Why Split Tailgate for R1S?

[TeslaR1S]

Why did Rivian decide on a split tailgate instead of one opening hatch? What are the pros? I may be the minority, but I would prefer one full hatch instead of the split design. Please enlighten me why the split hatch is better.

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[SANZC02]

Why did Rivian decide on a split tailgate instead of one opening hatch? What are the pros? I may be the minority, but I would prefer one full hatch instead of the split design. Please enlighten me why the split hatch is better.

Some high end vehicles have the split tailgate, certainly would have been cheaper to do a single door.

There are 3 things that are an advantage, makes for a better seat as it extends past the bumper, opening the top will not let things fall out if rolling around loose, not uncommon after grocery shopping, the lift gate is shorter so needs less room behind the vehicle to open.

I would have been fine either way.

 

[SoCal Rob]

There’s a discussion here https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/r1s-split-hatch-tailgate.3061/

 

[Killer95Stang]

If you ever had a wine bottle, spaghetti sauce jar or watermelon hit the ground, you would appreciate it. We went from a Ford Flex to the R1S and constantly had things fall out of the back when the door went up. Tailgate split door also extends the back a little and makes a nice bench to sit on.

 

[AxelR]

Love the split tailgate.
Reminds me of LR and LC.
Surprisingly, they make for a nice bench for romantic picnics or having a drink with a friend while off-roading.

 

[Tony R1S]

Coming from a mini-van, I actuall like the split tail-gate design overall. I don't have to step as far back to avoid getting wacked when it's opening/closing. It does make it harder to reach in when bottom gate is open, but it's a minor issue. And leaving the top part open to air out the cabin doesn't feel as exposed as the full tailgate. I have the cargo/tonneau cover (which is awesome by the way).

 

[KeithPleas]

Coming from a GX470 (which I still have), I love the split design over a single swing out. Parallel parking along street at the park where I typically take my dog I'm less concerned about someone parking close to my rear and making it awkward / impossible to open the door. Similar point in a crowded parking lot - intrudes less into the driving area. I am also constantly using the remote to open hatch (and trunk) and that would be more challenging with a single door.

Also, I haven't done this yet -but if I had to carry a 12' piece of lumber (without the rack) I could do that with the split hatch (per others you get a warning and you can't use driver+).

 

[emoore]

If you ever had a wine bottle, spaghetti sauce jar or watermelon hit the ground, you would appreciate it. We went from a Ford Flex to the R1S and constantly had things fall out of the back when the door went up. Tailgate split door also extends the back a little and makes a nice bench to sit on.

Bingo. I wish my wife's Highlander had a split tailgate. Broken quite a few things that roll out being parked on my slanted garage.

 

[Count Orlok]

because it is sexy.

 

[Zoidz]

I've had Suburbans & trucks with the fold down tailgate and I have had two personal use company owned Ford Explorers with the traditional full hatch. Greatly prefer the tailgate over the full hatch. As others said, #1 reason is that stuff does not fall/roll out.

 

[SoCal Rob]

Some high end vehicles have the split tailgate, certainly would have been cheaper to do a single door.

There are 3 things that are an advantage, makes for a better seat as it extends past the bumper, opening the top will not let things fall out if rolling around loose, not uncommon after grocery shopping, the lift gate is shorter so needs less room behind the vehicle to open.

I would have been fine either way.

Regarding being a better seat, it is nice to be able to sit on the tailgate and have your legs kept away from a wet, dirty/dusty, or muddy bumper.

edit: In case people were wondering WHY extending past the bumper is a good thing. Fixed a typo in my edit.

 

[HeyEllwood]

I have a Model Y and this is one thing I am looking for the most in the R1S. My driveway is on a slight incline and there have been countless times where things just roll out and either break or get scratched etc..good lord.

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