GMC is busy touting its new Sierra 1500 pickup's MultiPro tailgate option that flips and folds in several different ways; it's the centerpiece of the company's new marketing campaign, in fact. But when one of the domestic full-size trucks does something, it's a sure bet that the others will be hot on its heels. Hence a good reason why the new Ram 1500 is now adding a trick tailgate of its own called the Multifunction Tailgate that will soon be available as an option on all 2019 Ram 1500 models.

The Ram takes a different approach than the GMC, splitting the tailgate horizontally into hinged 60/40 sections that can swing out, clamshell style, when the tailgate is raised. Each door can be opened individually up to 88 degrees. The tailgate lowers normally in a single piece, has the same damped action as the regular Ram's tailgate, can be operated by remote, and can accommodate a 2000-pound load when lowered. Ram also notes that the tailgate can execute all of its functions even when a trailer is attached. It weighs around 75 pounds more than a standard tailgate, according to Ram.

Opting for the Multifunction Tailgate will cost $995 on any trim level—as opposed to the GMC, which only offers its fancy tailgate on upper trim levels—and it comes with a spray-in bedliner, ordinarily an extra-cost option. It can also be paired with an optional $295 retractable center step to aid access into the bed. Ram says it's possible to retrofit the new tailgate to an existing 2019 1500 truck, but because it would require replacing the box in addition to the tailgate, it's an impractical proposition likely to cost several thousand dollars (stand-alone beds for the old Ram cost upward of $4000). Pickups with the new tailgate option will be available at dealerships starting in late spring 2019.

View Photos Michael Simari Car and Driver

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