Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A New Take on TailgatingPickup trucks are built to be utilitarian, so automakers try to get creative. Rivian, for example, once offered an optional Camp Kitchen that could slide out of the R1T's Gear Tunnel. General Motors, meanwhile, is exploring a simpler creation: a seat built into the tailgate.First spotted byGM Authority, the patent application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 13, 2025, and published on July 16, 2026, under publication number US 2026/0200380 A1. For longtime pickup owners, this may sound a little absurd, given that tailgates have long been used as seats. What sets this design apart, however, is that it includes a backrest, armrests with cupholders, and even a footrest, providing a more complete seating experience.USPTOThe Price of Sitting PrettySure, that could make the tailgate more comfortable, especially during sporting events, concerts, picnics, camping trips, work breaks, and tailgate parties. However, it would likely add to the cost of GM trucks such as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Even if offered as an option, it could introduce more failure points and result in added repair costs when conventional tailgates may already suffice for most owners.AdvertisementAdvertisementTo use the tailgate seat, the tailgate must first be lowered before a hidden back panel is raised. As it rises, a folding support structure underneath unfolds and locks into place to keep it sturdy. Armrests fold outward from either side of the backrest, with each one providing a cupholder. Meanwhile, the footrest is deployed by rotating its base downward from a recess in the tailgate and folding the foot plate outward.The design also ensures that the backrest, armrests, and footrest fold flat with the tailgate, allowing cargo to slide into and out of the bed without getting caught.USPTONo Build Date AttachedAgain, this is only a patent application, which does not guarantee that production plans are in place. Automakers may file patent applications to protect ideas from competitors or potentially license the technology.With the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra already unveiled, built-in tailgate seating could appeal to certain buyers, particularly those who enjoy off-roading and camping. After all, interest in off-roading has grown in recent years, with Toyota even exploring using drones to help drivers navigate trails.General MotorsView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
+40 others
