Nissan is cooking up something unusual at the back of its pickup trucks, or at least it could be if a new patent is any indication. It hints at a rethink of one of the most overlooked parts of any truck, the tailgate, and proves that there are still plenty of ways to innovate a vehicle without resorting to digital means.This patent recently uncovered by CarBuzz is for a Nissan multifunction tailgate, but it's not like anything we've seen before. If it reaches production, this idea could change how drivers load, carry, and interact with the bed. Nissan's Take On A Multi-Function Tailgate NissanThe patent, filed by Nissan North America in 2024 and published on April 23, outlines a split tailgate design built around two integrated panels that can move along guided rails. Rather than acting as a single drop-down gate, like on the current Nissan Frontier midsize pickup, the sections are supported by a roller system that allows controlled movement along a fixed path.In certain positions, the panels can be secured to support different loading scenarios, with the mechanism relying on a combination of rails, stops, and guided motion to keep everything aligned. The goal is to add flexibility to how the bed is accessed without requiring the entire tailgate to swing open.Nissan/WIPOIn practice, it could make hauling long or awkward cargo much less clumsy. Think lumber, ladders, or pipes sticking out the back while the rest of the bed stays closed to keep other cargo contained. But how does Nissan's approach compare to what Chevy and Ram are already offering?Automakers have been pushing tailgate design well beyond its traditional role, most notably with Chevrolet’s Multi-Flex tailgate on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram’s Multifunction tailgate on the Ram 1500. In Chevy’s case, the Multi-Flex system adds a six-way split design with load stops and a built-in step, while the Ram setup uses a two-piece split gate that can swing open like doors or fold down conventionally. Nissan’s approach moves away from folding panels altogether in favor of a guided track solution.Where Might We See It?NissanWhile patents are never a guarantee, there's no doubt that complex tailgates with innovative features are hot commodities among Detroit automakers right now. Nissan's designs offer a glimpse into possible directions, and we do know that Nissan is actively developing new pickup trucks for North America. Should the idea reach production, one of the most likely future products would be a next-generation Frontier, expected to ride on a new body-on-frame platform that will also underpin a family of rugged SUVs, including a modern Xterra, and a rumored next-generation Pathfinder that would be sold alongside the current unibody Pathfinder.In recent years, Nissan has also floated the idea of an electric lifestyle-oriented pickup, even showcasing concepts such as 2021's Surf-Out to explore more recreational, EV-focused truck use cases. However, shifts in leadership priorities and a cooling EV market appear to have slowed or pushed back those ambitions, leaving the timeline for a production electric truck uncertain.In short, there's plenty of motivation for Nissan to bring such a tailgate to market. And the Japanese brand certainly has a popular pickup on which to use it.Patent filings do not guarantee the use of such technology in future vehicles and are often used exclusively as a means of protecting intellectual property. Such a filing cannot be construed as confirmation of production intent.Source: US Patent & Trademark Office