What year did Ford add the tailgate step?
Ford first added a factory-installed tailgate step in 2009, and the design was later expanded into a multi-function tailgate around the 2021 F-150 redesign. This article outlines what changed and when.
Origins and timeline
The tailgate step began as a practical feature to improve bed access, appearing on Ford pickups as an option in the late 2000s. Over time, Ford refined the concept, moving from a simple stepping aid to a more integrated cargo-management solution.
Timeline highlights:
- 2009: First factory-installed tailgate step option offered on F-Series trucks (including F-150 and Super Duty).
- 2010s: Availability continues across trims and through cargo-management packages or dealer-installed options on multiple Ford pickups.
- 2020–21: Ford introduces the Multi-Function Tailgate with an integrated tailgate step on the redesigned F-150, along with a flip-down work surface and other features.
In short, Ford's tailgate step began as a 2009 factory option and evolved into a more advanced, multi-function tailgate with the 2021 F-150 generation. Availability varied by model, trim, and market.
Model-specific notes
While 2009 marked the first factory tailgate step, some earlier models used aftermarket options or regional configurations. The most visible modernization in recent years is the multi-function tailgate on the F-150, which consolidates several cargo-access features into one design.
- Ford F-150: 2009 saw the first factory tailgate step option; the 2021 redesign brought the multi-function tailgate with an integrated step.
- Ford Super Duty (F-250/350): A similar pattern of early option availability in the 2009 era, with later alignment to newer cab/bed configurations.
These notes illustrate how the tailgate step has remained a practical access feature across Ford’s truck lineup, evolving with each generation.
Impact and significance
The tailgate step improves bed access for loading and unloading, influencing how buyers think about cargo management and overall truck usability. Ford’s evolution mirrors a broader industry trend toward multi-function tailgates in modern pickups.
Summary
Ford introduced the factory tailgate step in 2009 and later integrated it into a broader multi-function tailgate with the 2021 F-150, marking the major milestone in the feature’s evolution. Availability has varied by model and market, but the tailgate step remains a common convenience across Ford trucks.
