Chevrolet’s latest tailgate design—centering on the Multi-Flex tailgate—uses a two-piece setup that lets you open, step into, or load the bed in multiple ways. It combines an outer primary gate with an independently operable inner gate to expand access and cargo-control options.
What is the Multi-Flex Tailgate?
The Multi-Flex Tailgate is a two-piece system introduced on the Chevrolet Silverado starting with the 2019 model year. It provides several configurations that enhance loading, stepping, and securing cargo, with operation that can vary by year and trim. In short, you can drop the outer gate, fold the inner gate, or use the inner gate as a stepping point or supplementary loading surface.
Here are the key functions and how each works in practice:
- Outer tailgate lowers downward like a conventional tailgate when released from the exterior handle or interior switch, providing access to the bed.
- Independent inner tailgate folds down separately from the outer gate, creating an additional loading surface and enabling a step to reach the bed more easily.
- When the inner gate is folded down, a built-in step and textured surface help you climb into the bed more comfortably.
- A bed load stop or stops can be deployed to help hold cargo in place and prevent forward movement when carrying long items.
- Integrated tie-down points and cargo anchors on the tailgate and bed help secure cargo during transit.
- Many trims offer a power-release option or remote/key fob functionality to drop or raise the tailgate automatically, making operation hands-free; others use manual releases on the tailgate handle.
In practice, these features give you multiple ways to load, reach, and secure cargo, from everyday groceries to long building materials, without needing external ramps or extra steps. The exact configuration you get depends on the model year and trim level.
How to operate the tailgate
Use the following steps to switch between configurations and use the tailgate features effectively. The exact controls may vary by year/trim, so consult your owner’s manual for specifics.
- To open the outer gate: press the button on the exterior tailgate handle, or use the interior switch or compatible key fob to release the gate, allowing it to lower toward the ground.
- To deploy the inner gate: locate the separate latch for the inner gate and unfold it downward; the inner gate can be left up for normal use or folded down to form a step acting as a loading surface.
- To use the integrated step: with the inner gate folded, grip the built‑in handle and step onto the textured surface to access the bed more easily.
- To secure cargo: use the built-in load stops and any tiedown points on the bed; connect straps or ropes as needed to keep items stationary during transit.
- To close: raise the inner gate back to its stowed position and then close the outer gate by lifting it until it latches shut.
- Power-tailgate option: if equipped, you can operate the tailgate with a dedicated button on the key fob or tailgate handle to raise or lower the tailgate automatically.
These capabilities make loading and unloading more convenient, especially for long or bulky items. The exact steps and availability again depend on your specific Chevrolet model and year.
Availability and notes
The Multi-Flex Tailgate originated on the Chevrolet Silverado in 2019 and has since appeared on various Silverado generations and trims as either standard or optional equipment, with some versions adding a power tailgate option. Availability can vary by model year and trim, so check the latest Chevrolet brochures or talk to a dealer to confirm what your vehicle supports.
Summary
Chevy’s new tailgate concept centers on the two-piece Multi-Flex design, delivering a conventional outer gate plus an independently operable inner gate. Together, they provide a versatile range of configurations—regular access to the bed, a built-in step, an extra loading surface, and cargo-secure features—designed to simplify loading, stepping into the bed, and securing items. As with many features, exact functionality depends on the model year and trim, so verify with your vehicle’s documentation or dealer for precise capabilities.