A new generation of the top adversary of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban has just arrived in the form of the 2025 Ford Expedition. As the chief rival to the full-size Chevy SUV duo since it came out in 1997, the Expedition has been consistently competitive but always outsold by GM. However, the new 2025 Ford Expedition has a killer app that may convert some Chevy Tahoe and Suburban loyalists to make the big switch to the Blue Oval.
Ford made it clear that the 2025 Expedition was designed with families in mind. That makes sense, considering that’s the primary use of full-size three-row SUVs. Part of the family-friendly factor of the new Ford Expedition is the Ford Split Gate, which is exactly what it sounds like.
The top three-quarters of the Expedition’s liftgate opens upward, allowing drivers to reach into the cargo area without worrying about stuff rolling out. The bottom quarter can fold down like a pickup truck tailgate and be used as a bench or provide greater access to the cargo area. There’s even a clever backrest option that can turn into a serving table, ideal for tailgating.
The one notable drawback of the split liftgate is that when the bottom portion of the liftgate is folded down, it creates a longer reach into the cargo area. With a traditional one-piece tailgate, like the one on the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, we can walk right up to the bumper, making it easier to reach stuff in the depths of the cargo area.
We’ve seen split liftgate designs on SUVs, but mostly in the luxury space. The BMW X5 has had this feature since its first generation debuted in 2000, and the bigger X7 adopted the same design. It’s also been a long-time Range Rover feature. The newest luxury SUV to have a split liftgate is the luxury analog to the Ford Expedition, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator that was unveiled in August.
Chevy Tahoe
So, how much do you like the split liftgate? Is it appealing enough to make you consider a Ford Expedition over one of its GM rivals? Should GM follow suit and give the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban a split liftgate with their next redesign? Let us know in the poll, and explain your answer in the comments.
Comments
Why ask? You KNOW that GM, and other automakers don’t bother asking for public opinion anymore. Look at the EV fiasco. If you don’t think that GM is developing these already, you’re nutso.
It is a meaningful feature, used on Range Rover, BMW, Volvo, etc., large SUV for years.
Bring back barn doors!
But yes, split tailgate. And give it some of that origami sh!t, too…like my Sierra
Yes, they are copying the exterior look of the gmc’s so why not, and it is a good feature to have
Doesn’t matter if they incorporate this feature or not, I’ll still buy Suburban or Yukon XL
no. it rattles, leaks etc over time.
An Aztek design. The Azrek had a slide out tray to “solve” the reach over issue, but it stole a bunch of vertical space.
A split tailgate means that the bottom part is always in your way, either reaching over or reaching in…defeats the purpose of a tailgate. GM has it right with the rear glass that can be opened separately.
So true
Why would anyone want that? Just another function that rarely gets used and just breaks and causes issues.
The question begs to be asked. Remember the dual-action tailgate Ford introduced by Ford, when 1966? Why can’t a tailgate be designed on these huge SUVs to serve either purpose. The whole gate is open or it is a two-piece unit.
I’ve had barn doors and a liftgate. I’ll take the liftgate every time. Besides the obvious, a liftgate protects you in the rain.
Split tailgate would be fantastic. Include it with a Sportsman package. I used mine all the time. Great for camping and active lifestyles. I was a very active sailor, kayaks, camping, youth sports person. Used nearly every weekend. You always have a work area to fix things or prepare lunch and a comfortable place to sit. Women don’t like the long reach. I say work with it.
Opening a full liftgate inside a garage on a full-size SUV? Not possible with a lot of garages. Even if you’re short enough to use the “3/4 open” feature on power gates, you’re still adding length to the opened vehicle inside that garage.
The person who advocated for the return of barn doors has a good idea.
I really don’t see much advantage to the split tailgate, I’ve had barn doors, full liftgate and a split lift glass with barn doors on my Excursion. I like the Excursion design best as it works with every type trailer and hitch. But really, GM should build a civilian version of the GM Defense Suburban, basically a 2500 with either a 6.2L or the 6 cylinder Duramax. That would finally pry my 22 year old Excursion away from me.
I’ve never had a split gate, but I have been in a Tahoe and loved it. Wouldn’t a split gate make it harder to pack and unpack luggage in the back?
While I do think the split tailgate on the new Expedition is neat, I still prefer a traditional lift gate with separate opening rear glass on the Suburban and Tahoe.
Speaking of lift glass, does the new Expedition still offer a separate opening rear glass or no?
Wonder how many customers who like a split gate , barn doors , as opposed to the lift hatch would be willing to pay for them if they were an option ?
Agree. There are so many readers each week that complain about the cost of GM’s SUVs and Trucks; this would not help. More configurations add cost to the entire product line, even if you chose not to spend the money on the option.
Why not people bought up the extra cost Sierra pickup multi step tailgate. Gm could make even bigger profits, rre I see a Sierra with the multigate option.
GM can come up with something better and more reliable I’m sure… I see a ton of newer expeditions with rusty tailgates. Id bet this will leak and rust twice as fast lol
Do a multi-pro tailgate
You mean like they used to? The tahoe and suburban had the option of barn doors or tailgate/hatch.
I personally liked the Astro van upper hatch, barn door bottom section.
There is no need for that feature.