When the current GMC Sierra 1500 debuted, we applauded the truck for finally differentiating itself from its slightly-(slightly) lower-market Chevrolet Silverado 1500 sibling. One key differentiator? An exclusive, optional reconfigurable tailgate that can alternately act as a work surface, a step into the bed, or a load stop depending on how you position it. But now, we’re learning that the handy tailgate will trickle down to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
There will be one small difference: While GMC calls the innovation the “MultiPro” tailgate, Chevrolet dubs its version the “Multi-Flex” tailgate. At the end of the day, it’s the same “multi” thing. On both trucks, the tailgate offers six unique configurations. Along with the aforementioned capabilities, the tailgate can fold flat with the pickup box floor for easier loading and unloading, provide a load stop for long items in a special upper tier of storage, or serve as a traditional tailgate. Chevrolet says the special tailgate will be a late model-year item, arriving in early 2021.
Folks at GMC don’t seem threatened by the trickle-down of the tailgate to Silverado. A GMC spokesman said the MultiPro tailgate has been a “clear competitive benefit for the brand.”
“For context, more than 70 percent of Sierra 1500 and 85 percent for Sierra Heavy Duty trucks sold this year were equipped with GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate,” he said. “And for the 21MY, we are expanding its availability on GMC’s LD and HD pickup trucks, making it available on more trims and standard on others.”
The 2021 GMC Sierra is expanding the tailgate’s availability on the SLE and Elevation trims, for instance. The truck receives several other updates, too. It features a new trail length indicator, which shows you if it’s safe to change lanes when trailering. Another feature warns drivers of potential jack-knife situations. GMC has also improved the rear trailer view to include guidelines and a trailer-angle indicator. Meanwhile, rear side view has been enhanced to be more helpful when driving in reverse.
Unfortunately, we don’t have much more information on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado yet, or which trim levels may be available with Multi-Flex (we’re guessing it’ll be limited to higher-priced models). What other updates will it receive? Is it too much to ask for the Sierra’s carbon-fiber bed? Chevrolet will release more details regarding the truck on September 21, so stay tuned.
