What trucks have a midgate?
The Chevrolet Avalanche is the only production pickup known to feature a true midgate—an integrated panel that folds between the bed and the cab to extend cargo space. It was offered from 2002 to 2013, and no current mainstream truck uses the same midgate concept.
What is a midgate?
A midgate is a dedicated panel located behind the rear seats that can be folded down to join the cargo bed with the cabin area. When engaged, it creates a longer, flat loading surface and, in some configurations, a pass-through to the cab for unusually long items. This design is distinct from the traditional tailgate and is not commonly found on most modern pickups.
Which trucks have a midgate?
Before listing, note that the midgate is a rare feature in production trucks and has not been widely adopted beyond a single model. The following item identifies the production truck most closely associated with this feature.
- Chevrolet Avalanche (2002–2013) — The original and sole production pickup to offer a true midgate, enabling extended cargo length and a cab-to-bed pass-through. It shares many components with the Silverado but is marketed as a distinct model with the midgate system as a core feature.
As of today, no current mainstream pickup offers a true midgate in the same way the Avalanche did. Modern GM trucks focus on other cargo-management solutions, such as advanced tailgate designs, but these are not midgates.
How the midgate works
In the Avalanche, the midgate sits behind the rear seats and can be folded to connect the cabin to the bed, creating a longer, continuous cargo surface. Depending on configuration, the rear window could be opened or, in some setups, removed to facilitate a pass-through for long items. The feature was designed to maximize utility for items like extensions, ladders, or furniture while preserving a usable bed area for smaller loads.
Summary
The midgate is a niche, GM-era innovation most closely associated with the Chevrolet Avalanche. It remains the only production pickup to offer a true midgate, making it a unique chapter in truck design. Modern trucks offer other cargo-management features, but they do not replicate the midgate’s exact functionality.
