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Chevrolet Multi-Flex Tailgate

The Chevrolet Multi-Flex tailgate is a multi-function tailgate offered on the Chevrolet Silverado line of full-size pickup trucks.

Minimizing effort and maximizing achievement, Multi-Flex is both flexible and functional. It combines traditional tailgate functionality with five new positions:

  • Tailgate load stop for carrying long items
  • 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

Positions

The Chevrolet Multi-Flex tailgate offers the following six positions.

1. Primary Gate Access

The primary gate is identical to that found in a traditional tailgate. It can be opened using the power release button on the key fob, from inside the truck or from a button on the actual tailgate.

2. Primary Gate Load Stop

The primary gate load stop helps prevent items from sliding out of the box. It requires the primary gate to be open.

3. Foldable Inner Gate For Easy Access

The 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). An assist handle extends from the driver’s-side of the box, enabling easier entry.

5. Inner Gate Load Stop

The inner gate includes a load stop to help prevent second-tier items from sliding out of the box.

6. Inner Gate Work Surface

Opening the inner gate outward provides a work surface as well as second-tier loading ability.

Built-In Speaker

In addition to the six tailgate positions, the Chevy Multi-Flex offers a built-in speaker as an official Chevy accessory. The Bluetooth-connected speaker is housed in the two outboard sections of the mid-gate, while one of the inside panels provides controls for sound.

Availability

The Multi-Flex tailgate was introduced on the 2021 Silverado 1500, where it’s available on every trim from Work Truck to High Country. Shortly after, it became available on the 2022 Silverado HD (2500 HD and 3500 HD).

Materials

The Multi-Flex tailgate is constructed of aluminum.

Operation

The Multi-Flex tailgate is operated via a touchpad with two buttons, located at the center of the tailgate just above the Chevrolet Bow Tie logo. The top button releases the upper (secondary) tailgate, while the bottom button drops the entire tailgate.

Operating the tailgate:

  • If the tailgate is dropped normally, pulling on the upper portion activates the load stop for carrying longer cargo (Position #5 above).
  • 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 (Position #3 above).

Additionally, the tailgate can be released via the key fob.

Downsides

Opting for the Multi-Flex tailgate means that owners must forego the power-operated tailgate.

When dropped, the Multi-Flex tailgate's mid-gate hits the ball hitch (GMC Sierra's MultiPro shown here)

When dropped, the Multi-Flex tailgate’s mid-gate hits the ball hitch (GMC Sierra’s MultiPro shown here)

Separately, the Multi-Flex has been criticized for hitting an attached hitch when primary tailgate is opened and the inner gate is dropped.

When dropped, the Multi-Flex tailgate's mid-gate hits the ball hitch (GMC Sierra's MultiPro shown here)

When dropped, the Multi-Flex tailgate’s mid-gate hits the ball hitch (GMC Sierra’s MultiPro shown here)

Origins

The Multi-Flex tailgate was first launched on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 GMC Sierra HD, where it is branded as MultiPro.

As GM Authority has uncovered, MultiPro originated as a result of an internal competition within GM engineers.

MultiPro Tailgate on GMC Sierra Denali

MultiPro Tailgate on GMC Sierra Denali

“It started from a sort of Shark Tank-style idea pool,” GM engineer, Roger Olle, told GM Authority in an interview. “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.”

Testing

According to GM, the Multi-Flex tailgate delivers proven strength and durability, having undergone more testing and validation than any tailgate in GM’s history.

A prototype of the T1 Chevrolet Silverado HD undergoing testing with the Chevrolet Multi-Flex tailgate

A prototype of the T1 Chevrolet Silverado HD undergoing testing with the Chevrolet Multi-Flex tailgate

Additionally, GM Authority has spied Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD prototypes undergoing testing with the Multi-Flex tailgate prior to launch.

Multi-Flex vs. StowFlex

It’s worth noting that the Multi-Flex tailgate is an entirely different tailgate from Chevy’s StowFlex tailgate. While Multi-Flex is a multi-position tailgate available in the Chevy Silverado, StowFlex offer a built-in storage compartment that is offered on the Chevy Colorado.

Tailgate vs. Mid-Gate

The Multi-Flex tailgate is a different feature from the Multi-Flex Mid-Gate.

Discussion

Discuss the Chevy Multi-Flex tailgate in our Chevrolet forums.

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