13:39 22-02-2026

Nissan patents new SUV tailgate with dual-linkage mechanism

Nissan has patented a dual-linkage SUV tailgate that lifts vertically and folds onto the roof, minimizing rear extension for tight parking. Learn about its advantages and limitations.

Nissan has proposed an unconventional solution for one of the most familiar SUV features: the tailgate. A design discovered in the USPTO patent database replaces traditional hinges with a dual-linkage system. When opened, the door first lifts almost vertically, then rotates and folds onto the vehicle's roof, according to SPEEDME.RU.

The main advantage is minimal rearward extension. In tight urban parking or cramped garages, this allows the trunk to be opened without risk of hitting a wall or neighboring car. Additionally, it eliminates the need to duck under an overhanging door during loading.

However, the solution has limitations. The mechanism requires clear space on the roof, which rules out installing roof boxes and other cargo systems. The design is more complex than standard hinges, meaning it's potentially more expensive and sensitive to manufacturing precision. Full opening also requires more overhead clearance, which could be problematic in underground parking.

For now, this is just a patent, not a production model. But the development itself shows that even in the SUV segment, where everything seems long-settled, automakers continue seeking new engineering solutions.

If Nissan brings the idea to production, it could become an interesting competitive advantage. The question is whether buyers are ready to sacrifice traditional roof cargo options for parking convenience.