Abstract: An improved vented tailgate for use on a pickup truck or similar vehicle having a cargo area with front and side walls and a rear opening. The tailgate is provided with opposite end members which support transversely extending louver members defining downwardly and rearwardly inclined air passageways which permit the passage of air through the tailgate. The air passageways reduce air drag resulting in a substantial increase in fuel efficiency of the vehicle and also serve to deflect dirt and exhaust away from the vehicle. The louvers are formed by hollow tube members to provide a tailgate which is structurally strong to support loads in the open position. The tailgate may be provided as original equipment or be retrofit to the existing latch and hinge mechanisms of the conventional pickup truck. The orientation of the passageways also permit limited rearward vision through the tailgate from the cab of the truck.