5 Things You May Not Know About

Chevrolet trucks are famed for their robust towing and payload capacities, along with additional benefits like strong driving dynamics and sporty exterior designs. Yet there are some surprising facts about Chevy’s truck lineup—especially its latest models—that you might not be aware of. For instance, why are auto experts raving so much about the Multi-Flex tailgate on the Silverado? What exactly is this technology, and how does it impact the towing performance of a Chevy Silverado? Keep reading to discover 5 fascinating things you may not know about Chevrolet’s pickup trucks.

1. It’s Not Just Your Imagination—Chevy and GMC Are Similar

Have you ever noticed that some GMC trucks and SUVs look almost identical to Chevrolets, except for a different logo on the front? For example, many people can’t tell the GMC Sierra apart from the Chevrolet Silverado unless they check the logo or the name printed on the rear. The reason? GMC and Chevy vehicles are both made by the same company!

These two automotive brands aren’t separate entities—they’re divisions of General Motors (GM), a U.S.-based automaker that also produces Buick and Cadillac vehicles. So why create a distinction between them? Since GMC and Chevy models roll off the same factory lines, they share similar engines, powertrains, and body styles. However, their interiors and features are tailored differently: GM positions GMC to cater to the luxury end of the market.

That said, some vehicles belong exclusively to one brand. For example, sedans like the Chevy Cruze are unique to Chevrolet, while GMC focuses primarily on SUVs and trucks. Chevrolet is GM’s most popular brand, followed by GMC—which stands for General Motors Truck Company. One lingering question: why isn’t it called GMTC instead?

2. Chevy’s First Pickup Truck Was a Custom-Built Concept

Chevrolet’s first pickup truck dates all the way back to 1918. Known as the Model T (the “T” stood for Truck), this half-ton vehicle came with a 36-horsepower engine paired with a rolling chassis. Notably, Chevy didn’t manufacture the truck’s body—instead, customers had to source it from aftermarket suppliers or even build it themselves. Many owners of the 1918 Chevy Model T crafted bodies featuring a small front seat and a long, open bed (no enclosures or side doors, just a front windshield).

These early pickups were used for hauling cargo, quickly becoming popular commercial vehicles and essential tools for businesses that needed to deliver goods fast and safely. They also served as inspiration for the modern pickup truck we know today. The key difference? Today’s models are far less basic and are popular for both commercial use and personal ownership.

3. The 2021 Chevy Silverado Boasts Special Upgrades

The MultiPro tailgate—a groundbreaking payload feature once exclusive to the GMC Sierra—finally made its way to the 2021 Chevy Silverado. This exciting tailgate upgrade surprised Chevy truck fans, who had expected to wait until at least 2022 to get their hands on MultiPro technology. For its debut in Chevy trucks, MultiPro was rebranded as Multi-Flex—but it retains all the same features and benefits (aside from the usual cosmetic differences between GMC and Chevy).

When it first launched on select trims of the 2019 GMC Sierra, MultiPro tailgate technology caused a stir. Its “Swiss Army knife” design offered six adjustable configurations, each with unique productivity and safety advantages. First, there’s the classic up-and-down tailgate movement—improved to operate more slowly and smoothly, so it no longer slams shut when you unlatch it. Additionally, the tailgate includes two fold-out load stops, which help secure oversized cargo that might otherwise slide out the back.

You can even reconfigure the entire tailgate into practical setups like a step ladder, footrest, chair, stairway, workbench, or shelf. This versatility is made possible by multiple built-in specialty hinges, along with a mixed-material construction (carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, plastic, and glass fiber composite). Better yet, the tailgate can be controlled electronically or manually, allowing you to lock and unlock it remotely.

4. Multi-Flex Gets a Chevy-Specific Touch

This six-function, electronically operated tailgate is a game-changer for the truck industry—and starting in 2021, loyal Chevy truck drivers gained access to this technology. While Multi-Flex received minor cosmetic tweaks for the new Chevy Silverado, it comes standard on all 8 Silverado trims: from the entry-level Work Truck to the ultra-luxurious High Country. Optional features for Multi-Flex may also include weatherproof built-in speakers, and Chevy’s 15-camera system lets you monitor the truck bed, tailgate, and surrounding area right from the cabin.

The GMC Sierra’s MultiPro tailgate is widely regarded as the best truck tailgate on the market—and the revamped version for the 2021 Silverado now offers that same capability. This is a welcome addition to the Silverado, which was already ranked among the top all-around pickup trucks thanks to its balanced mix of strong driving performance, impressive towing and payload capacities, good fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing. Now, with the most advanced tailgate around, it’s even better suited for outdoor adventures, work tasks, or road trips.

5. Tailor Your Chevy Truck to Your Needs

Many car buyers overlook pickup trucks for various reasons: maybe they think trucks are inefficient, or they believe a midsize SUV is better for off-roading, or they prefer a luxury sedan and see trucks as “rough and rural.” But Chevy’s truck lineup is far more versatile than you might think—in fact, it’s one of the most versatile truck lineups available.

Chevy offers three trucks: the Colorado, the Silverado, and the Silverado HD. Each model comes with multiple trim levels and optional features, letting you customize your pickup to match your specific needs. So what do you want from your new vehicle? Depending on the engine choice, the Silverado 1500 can deliver highly competitive fuel efficiency: up to 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

Need plenty of storage? Pickups are an obvious choice for hauling and storage, but the Silverado HD stands out with the largest bed, roomiest cabin, and most innovative interior storage in Chevy’s lineup. Craving an off-road-ready vehicle? The Chevy Colorado ZR2 has you covered, with features like a fully boxed frame, 4-wheel disc brakes, Multimatic shocks, front and rear electronic locking differentials, skid plates, and multiple terrain driving modes—perfect for adventurous off-road experiences.

Want a luxury feel? The Silverado 1500 High Country trim delivers, with a premium sound system, quiet cabin, leather upholstery, top-tier infotainment system, advanced safety package, and other luxury features that rival leading international automakers. And every Chevy truck offers exceptional driving performance, including robust power, responsive handling, and strong acceleration. In short, there’s a Chevy pickup for everyone.

5 Things You May Not Know About

1. It’s Not Just Your Imagination—Chevy and GMC Are Similar

2. Chevy’s First Pickup Truck Was a Custom-Built Concept

3. The 2021 Chevy Silverado Boasts Special Upgrades

4. Multi-Flex Gets a Chevy-Specific Touch

5. Tailor Your Chevy Truck to Your Needs

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