Lincoln unveiled the all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator just last week, dropping cover on an array of updates and changes. Among these is the new Lincoln Split Gate, which offers multiple configurations for the rear liftgate to enhance the vehicle’s utility and functionality. Considering the Navigator’s position as one a chief rical to the Cadillac Escalade, the questions becomes this – should the Escalade adopt a similar split liftgate design?
At first glance, the Lincoln Split Gate might seem like a standard liftgate. However, users have several options when it comes to accessing the rear cargo area. For example, the top three-quarters of the hatch can be lifted like a traditional liftgate, while the bottom section can be lowered like a tailgate. This dual-functionality is especially useful for various loading and unloading scenarios, providing flexibility that traditional designs might lack. It’s a concept already popular among European rivals from the likes of Range Rover and BMW, making it a compelling addition to the Navigator – and potentially the Escalade, as well.
The Lincoln Split Gate also includes the Open On Approach feature, which automatically opens the liftgate when the driver approaches with the key fob or their phone. This hands-free convenience is a significant advantage when carrying items, adding to the overall practicality of the design.
On the other hand, GM has its own set of innovations when it comes to tailgate utility. The GMC MultiPro and Chevrolet Multi-Flex tailgates, for example, offer six different configurations, serving as a traditional tailgate, plus a load stop, work surface, and more. These features have been well-received for their versatility, but the split gate feature seen in the new Navigator introduces a different kind of flexibility that could appeal to a broader audience with regard to the luxury SUV segment.
So, should the Cadillac Escalade adopt a similar split liftgate to match the Lincoln Navigator’s new feature? We want to hear your thoughts, so cast your vote in the poll below, and be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GM competition news, GM technology news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Mixed feelings on this. I have for some years now had cars with the split tailgate. It’s great for sliding whatever you’re carrying into the space, putting stuff down before you place it inside, and for keeping the bumper out of the way. On the other hand, it’s kind of in the way when you have to reach deep into the cargo hold to get something and end up with a stripe of dirt on your clothes. Not an item that should sway a purchase decision one way or the other IMO.
How about we put the Multi-Flex on it instead
Hell no. It’s such a stupid design. I hate it when SUVs are given a split gate. It’s absolutely pointless.
The Lexus LX had this ….
I would say that the only benefit to having a tailgate like that would be to stop loose items from falling onto the ground once the tailgate is lifted. Can’t count how many times groceries have rolled to the edge in my wife’s SUV only to fall on the ground once she lifts the tailgate.
On my truck, I have the MultiPro Tailgate which I’ve used a few times for hauling things. It’s also handy if I just want to reach in the back really quick, I don’t have to lower the whole tailgate. I don’t know if I would have paid extra to order my truck that way, mine came with it from the factory.
A split hatch creates a nice seat for a tailgate party so I personally would prefer it. The Rolls Royce Cullinan takes it a step further and adds retractable seats and a table. Truly posh.
YES copy is common in industry, when worked for GM they called that benchmarketing now is called rebrand
Remember when all the car magazines gave the Tahoe and Yukon $hit because they had tailgates rather than liftgates? And now they’re coming back, WTF?
NO. Be Cadillac not Lincoln.
Also more areas for rattles and leaks.
Can see edge cases where it might be useful. But really it’s more of a marketing feature, and not something you’d use every day.
The older Yukons and Tahoes had rear liftgate windows that would open so you could look inside to see if anything was going to fall out before you open the lift gate. The lift gates were nice because it gave you a large area to stand under during inclement weather when tailgating at a Bills game.
Anyone remember the “ambulance doors”, two rear doors that opened horizontally. Those were an option on Suburbans.
Lincoln’s design is dated and vanilla.
Perfect retiree vehicle for “The Villages”.
Love the new split tailgate. More functionality the better. Reminds us of the old station wagon days. Give us rear facing 3rd row too. At least give it as an option in the caddy. Or add in interior tailgate like the discovery. Caddy might finally be close to be a luxury brand. Just not a chromed out Chevy.
Love it. Range Rover, Cullinan, the BMW X’s have it…
When it opens, it exudes class. Especially when you see the one portion power up and the lower portion follows it in suit and powers down. Then watching it reverse when closing too. The Lincolns gate can even hold up to 500lbs so seating two humans when open is not an issue. It’s shelf partition can even be flipped to be a back rest when you’re sitting on the lower part of the gate. I would have taken the split gate over the power closing doors on the new Escalade. Thing is, the power closing doors are optional. This split gate is standard.
Needs to bring the diesel back, not the multi-openings.
YES, the Escalade in on another level moving forward. If you have items in the rear and you get back home you must check the rear before opening the gate and looking over the gate through the rear glass is a chore for shorter persons. I would prefer the split gate than the barnyard doors.
r the split gate rather than barnyard doors
Bring back the (original to M-Van) Astro/Safari Dutch-doors. Perfection. And looked nice too.
GM should not consider. Waste of money in my opinion. Future site prone to rattles and water leakage. If there were to be rear end damage, almost impossible to get back into factory alignment. How about after the hinges on both tailgates start to wear and become sloppy. Better off spending R&D to develop a decent V-8 engine.
Yesterday I saw two SUV with ladders sticking out the back. Hatch was bungy cords trying to hold hatch closed. They couldn’t have been able to see much out back and camera had weird view. Clam shell gates way better.
Escalade (all the GM Full-size SUVs) already has the hatch glass that opens independent of the full hatch.
No I wouldn’t adopt anything Ford Motor Company comes up with.
Well, GM has to get their ideas somewhere. It sure isn’t their design engineers. GM, especially Cadillac, used to be the leader in design and innovation. Now their engineers are too afraid to think on their own. GM has become just another follower, sad.
I have no problem blatantly taking ideas from Ford.
Just be sure to only take the GOOD ones!
No. Then you would have to reach over the lower portion. IMHO, this does not make sense.
You said my thoughts precisely, Guy DeCara. Why would ANYONE want to HAVE to reach over the 20″ lower portion of a tailgate? I don’t like having to reach over my truck tailgate! GM has a “NET” that will hold the plastic grocery bags inside of the storage area. You can keep the net from your trade-in SUV and use a double net on your new SUV, like I did! It works perfectly! PROBLEM SOLVED!
That’s like asking if cars should have wheels. Who doesn’t want a place to sit or a little extra room to haul?
Seriously? Ford? Does that really make a large SUV better? Fords design team has always been terrible.
Cadillac should one or two up Lincoln by doing a split tailgate BUT have the top half power slide up over the roof and lower half power slide under the vehicle. Almost like an updated version the GM wagons used in the 1970’s.
Harry, you must live where there’s no snow, ice, slush, or salt.
I think that wuldbe cool. My 91 s10 Blazer has the clamshell style and I am still able to open the back glass separately.
I have for some years now had cars with the split tailgate. It’s great for sliding whatever you’re carrying into the space, putting stuff down before you place it inside, and for keeping the bumper out of the way. On the other hand, it’s kind of in the way when you have to reach deep into the cargo hold to get something and end up with a stripe of dirt on your clothes. Not an item that should sway a purchase decision one way or the other IMO.