Using the Silverado EV Multi-Flex Midgate

Among the lessons Chevrolet has learned over its years of making SUVs is that the rear seat is not always fully occupied, and when it’s not, that space can be used for cargo. It’s a common feature in SUVs but almost unheard of in pickup trucks. Yet at Barry’s Chevrolet, you will find this capability in the Silverado EV with the Multi-flex Midgate. This is how it works.

Those familiar with Chevrolet truck history will recognize this as a feature on the Avalanche, which was produced from 2001 to 2013. The conventional Silverado and Colorado pickup trucks have separate cabs and beds, which prevents such an arrangement. But the Silverado EV’s platform, like the Avalanche’s, combines the cab and bed, making the Multi-flex Midgate possible. It can extend the bed length from 5’11” to just over 9 feet, or almost 11 feet if you lower the Multi-Flex Tailgate and have the load-stop in place.

The newer design provides additional flexibility with a 60/40 split. Thus, you can have one passenger in the rear seat and still maximize cargo space by lowering the “60” section of the Midgate. Or, if you have no rear passengers, you can lower the entire Midgate. You can’t lower the smaller “40” portion of the Midgate alone.

Adjusting the Multi-Flex Midgate must be done when the vehicle is stationary. It must be in park, with the doors unlocked. Follow these steps to lower the Midgate:

1. Secure the second-row seat belt buckles into the opening slot in the C-pillar trim.
2. Flip the rear seat cushions forward. Any items stored in this part of the cabin can be transferred to the frunk storage space under the hood.
3. Fold the rear seatbacks forward and flip the headrests forward to allow the seatback to fold behind the seat cushions. The front seats may need to be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to fold completely.
4. Push the button behind the “60” seat section (driver’s side) and lower the Midgate by hand so it does not fall forward. It will be heavy and will require some effort to lift and close. Press the button on the inside of the Midgate once quickly to lower the “60” section of the Midgate. Pressing it longer will lower the entire Midgate.
5. If the large door is already open, press either button again to open the smaller door.

This will extend your bed to almost nine feet below the rear window. You can also open the entire rear cabin for cargo by first removing the rear window. To do this:

1. Ensure both sides of the Midgate are in the closed position and that the rear window defroster is turned off.
2. Pull down the two glass release levers above the rear window. The top of the ear window will tip forward.
3. Press the release button and lift the glass out.
4. Slide the glass into the protective storage pocket built into the Midgate.
5. Press and hold the Midgate button to lower both Midgate sections together.

To return the Midgate to its former position, simply:

1. Raise the Midgate until it latches into place
2. If it was removed, remove the window from its pocket, return it to its former position, and make sure the window latches are in the up position.
3. Return the seatbacks and seat cushions to their former position and release the seatbelts from the slot in the pillar trim.

Visit Barry’s Chevrolet and try the Silverado EV Multi-flex Midgate for yourself.

Between the multi-flex Midgate, tailgate, and frunk, you will likely find the Silverado EV to be the most useful pickup truck you have ever owned.