GM Tailgate Seat Patent 2026: How the Fold-Out Backrest and Footrest Work

GM’s new patent adds a fold-out backrest, armrests and footrest to a pickup tailgate, turning it into a seat without removing any cargo capacity.

Author: Dmitry Novikov

05:22 22-07-2026

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General Motors wants to turn a pickup truck’s open tailgate into a place to sit — no removable chairs, no folding furniture. Patent application US20260200380 describes a built-in backrest, armrests with cup holders and a fold-out footrest. The document was published on July 16, 2026, though GM hasn’t announced any production use of the system.

In travel position, the backrest and armrests fold flat against the inner surface of the tailgate. That still lets owners load long items into the bed and slide them across the open platform. To use the seat, the driver releases a central latch, raises the backrest on its support structure and unfolds the armrests. The horizontal tailgate itself becomes the seat cushion for one or more people.

A separate footrest module extends from the lower part of the structure, so passengers won’t have to dangle their feet or brace them on the bumper. The patent covers not just pickups but also SUVs with a drop-down tailgate.

The idea fits the direction GM has been taking with its truck lineup. The Chevrolet Silverado already offers the multi-function Multi-Flex tailgate with a step, load stop and work surface. SPEEDME.RU recently reported how the Multi-Flex name carried over to the new Silverado’s reconfigurable center console. This new system could add a full rest mode to that list of work scenarios.

The most obvious candidates are the next generations of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra — both trucks are already moving closer to launch, though the filing doesn’t name specific models. The redesigned 2027 Silverado has already shown a substantially reworked body and interior, with SPEEDME.RU revealing its look from patent images even before the official debut.

The main limitation is cargo: the backrest and footrest only deploy when the rear edge of the bed is clear. The setup is also meant for a parked vehicle — it can’t be used to carry passengers on the move. For now, GM has only patented the design, not promised it as a buyer option.