5 Trucks With Integrated Tailgate Steps And 5 Without Aids

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Ford F 150
Ford F 150

The humble tailgate, once just a flat slab of metal at the back of a pickup truck, has become one of the most ingeniously engineered components in modern truck design. Today’s pickups are no longer just raw workhorses—they’re mobile workstations, recreational platforms, and everyday commuter vehicles rolled into one.

As their utility expands, so too does the need for ergonomic, accessible features. Among the most underappreciated yet crucial innovations in this area is the integrated tailgate step system, a simple solution to a pervasive problem: how do you safely and comfortably access a truck bed that can be nearly four feet off the ground?

It may sound trivial at first glance, but frequent bed access is a fundamental part of truck ownership. Whether you’re a construction worker hauling materials, a weekend warrior loading camping gear, or simply someone trying to retrieve groceries, climbing in and out of the truck bed can be a serious challenge, especially when the vehicle is lifted, off-road tuned, or fully loaded.

Without some sort of aid, the process often involves awkward climbs, knee strain, or even the risk of slipping and injury. This is particularly problematic in adverse weather conditions or uneven jobsite terrain. For older users or those with limited mobility, it’s more than inconvenient—it’s inaccessible.

Recognizing this, manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and even Honda have responded with clever tailgate solutions: retractable steps, multi-panel gates, drop-down workbenches, and even integrated grab handles.

These aren’t just gimmicks—they provide real, daily utility and transform the bed from a mere cargo area into a genuinely usable space. A good tailgate step saves time, reduces physical effort, and minimizes risk, all while enhancing the truck’s overall versatility.

However, not all manufacturers have embraced this shift. Some trucks still lack any form of integrated bed access aid, relying instead on rudimentary bumper footholds or offering nothing at all.

In some cases, these trucks are otherwise packed with features: powerful engines, plush interiors, and advanced infotainment. But when it comes to getting into bed, they fall short. It’s a puzzling oversight that becomes especially noticeable when users need to access the bed repeatedly throughout the day.

In this article, we explore five trucks that have embraced tailgate step innovation and contrast them with five that continue to omit these practical features. Each example is analyzed through the lens of real-world utility, detailing how its tailgate design either helps or hinders daily usability.

This isn’t just a tech comparison—it’s a practical guide for those who use their trucks as tools, who care about comfort, efficiency, and long-term ergonomics.

The trucks featured with integrated tailgate steps—such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra—demonstrate how thoughtful engineering can elevate an everyday feature into something transformative. On the other hand, models like the older Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and Jeep Gladiator reveal how even strong, capable trucks can falter in small but significant ways.

Ultimately, tailgate step design reflects a broader trend in automotive engineering: human-centered thinking. Trucks are no longer just machines for hauling—they’re multifunctional platforms where form must follow function.

As trucks grow taller and more tech-savvy, owners expect access to be not only possible but comfortable and safe. Whether you’re stepping in to grab a wrench or just reaching for a cooler, the question is the same: how easily can you get in and out?

This article offers a detailed look at the best—and worst—examples of tailgate accessibility. For buyers evaluating their next truck, or current owners considering upgrades, this guide is a must-read. Because when it comes to trucks, every inch—and every step—matters.

Also Read: 5 Legendary V6 Engines That Refuse To Die and 5 That Self-Destruct

5 Trucks with Integrated Tailgate Steps

Ford F-150 (2024)
Ford F-150

1. Ford F-150 – The Benchmark for Tailgate Step Integration

The Ford F-150 stands as one of the most influential pickup trucks on the market, and it’s no surprise that it also offers one of the best-engineered tailgate step systems. Ford introduced its integrated Tailgate Step with Assist Handle years ago, pioneering the concept of step-in access directly embedded within the tailgate.

This system has evolved and improved over time, now seamlessly folding out from the tailgate’s top edge when it is open. With the push of a button and a gentle pull, a sturdy step drops down, accompanied by a retractable pole that locks upright to provide extra support while climbing in or out of the bed.

What makes Ford’s system so appealing is its blend of rugged durability and user-friendliness. Unlike improvised methods like standing on the bumper or rear tire, the integrated step offers a firm, low-height platform to step on, which is especially useful when the bed is loaded with cargo or you’re towing a trailer and can’t access the hitch area.

The grab handle further boosts accessibility, particularly for older users, shorter drivers, or those carrying heavy tools or materials into the bed. Ford’s tailgate step system is widely available, even on mid-tier trims like the XLT, and becomes a standard or optional feature on most trims up to the Platinum and Raptor editions.

It’s designed with working people in mind—those who haul gear daily, use their truck as a mobile worksite, or simply want safer, easier bed access. The mechanism is well-built and tested to support hundreds of pounds, reflecting Ford’s attention to detail in usability and safety.

Moreover, the F-150’s step system can be deployed even when the truck is on uneven terrain, thanks to its self-leveling feature and robust mounting points. It also works well in snow, rain, or dirt, and is easy to clean.

While some competing trucks have added similar systems, Ford’s tailgate step remains an industry favorite for good reason—it’s functional, intuitive, and thoughtfully designed for real-world use.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – Versatile with the Multi-Flex Tailgate

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes a different but equally innovative approach with its Multi-Flex Tailgate, a six-function modular system that transforms the rear gate into a multitool.

Among its features is a fold-down inner gate panel that converts into a full-width step, providing easy access to the bed. Unlike Ford’s telescoping mechanism, the Silverado’s solution is built into a dual-panel structure that gives it added versatility—besides functioning as a step, it also acts as a workstation, load stop, or platform for intermediate bed access.

This tailgate system is especially useful for workers who need their truck to serve multiple purposes throughout the day. Whether you’re a contractor unloading tools, a camper packing up gear, or a weekend DIYer hauling lumber, the ability to switch between tailgate modes quickly adds serious convenience.

The step itself is wide, solid, and low enough to provide comfortable access for all heights. The Silverado also includes an optional assist handle mounted in the bed, giving users added support when stepping in.

The Multi-Flex Tailgate is available across a wide range of trims, including LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country models. It’s an optional feature, but one that’s increasingly included in many builds due to its popularity and practical value. Beyond its functionality as a step, it’s the kind of tailgate that encourages creative use cases. You can even sit on it, tailgate-style, without worrying about stress or stability.

Chevrolet’s implementation is also built with strength in mind. It supports hundreds of pounds of weight and is designed to endure harsh environments like construction sites, off-road adventures, and rough loading docks.

This durability, combined with the tailgate’s flexibility, makes the Silverado a top contender for those who want more than just a flat tailgate—it’s a multi-role solution for those who live and work out of their trucks.

GMC Sierra 1500
GMC Sierra 1500

3. GMC Sierra 1500 – Premium Execution of MultiPro Tailgate

The GMC Sierra 1500 shares its engineering platform with the Silverado but brings an elevated level of execution to the MultiPro Tailgate, which it introduced to much acclaim. This premium six-function tailgate system includes a step assist feature that is very similar to the Silverado’s, but the Sierra presents it with a more refined fit and finish.

On higher trims such as the SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate, the MultiPro Tailgate comes standard or is widely available, and often includes a retractable handle to assist entry into the bed.

The step function unfolds by lowering the inner tailgate panel, followed by the secondary step panel. Once deployed, it creates a large, stable step area capable of supporting up to 375 pounds.

Combined with the corner bed step on the bumper, this system provides multi-angle access into the bed, making it ideal for loading awkward gear, walking in with two hands full, or maintaining safe footing during inclement weather.

What sets the Sierra apart is its additional attention to usability and craftsmanship. The step mechanism is smoother and quieter in operation than on some competitors, and it includes built-in sensors that notify users if the tailgate is partially open while driving.

It’s one of the few tailgate systems that feels engineered as part of the entire truck experience, rather than an afterthought. There’s even an available Kicker audio system built into the tailgate for tailgating parties or jobsite entertainment.

For buyers seeking a pickup that blends work-site practicality with premium comfort, the Sierra’s MultiPro Tailgate is hard to beat. It offers all the rugged utility of the Silverado with a refined, tech-savvy presentation.

Whether you’re climbing into the bed to grab tools or entertaining friends at a campsite, the Sierra’s step and tailgate setup delivers flexibility and style in equal measure.

Ram 1500
Ram 1500

4. Ram 1500 – Split Tailgate and Mopar Bed Step Combo

The Ram 1500 offers a unique answer to the tailgate step challenge through its Multi-Function Tailgate and Mopar Bed Step system. The split 60/40 tailgate design can swing open like barn doors or drop down like a traditional tailgate.

While the system doesn’t have a built-in step inside the gate like Ford or GM, the optional retractable Mopar step—mounted under the rear bumper—makes climbing into the bed easy when paired with the swing-gate access.

The barn-door functionality of the Multi-Function Tailgate opens up the rear of the truck in a way that eliminates the need to lean over or crawl on the gate when accessing the bed.

Instead, one can walk up to the edge of the bed and simply step on the bumper or the deployable step. This configuration is especially helpful for people who frequently load heavy tools or supplies and want a safer, more ergonomic option.

The Mopar step, while not integrated into the tailgate per se, is a factory-designed add-on that deploys quickly with a foot tap. It’s constructed with solid steel supports and rubber treads to maintain grip in wet conditions. Though smaller than Ford’s or GM’s systems, it offers a practical boost for everyday bed access, especially for families or older users.

While this solution may not be as advanced as a full-blown tailgate step, it gives Ram owners something highly functional, especially when used in combination.

The split-gate design reduces strain on the back, while the deployable step minimizes the effort required to climb up. This dual-approach may lack the elegance of Ford’s system or the modularity of GM’s, but it still provides practical value and enhances the utility of one of the most comfortable trucks on the market.

Honda Ridgeline 
Honda Ridgeline

5. Honda Ridgeline – Clever Accessibility via Dual-Action Tailgate

While the Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have a tailgate step in the traditional sense, its Dual-Action Tailgate and lower ride height offer superior accessibility without the need for additional step aids.

The tailgate can be opened down like a conventional pickup or swung open sideways, barn-door style. This swing function brings users right up to the bed floor without needing to lean or climb over an open tailgate.

Thanks to its unibody construction, the Ridgeline also rides significantly lower than body-on-frame full-size trucks. This means stepping into the bed doesn’t require climbing high or stretching awkwardly.

For many buyers—especially older users or those who don’t need heavy towing capacity—the Ridgeline’s layout is ideal for simple bed access without compromising safety or comfort.

Moreover, Honda designed the Ridgeline with a work-friendly focus. The bed includes a lockable in-bed trunk, perfect for storing gear out of the elements, and the tailgate design ensures easy loading and unloading of heavy or bulky items.

For many urban or suburban drivers, this setup offers all the utility they need, without the complications of larger tailgates or bolt-on step systems. In essence, Honda’s approach is more about avoiding the problem rather than solving it with complexity.

The Ridgeline’s design negates the need for an integrated step by making the entire rear area inherently more accessible. It’s a smart, subtle engineering solution that provides function through design rather than mechanical parts.

5 Trucks Without Integrated Tailgate Step Aids

Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra

1. Toyota Tundra (Pre-2022 Models) – Workhorse Without the Lift Assist

The Toyota Tundra, particularly models before the 2022 redesign, was known for its durable and no-nonsense approach to pickup truck design. While it earned a reputation for reliability, one area where it lagged behind competitors was in rear bed accessibility.

These older Tundra models did not offer any form of integrated tailgate step or deployable rear access mechanism. Users were often forced to rely on the rear bumper or tire as makeshift footholds, which, while somewhat functional, are far from ideal, especially for shorter or older users.

This absence becomes more noticeable in real-world scenarios. For example, when the bed is fully loaded or you’re towing a trailer, the height of the tailgate can pose a significant challenge.

Add in heavy tools, slippery boots, or bad weather, and suddenly climbing up becomes not only inconvenient but potentially dangerous. For tradespeople or DIYers frequently loading and unloading gear, the strain from constantly pulling themselves into the bed without a step can take a toll on knees and backs over time.

Toyota’s minimalist design choice was likely intended to keep costs and mechanical complexity down, but it came at the expense of ergonomics. In comparison to Ford’s tailgate step or GM’s Multi-Flex system, the Tundra’s lack of any step or even a deployable grab handle made it feel dated by modern standards.

While aftermarket steps exist, their installation requires additional cost, labor, and often doesn’t integrate seamlessly with the truck’s aesthetics or functionality.

Thankfully, Toyota began addressing this issue with the 2022 redesign, which brought a more modern bed and tailgate setup. However, for those still driving or shopping for pre-2022 Tundra models, the lack of an integrated tailgate step remains a notable omission that affects the daily practicality of an otherwise strong and dependable truck.

Nissan Titan
Nissan Titan

2. Nissan Titan – Big Power, Little Tailgate Help

The Nissan Titan is a truck that emphasizes brute strength and simplicity, with a robust V8 engine and solid towing capacity. However, it falls short when it comes to ease of access to the truck bed, particularly due to the absence of a factory-installed integrated tailgate step.

Like the Tundra, the Titan leans heavily into its rugged persona but neglects the ergonomic needs of users who must frequently climb into and out of the bed. While certain Titan trims and dealer-installed packages offer a retractable rear bumper step, this is not standard across the board, and critically, it is not integrated into the tailgate itself.

That means most users are left to use the tailgate like a climbable wall—awkward, high, and uncomfortable. The lack of a grab handle or drop-down step increases the risk of falls or injuries, especially for those carrying tools, cargo, or working in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

This oversight is particularly surprising considering Nissan’s push to market the Titan as a versatile competitor to American full-size trucks. In fleet and commercial use, workers may need to enter the bed dozens of times per day, making the omission of a step more than just a mild inconvenience—it becomes a major ergonomic flaw. The tall stance and relatively high tailgate further complicate access, especially when aftermarket lift kits are involved.

Given that the Titan already trails in sales compared to the Big Three, its lack of integrated tailgate access aids could be one more factor making buyers choose Ford, Chevy, or Ram. While durable and powerful, the Titan’s tailgate experience feels like a missed opportunity to align functionality with strength, something increasingly important to both work truck users and casual owners alike.

2015 Dodge Ram 2500
2015 Dodge Ram 2500

3. Ram 2500/3500 – Heavy-Duty Strength Without a Helping Step

The Ram 2500 and 3500 series trucks are engineered for serious work—think towing horse trailers, hauling fifth wheels, and carrying massive payloads. However, despite their impressive capabilities, these heavy-duty pickups are notably lacking in standard bed-access solutions.

Most trims do not come equipped with an integrated tailgate step, and while a Mopar retractable step exists as an optional accessory, it is rarely included by default on dealership builds. This results in a surprisingly cumbersome bed access experience for trucks designed to do the heaviest lifting.

These trucks ride significantly higher than their half-ton counterparts. The gap from the ground to the tailgate is substantial—even taller adults often struggle to hoist themselves up.

This problem becomes even more pronounced when the truck is lifted or loaded, or when trying to navigate in winter gear or work boots. Given that Ram trucks are often used in agriculture, construction, and similar environments, this kind of limitation can genuinely impact productivity and safety on the job.

Even with available running boards or bumper footholds, there’s a disconnect between the truck’s rugged utility and its user accessibility. The Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks excel in comfort inside the cabin, offering plush interiors and state-of-the-art tech.

Yet, when it comes to basic tasks like grabbing a tool chest from the bed or unloading equipment, the lack of step aid stands out in stark contrast to the truck’s otherwise thoughtful design.

If Ram were to integrate a folding step directly into the tailgate or even make the optional bed step standard, it could go a long way toward matching the competition. Until then, buyers of these trucks should be prepared to either install aftermarket solutions or get used to the physical exertion of climbing unassisted into a very tall bed.

Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet Colorado

4. Chevrolet Colorado (Pre-2023 Models) – Mid-Size but Misses the Mark

One might expect mid-size pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado to sidestep the step-access issue due to their smaller stature. However, even these trucks can pose challenges when accessing the bed, especially the ZR2 and off-road variants with elevated suspension.

The pre-2023 Colorado models do not feature any integrated tailgate step, and while they benefit from GM’s CornerStep bumper cutouts, these are not a full substitute for a true, fold-down tailgate step system.

The CornerStep is certainly better than nothing—it offers a bit of extra footing on the rear bumper, allowing users to reach into the bed with more stability. But it lacks the depth and low ground clearance of a true step mechanism.

When loading heavier objects or trying to climb into the bed entirely, especially from the rear instead of the side, the bumper step alone is insufficient. Users often find themselves balancing awkwardly, particularly when the truck is on uneven terrain or if they’re in a rush.

Given Colorado’s aim to serve both as a lifestyle and work truck, this lack of a full-fledged tailgate access aid seems like a missed opportunity. The truck has otherwise been praised for its maneuverability, respectable towing capacity, and off-road chops. However, bed usability—especially for frequent cargo haulers—is hampered by the absence of more intuitive access solutions.

Fortunately, the 2023 redesign of the Colorado has started to address these issues, adding new features and possibly offering more functional access solutions. But for those owning or considering a pre-2023 model, it’s worth noting that integrated tailgate step aids are absent, making aftermarket steps or careful bumper maneuvering your only options.

Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator

5. Jeep Gladiator – Off-Road Champion, Bed Entry Afterthought

The Jeep Gladiator has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most capable off-road pickups on the market, combining Jeep’s trail-busting DNA with the practicality of a truck bed.

However, while the Gladiator excels in rugged terrain, it falls short in an everyday usability category: tailgate access aids. The Gladiator offers no built-in tailgate step, bumper cutout, or even factory-deployed bed steps, leaving users to improvise when climbing into the bed.

This shortcoming becomes more significant when considering the Gladiator’s lifted ride height and aggressive off-road stance. The Rubicon and Mojave trims, in particular, are equipped with high-clearance bumpers, large tires, and off-road suspension systems that raise the truck substantially off the ground.

This setup, while amazing on trails, makes the tailgate feel like a small wall when you’re trying to climb up into the bed. Getting in and out becomes an awkward ordeal, especially for people loading coolers, gear, or camping equipment after a long day outdoors.

In a vehicle so thoughtfully engineered for adventure, the absence of a tailgate step feels like a blind spot in Jeep’s otherwise intentional design ethos.

Owners often turn to aftermarket solutions such as strap-on tailgate ladders or bolt-on rear steps to solve the issue. However, these accessories can interfere with off-road clearance and aesthetics, and may not integrate smoothly with the Gladiator’s rugged image.

Ultimately, the Jeep Gladiator is a fantastic machine for tackling rocks, rivers, and trails, but when it comes to something as basic as bed access in a parking lot or driveway, it leaves owners fending for themselves. For a truck that encourages exploration and gear-hauling, the lack of an integrated tailgate step is an odd omission that impacts everyday practicality.

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After examining ten of the most well-known trucks on the market—five equipped with integrated tailgate step systems and five that omit such features—it’s clear that the devil is in the details.

A truck might boast class-leading torque, cutting-edge driver assistance, or luxurious interiors, but if it lacks easy and safe access to the bed, that functionality is fundamentally compromised. Whether used for work or play, bed access is non-negotiable for any truck owner, and it’s a feature that often gets overlooked until it’s missed.

The trucks that stand out—like the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra—do so not just because of sheer innovation but because they embrace user-first design. Their tailgate step systems, whether in the form of pull-out ladders or modular multi-gates, solve real-world problems.

These systems reduce strain on the body, improve loading efficiency, and make truck ownership more inclusive, allowing users of all ages and physical capabilities to interact with their vehicles more comfortably. Even Honda, with the Ridgeline’s unique dual-action tailgate and lower ride height, proves that smart design can sometimes negate the need for added mechanics.

Meanwhile, the trucks that lack these features tell another story—one of missed opportunity. Vehicles like the Nissan Titan and Ram HD lineup are certainly built to tow and haul with the best of them, but in ignoring the small moments—like that final climb into the bed—they show a gap in overall design philosophy.

It’s not enough to build a truck that pulls 10,000 pounds or blasts through rocky trails; it has to serve its owner in the mundane, daily tasks as well. And that’s exactly where trucks without tailgate steps falter. They might check the big boxes, but they leave users struggling with the small, frequent motions that make up day-to-day use.

In commercial settings, the absence of a tailgate step can also lead to more than just inconvenience—it can increase the risk of injuries or lost time due to physical strain.

In personal or recreational contexts, it simply diminishes the joy of using a truck that’s supposed to offer convenience and capability. It forces owners to seek aftermarket solutions, which often lack the stability, durability, and design integration of factory-built systems.

What this all reveals is a larger truth: trucks are evolving, and features once considered “nice-to-have” are quickly becoming essential. The integrated tailgate step, once seen as a luxury or a gimmick, is now a vital piece of ergonomic engineering.

As truck buyers grow more diverse—encompassing not just contractors and ranchers, but suburban families, older adults, and adventure seekers—the demand for comfort, usability, and safety grows in parallel.

For prospective buyers, this means paying closer attention to tailgate design in your decision-making process. Consider how often you’ll access the bed, what you’ll be carrying, and whether your body can keep up with the demands of a step-less gate five years from now.

For manufacturers, it means continuing to innovate in the details. Trucks aren’t just about brute strength—they’re about smart solutions to everyday problems.

The best trucks are those that work with you, not against you. And something as deceptively simple as a tailgate step can make all the difference. Because when the workday is long and the load is heavy, every step counts.

Alex

By Alex

Alex Harper is a seasoned automotive journalist with a sharp eye for performance, design, and innovation. At Dax Street, Alex breaks down the latest car releases, industry trends, and behind-the-wheel experiences with clarity and depth. Whether it's muscle cars, EVs, or supercharged trucks, Alex knows what makes engines roar and readers care.

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