These Are the Only SUVs with Split Tailgates Left in America

A Thinning Crowd

It wasn't that long ago when you had several options for an SUV with a split tailgate. It's a pretty clever bit of kit to have in such vehicles, as it provides great access in tight spaces, prevents things from rolling out the back when you open the top half of the tailgate, and let's not forget that it makes for a great hangout spot with instant seats.

However, the split-tailgate SUV is a dying breed. The Volvo XC90 lost it in the second generation, while the Land Rover Discovery swapped its split tailgate for an odd, asymmetrical one-piece tailgate. Also switching to a one-piece unit was the full-size Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX, and most recently, the BMW X5 went for a more conventional opening.

So, what's left? Here are the five remaining SUVs with split tailgates left in America.

Ford Expedition

We start with the most affordable model on this list: the Ford Expedition, with a base price of $63,600. If you prefer the stretched Expedition Max, that one starts at $66,600. Opting for the four-wheel-drive models does mean a couple of thousand more, but this is still the least expensive split-tailgate-equipped SUV on the market today by a long shot.

The Expedition traditionally came with a pop-out glass hatch, which was something it had from the start. Now, Ford's official reason for going for the split is so, in its words, to combine "the best of a traditional SUV liftgate with the cargo management of a pickup truck tailgate."

BMW X7

Next on the list is the BMW X7, coming in with a base price of $87,500. Now that the X5 comes with a one-piece unit, the X7 is the only BMW you can buy with a split tailgate. We'll miss the one in the X5, but at least its bigger brother still has it, at least for now.

Truth be told, we're not too confident that the next-generation model will retain it, given that BMW has been simplifying its tailgates recently. It started with the 5 Series Touring, which dropped the pop-out glass hatch, and was followed by the X5. We're still crossing our fingers, though, but we're not too hopeful.

Lincoln Navigator

And we're back with the Ford Motor Company, but this time it's Lincoln we're talking about. Like the Expedition, the redesigned Navigator (starting at $89,995) adapted the same tailgate layout. Now, Lincoln didn't give an exact reason why it turned the Navigator into an SUV with a split tailgate, but it's likely for the sake of parts commonality with its Ford counterpart.

Lincoln also decided to give its tailgate a name of its own. Simply dubbed Splitgate, it does exactly the same thing as the Expedition, but presumably in a fancier way.

Land Rover Range Rover

Now we get to the Range Rover, the 'SUV with split tailgate' trendsetter. Yes, the original model from 1970 was the first ever 4x4 to come with that design, and it's something it's kept for the last 56 years. The current model, carrying a base price of $113,300, even comes with an interesting option to elevate the split tailgate experience.

Called the Tailgate Event Suite, it adds an integrated partition, cushions, and built-in tailgate lighting. If that's not enough, it also throws in a Meridian sound system and even climate control settings to make that tailgating experience that bit more comfortable. As the model that started it all, we highly doubt the Range Rover will ever lose that signature feature. And if Land Rover even thinks about dropping it, it would be a good time to fire off a well-reasoned e-mail explaining why it should never go away.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

At over $400,000, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan isn't just the most expensive SUV with a split tailgate; it's also the priciest SUV anyone can buy in America right now, full stop. Of course, you'll want all the bells and whistles if you're paying that much for a luxury high-rider, and its tailgating experience makes the Range Rover's look decidedly middle-class.

Opt for the Viewing Suite, and you get a pair of leather-trimmed seats that slide from under the cargo floor, supported by the lower half of the tailgate. But this is Rolls-Royce we're talking about, so a mini-table is included as well.

Why are Split Tailgates Disappearing?

Manufacturers cite various reasons for replacing split tailgates with single-piece units. But the most logical explanation for that would be cost and complexity. You'll need double the parts to build one of these, from hinges and struts to motors for power-operated ones, which, in this case, are all of the models mentioned here. At least Ford and Lincoln bucked the trend by actually adding it to their full-size SUVs.

So, are there still SUV tailgate designs that break the norm? Well, yes, as there are still a good number of these with pop-out glass hatches. But if it's something really unique you want, the 4Runner's roll-down tailgate window still takes the cake, and we're glad Toyota doesn't seem to have plans to axe it.

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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM.