The 2019 GMC Sierra introduces the MultiPro Tailgate – a new kind of pickup truck tailgate that represents “the segment’s most innovative tailgate ever”, according to GMC.
A GMC exclusive and an industry first, the MultiPro Tailgate aims to be both flexible and functional while minimizing effort and maximizing achievement with the following four new positions that were never before possible in a pickup:
- Enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions
- A standing workstation
- Easier access to items in the box
- A step entry and egress mode that, when paired with the assist handle, offers both step and seated functionality
Material
The 2019 Sierra’s new MultiPro tailgate is made of aluminum.
Testing
The Sierra’s MultiPro tailgate delivers proven strength and durability, having undergone more testing and validation than any tailgate in GM’s history.
Availability
The MultiPro tailgate is assigned GM RPO code QK2 and is standard on the following GMC models:
- 2019 Sierra SLT 1500
- 2019 Sierra AT4 1500
- 2019 Sierra Denali 1500
It is not available on any other 2019 Sierra 1500 models, trim levels or equipment groups, such as:
- 2019 Sierra base
- 2019 Sierra SLE
- 2019 Sierra Elevation
Those who wish to have a traditional tailgate instead of the MultiPro on their 2019 GMC Sierra can select the regular tailgate option (RPO code QK1).
Pricing
It is currently unknown how much of a premium the MultiPro tailgate has over a “traditional” tailgate on the 2019 Sierra. We will find out when GMC releases pricing for the 2019 Sierra and update this section accordingly.
Positions
The GMC MultiPro Tailgate has six positions on the 2019 Sierra.
1. Primary Gate
Open the primary gate using the key fob’s power release, from inside the truck or from a button on the gate.
2. Primary Gate Load Stop
With the primary gate open, the load stop helps prevent items from sliding out of the box.
3. Foldable Inner Gate For Easy Access
Inner gate folds down for easy access when loading and unloading the box.
4. Full-Width Step
The inner gate folds into a large step for easy entry and exit from the box. It has a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds (170 kg).
Ease of use is enhanced with two buttons on the tailgate handle that allow convenient inner gate release.
5. Inner Gate Load Stop
Inner gate also includes a load stop to help prevent second-tier items from sliding out of the box.
6. Inner Gate Work Surface
Opened inner gate provides work surface as well as second-tier loading.
Operation
The MultiPro tailgate is operated via a touchpad with two buttons, located at the center of the tailgate just above the GMC logo. The bottom button drops the entire tailgate, while the top button releases the upper part of the tailgate.
Located at the center of the tailgate above the GMC logo, this touchpad controls the 2019 GMC Sierra’s tailgate
Operating the tailgate:
- If the tailgate is dropped normally, pulling on the upper portion activates the load stop for longer cargo (Position #5)
- While the entire tailgate is down, pressing the top button folds down the upper portion, allowing one to stand even closer to the box itself for easier loading or unloading
Downsides
The 2019 Sierra misses out on one option that we now know is exclusive to the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado: the power-operated tailgate.
Origins
The MultiPro Tailgate originated as a result of an internal competition within GM engineers.
“It started from a sort of Shark Tank-style idea pool,” Roger Olle of GMC engineering tells GM Authority. “We were tasked by our chief engineers to come up with an innovative way to address a customer need. Based on the clinics that we ran, we knew that the customer wanted help getting in and out of the vehicle more easily.”
Management seemed to love the idea, but the GMC MultiPro tailgate didn’t begin with the setup that debuted on the 2019 Sierra 1500.
“What we started with was a split tailgate, completely in half. And then it evolved into what you see today, with the extra step coming down,” said Olle.
“We did look at a bunch of different options… we didn’t want to do a barn door because you can’t package it well with a step. We wanted the step to be the first priority, and we wanted to ensure it would perform the same as a standard tailgate. We didn’t want to sacrifice anything in terms of functionality.”
