Back in April, GM Authority was first to report on a new 2020 Silverado HD prototype spied with a funny-looking bit of cladding draped over the tailgate. In addition to the standard black-and-white body wrap treatment, which isn’t really noteworthy here, the extra cladding added to the rear piqued our interest. By the look of it, the extra bits in the rear appeared to be covering a new kind of tailgate. Naturally, we thought this could only mean one thing: evidence that the Silverado was next in line to receive the highly-flexible MultiPro tailgate first introduced with the GMC Sierra.
It made sense: after all, we had seen something similar on a 2019 GMC Sierra prototype prior to the official announcement of the MultiPro tailgate. And, with the overwhelmingly positive reception of the MultiPro, why wouldn’t GM add something similar to the Sierra’s pickup corporate sibling?
A few days after we spied the first prototype, we received unofficial confirmation that GM was indeed testing the MultiPro tailgate, or something very similar, on the Silverado HD. Our spy photographer managed to get up close and personal with the prototype testing the new gate, and managed to lift the rear cladding to uncover a segmented tailgate section. The jig, as they say, was up.
That was really exciting to us, given the highly functional tailgate is currently the exclusive domain of the GMC Sierra. Since its introduction, customers have heaped praise on the MultiPro tailgate, even though it can occasionally run into trouble with a ball hitch. Either way, it’s still a solid concept and incredible useful.
Unfortunately, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado came and went, and no Chevy-branded MutliPro tailgate appeared. However, that still leaves the upcoming 2021 model year as a possible candidate to receive the new segmented tailgate feature.
We believe that both the Silverado HD, consisting of the 2500HD and 3500HD models, as well as the Silverado 1500 light-duty pickup will receive the MultiPro tailgate. However, when Chevrolet does add it, it’ll likely come with a unique name, given the “MultiPro” nomenclature is very much a GMC branding exercise. The only question now is, when will the Sierra share the goods?
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Comments
Do not want the multi pro, want the 1/2 ton color Satin Steel Metallic on the new 2020 HD
I hope they offer a mechanical/manual operated unit. As in no motors or electronics. Standard tailgate pull handles to release the main gate and the mini gate. Have both damped to assist with lowering and lift.
Cuts down on weight, cuts down on feature cost.
The best gate + bed entry combo out there, no matter Multipro, Ford step, Ram split gate, Honda swing gate. Is the standard GM dampened tailgate with corner bumper steps.
Would be great but more importantly, will it get an all new interior?
That is way more vital to the 1500’s
I bet we see a higher trim level above High Country, maybe Scottsdale, with an ultra luxury interior, before we see a general new interior design
Momolos I agree with you 100% the people who design that lame interior are the people who are giving thumbs down I remember on gm authority they said GMC was in the process of doing so because anybody with common sense know that ram has set the bar on trucks and the top on the line Gm truck isn’t even close
I love GM and try my hardest to push everyone I know to a GM vehicle but the last five years or so, their interiors are just a major roadblock for consumers. People today have no clue about power-trains but they all know Tech and the quality of the interior materials. Like the new Nox interior is borderline offensive in the hard plastics that is in that vehicle compared to the competition. The average consumer can feel the cheapness. It is embarrassing.
I have been getting blasted on this site b/c I truly believe that interiors are almost the number one thing in todays market along with Tech. Hence why Tesla is on absolute Fiiiiiiiire right now. I am so glad Bob Lutz basically put GM interiors on blast lately.
GM please step your game up ASAP.
What about GMC needs unique things to keep it separate? Isn’t that what they were striving for? I mean I thought GMC was the premium/progressional brand? If everything is the same as Chevy am I only going for looks?
There was statement in an article here a few days ago about GM ramping up Trail Boss production because they didn’t expect the reception that model got. Here’s my thought.
Does GM not get that vehicle purchasing is emotional for a lot of their sales? Do they not get that design and style or “looks” attract and quality keeps? Do they not get the passion involved with driving? The deep seeded passion pickup truck owners have for their brand? I understand their attempt at keeping SIlverado a “truck” with their approach to the interior but did they not think that wouldn’t cut it with a lot of people? Could they not have at least offered an up grade option to improve the interior?
A polarizing exterior, a bland interior, same ole power train for the most part, de-contented main stream models and we can go on and on but they blame a sales decline on a slow roll out.
What is being said here by these folks is being reflected by the sales of this truck. I agree, I am a GM guy but yes, they definitely need to step up their game because higher ATP will not mean much when sales drop even more. And trick tailgates alone won’t fix that.
BUT, I’ve done some measuring, etc. From aesthetics and body lines, it will fit the current 2019 Silverado, all you need to do is find one at an auto wrecker … cuz GMC don’t share their toys, even if you offer to pay double regular price.
Nice idea (sales gimmick). It will be interesting to see how problematic this will be after five years of use in the rust belt.
…or any vehicle after five years of use in the rust belt.
I THOUGHT GM WAS TRYING TO DIFFERENTIATE THE SIERRA AND SILVERADO? First it was the Announcement of the HUD being a Sierra exclusive, then somehow it found its way to the Silverado. Then it was the Trailer camera system being a GMC only thing, that ended up going to the Silverado a few months later. GMC touted the Rearview camera on their Sierra and now its on the Silverado. Then, the most exclusive thing the Sierra had going for it was the Tailgate, which seems like GM will go ahead and hand over to the Silverado.
At this point why even opt to buy a Sierra other than not liking the aesthetics of the Silverado? The real poll should ask when GM is putting the Sierra to the grave at this point. Coming from a Sierra owner btw.
That tailgate set up looks like a great idea, but if I were a contractor/tradesman etc. I don’t think I’d option it for my staff.
I’ll bet that puppy is expensive to fix after you have a little backing up or other damage to it.