An interlocking tailgate utility bar for a vehicle having a tailgate at least partially defining a cargo area includes a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface and configured to be disposed against an inner wall of the tailgate when the tailgate is in an open position, opposed front and rear side surfaces, and opposed ends. A striker assembly is disposed at each end of the opposed ends and includes a striker configured to be releasably coupled to tailgate latches located on opposed sides of the tailgate to thereby selectively releasably secure the interlocking tailgate utility bar to the tailgate. A rail channel is configured to receive an attachment device of a vehicle accessory to thereby removably couple the vehicle accessory to the interlocking tailgate utility bar and thus the vehicle.