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The mid-gate pickup—a once-obscure feature that lets drivers fold or open a panel between the cab and bed to carry longer cargo—is quietly staging a comeback. In the early 2000s, General Motors pioneered the concept with the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT, but the idea faded as automakers moved toward more conventional designs. Now, a combination of electric-vehicle architecture, flexible camping trends, and fresh patent filings suggests the mid-gate is poised for a second act. As of July 23, 2025, at least five major automakers have either launched mid-gate-equipped trucks or filed patents that could bring the feature to showrooms within the next few years.
GM: The Only Automaker Building Mid-Gate Trucks Right Now
General Motors is the undisputed leader in the mid-gate revival. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV both come with an available mid-gate, allowing owners to extend the bed length from about 5 feet 11 inches to over 9 feet when the panel is opened. This isn’t just a gimmick—aftermarket bed toppers that seal the opening have turned these EVs into makeshift campers, giving overlanders a weatherproof sleeping area. GM’s full-size electric trucks have been on sale since late 2023, and as of mid-2025, the company has not announced any plans to discontinue the feature. However, the long-term fate of the Silverado and Sierra EVs remains uncertain due to GM’s shifting EV strategy. Industry insiders suggest that if the mid-gate proves popular enough, it could eventually migrate to gasoline-powered versions of these trucks, which would be a much bigger deal for the mass market.
Ford: Patent Hints at Mid-Gate for the Maverick—or a New EV Pickup
Ford filed a patent in 2024 showing a simple mid-gate design on a compact pickup that closely resembles the Maverick. The Maverick has been a smash hit thanks to its low price and fuel efficiency, but its small bed (4.5 feet) limits its utility. Adding a mid-gate would allow the Maverick to carry items like lumber or kayaks without sacrificing maneuverability. While no production version has been announced, the current Maverick generation is nearing the end of its lifecycle (it debuted for the 2022 model year), so the next generation—expected in 2027 or 2028—could incorporate the feature. Separately, Ford is developing a small EV pickup for 2027, and that vehicle might also inherit the mid-gate design. One analyst I spoke with noted that Ford’s patent is “relatively simple and cheap to implement,” making it a likely candidate for a mid-cycle refresh.
Nissan: Decades-Old Concepts Meet Modern Patents
Nissan was one of the earliest automakers to experiment with a mid-gate, showcasing a concept called the SUT (Sport Utility Truck) in 1999. That never made it to production, but recent patent filings indicate the company is revisiting the idea. One patent shows a complete overland system for the Frontier, including a removable soft top, a bed cap with detachable panels, and—crucially—a removable pass-through between the cab and bed. This would require significant structural changes, suggesting it would be a dedicated trim level rather than an accessory. Another Nissan patent depicts a mid-gate with rear-facing seats in the bed, evoking the Subaru BRAT. The patent illustrations point to a compact truck platform that Nissan has been rumored to develop for the late 2020s. Given the mixed reception of the 2025 Frontier, a mid-gate could be a key differentiator for Nissan’s next-generation midsize or compact truck.
Hyundai: A Mid-Gate with a Drainage System
Hyundai’s only current pickup, the Santa Cruz, is a unibody compact truck set to be discontinued at the end of 2026. But Hyundai isn’t done with pickups. The Korean automaker has filed a patent for a mid-gate design that includes a notable innovation: a drainage system to keep water away from the cab when the panel is open. This addresses a common complaint about mid-gates—that they expose the interior to rain, dust, and debris. If approved, this feature could appear on Hyundai’s upcoming body-on-frame midsize truck, which is expected to launch before 2030. That truck will face stiff competition from the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado, so a mid-gate could be a smart way to stand out. However, Hyundai has not yet confirmed any production plans.
Other Brands Watching Closely
Beyond the five listed, several automakers are reportedly evaluating mid-gate designs. Ram, for instance, has shown interest in flexible cargo solutions for its future electric trucks, though no official patents have surfaced. Toyota’s patent activity in this area has been quiet, but industry observers note that Toyota’s new Tundra and Tacoma platforms could theoretically accommodate a mid-gate. The revival appears to be driven by consumer demand for multipurpose vehicles—especially among weekend adventurers who want to camp, haul, and commute in one vehicle.
Methodology & Expert Context
This analysis draws on current production vehicles (GM’s EVs), patent filings (Ford, Nissan, Hyundai), and concept vehicles. Patents do not guarantee production, but the sheer volume of mid-gate-related filings over the past three years—more than in the previous decade combined—suggests a genuine industry trend. As automotive journalist Mike K. puts it, “The mid-gate is the pickup equivalent of the fold-flat third row seat—everyone wants it once they see it, but it takes a while for engineers to figure out the cost and packaging.” With electric powertrains making it easier to pass cab space into the bed, the mid-gate might finally be ready for its mainstream moment.
