoma. It would be easier to add the multipro feature to a Tundra tailgate. Also, there are patents for the design which Toyota would have to address too.

 

^The large automakers all have broad patent cross licensing agreements in place, meant to keep out the patent trolls and boutique carmakers. Toyota can implement their version of GM's multi pro tailgate, Ram's 60/40 split tailgate, Ford's small tailgate, or Honda's side-opening tailgate, at any time if they chose to spend the money developing it.

 

@3JOH22A As you posted it comes down to budgeting the design effort. If Toyota really wants to provide a tailgate with additional functions they need to assign a project to their R&D engineers. It needs to be an option that is easily added to the standard truck beds of the 4th gen model. Some customers may not want a multi function tailgate (utility companies, etc.). I can see TRD models having it as a standard feature. SR models would come with the standard tailgates.

 

^Lol you know Toyota's corporate decision making:

"This will cost $0.5 million in new stamping dies and welding jigs? Does the Colorado, Ranger, Gladiator, Maverick, or Frontier have it? No? Carry on..."

 

My truck at work has the multifangled tailgate. It is really gimmicky. It has the electric open for both the main tailgate and the little piece that opens too. You can lock the little one by holding the little button until the lights flash. This is so you don't wreck the tailgate when opening it into your trailer hitch. I can't imagine how much this is going to cost to fix once it starts getting goofy. As far as a normal tailgate for use as a workbench it sucks!! There's a gap, screws, dirt and debris falls in there. It also (just like my 2016) has a poor design that the tailgate doesn't open flat to the bed of the truck, so when you slide something in it gets caught at the bed. I would never even dream of wanting such a garbage design on my truck.

 

Id rather have a factory folding bedside / flatbed option than a hyped up tailgate.

 

X2!

 

Totally agree. Love the multiflex tailgate on my 3500

 

What could possibly go wrong?

 

Based on the fact that my 2020 GMC has just spent three+ weeks in the shop and had $6000 worth of warranty work, I would say that there is ZERO chance anything could go wrong.

 

and some more advanced people get far more creative! i saw this setup at blain's farm and fleet a few years ago.

 

my neighbor has a newer gmc with the tailgate. he likes it. but he's also a retired guy, has a carpeted bed liner, and the roughest load he's ever carried is deer.

i on the other hand don't believe a truck is a truck unless the bed is scratched up.



if i really want a ladder to get into the bed, hardware stores have step ladders for $40.