In 1896 the first truck was introduced to the world. It was made by a German automotive designer Gottieb Daimler. Since then, trucks have been seen as a tool to get a job done until recently. Trucks have changed from a tool to more of a luxury item in the automotive industry and features and amenities have reflected that. In older trucks you will find bench seats, manual windows, a radio. In today’s trucks it is become standard to see leather seats, entertainment centers, and premium audio systems. The only thing that has not changed over the past 123 years is the tailgate.

Ford was the first to introduce the world to a better tailgate in 2013 with the addition to a fold out step to enter the back of the truck. It was not until late 2018 did we see a war brewing. GMC had a tailgate to be released in the 2019 model year that would totally change the tailgate as we see it. With over six different configurations, the GMC Sierra’s new tailgate took the world by storm.

With the release of the new tailgate the other truck manufactures new that they could not compete with the old design anymore, so they set out to make their own. So begins the tailgate wars. Today Ford, GMC, Ram, and Honda are all releasing cutting edge tailgates that are changing how we see the truck all together.

Ford has improved on their previous step design by adding a support handle to assist with entering. Dodge has introduced a tailgate that has a 60, 40 split allowing it to be opened horizontally. Finally Honda has introduced a tailgate that opens normally and horizontally which does not seem to add any benefit. However what they have done is added a hidden cargo area in the bed with over 7 square feet of storage.

While Ford, GMC, and Dodge’s new designs are cutting edge and add increased features to their tailgates, I believe that Honda has won the first battle of the tailgate wars. With the way that trucks have went from work horses to everyday drivers the bed of a truck is almost obsolete to everyday people. Adding a waterproof cargo area in the back that allows for storage of everyday items but still allows the bed to be used if necessary was the best move for the changing market for trucks.