Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The pickup truck game can be highly profitable, but it's also highly competitive, and automakers need ways to stand out if they want to be considered. Hyundai may have found a practical way to do that, with a new patent filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office revealing that the Korean company has reinvented the tailgate. The designs show a swing-out hinged tailgate different from any we've seen before, and this tailgate also has a new support arm that makes cables or hinges to support the panel effectively obsolete. Let's take a closer look.Hyundai's Flexible New Split TailgateUnited States Patent and Trademark OfficeWe've seen swing tailgates before, and the new Hyundai patent isn't very different at first glance. The tailgate neither falls flat nor opens like a normal swing gate, instead being hinged near the center to make loading or retrieving smaller items easier. What is new is the addition of a platform that folds down from inside the opened tailgate. On the same plane as the truck bed, this extends the available space for loading long items without having to open the entire tailgate, and because of how it locks into place, the tailgate could potentially be left open while driving. As noted by CarBuzz, neither Ford nor Ram's tailgate doors can do this, as they are not locked into place and can swing about when taking corners. The other benefit of this support structure is that heavier items can be placed on the tailgate, like people, with less risk of something bending or breaking under the load. Overall, it looks like a good idea, though the complexity of the design's catches and latches, as well as the sturdiness required for such a tailgate, will doubtless add some cost.Autoblog's TakeHyundaiThe patent images show this new tailgate design on a Santa Cruz pickup, but that vehicle is being put to pasture after failing to achieve the sales success of the Ford Maverick. Thus, it's likely that this new tailgate, if it does reach production, will be saved for a new type of truck that has bigger ambitions. Recent reports indicate that Hyundai wants a competitor to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, and offering a clever and practical tailgate solution on the brand's first mid-size pickup may help fence-sitters make the choice to take a chance on Hyundai. The new pickup, likely drawing design inspiration from the Boulder concept, is expected to arrive by late next year, so it'll be a while before we see if the new tailgate is implemented. Whether the mid-size truck is offered in America remains to be seen, but with rugged looks and clever considerations to practicality, it could have a real shot.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.