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Is a Power Liftgate Worth It? And How Does the Tech Vary From Car to Car?

Update time : 2022-03-17 15:15:39

Power liftgates and trunks have become so widespread, you'll find them on SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans, and sedans—even today's truck tailgates offer a version of the tech. The added convenience can make living with the vehicle easier, no matter your lifestyle. So how do power liftgate systems differ from car to car? And should you get a vehicle with a power cargo portal, or is it not worth your money? Let's find out.

What's A Power Liftgate?

A power liftgate is a motorized hatch that opens and closes electronically. You can activate the system by pressing or holding a button inside the car, key fob, or the hatch itself. Older iterations required you to unlock the vehicle using the key fob first before you could activate the hatch. Automakers have also added a way to disable power operation if you prefer to close the hatch manually.
One feature that makes power liftgates more useful is the ability to open it hands-free. Ford was one of the first automakers to introduce a hands-free power liftgate that allowed you to open or close it by waving your foot under the rear bumper. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models with hands-free power liftgates open three seconds after detecting the key fob in close proximity to the trunk. Lexus vehicles have a sensor on the rear badge and require the owner to place their hand in front of it to open.

Do Sedans And Trucks Offer Power Trunks/Tailgates?

Like the power liftgate in SUVs and minivans, sedans and trucks also offer similar tech. However, they're not as widespread as the power liftgate. Because the feature isn't as expected on cars as it is on SUVs, you'll need to get a luxury sedan like a BMW 5 Series or Lincoln Continental if you want a power trunklid, or a full-size mainstream model like the Kia Cadenza.
The closest thing to a power-operated trunk in a mainstream sedan is the hands-free smart trunk feature from Hyundai and Kia, which pops the spring-loaded lid open three seconds after the car detects you standing behind it with the key fob in hand. Since it's not fully powered, you need to close the trunklid manually. You'll find this feature on the Hyundai Accent, Elantra, and Sonata, and the Kia Forte and Optima.
In the truck segment, the Chevrolet Silverado is the only one with a power tailgate option, which is offered on the LTZ and High Country grades. Chevrolet built the tailgate using aluminum to offset the weight added by the motor and power-operated latches. Just like in an SUV, you need to press and hold a button on the key fob or the dash to activate the system. Other trucks like the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 offer an automatically lowering tailgate.

So Are Power Liftgates Worth The Money? Pros And Cons

From a convenience standpoint, power liftgates are extremely helpful if you access your vehicle's cargo area frequently. Additionally, the ability to open the hatch or tailgate without needing to put down whatever you're carrying can be a huge plus. In bad weather conditions, a power liftgate can save you the trouble of touching a dirty vehicle. Being able to open and close the trunk or hatch remotely is a useful feature for taxi/ride-hailing drivers, especially when passengers forget to do so.
Power liftgates, however, aren't always worth it. The feature probably won't be missed if you're considering a car under $30,000. Also, when it comes to sedans, those trunklids are often easier to lift than an SUV's liftgate, making it harder to justify the added cost.
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The Power Liftgate Checklist: What Should You Look For In A Good System?

• Make sure the liftgate opens and closes at an acceptable speed. Some automakers' power liftgates are too slow, forcing you to wait for it to operate before loading your cargo or driving away.
• Know that most new systems offer programmable height adjustments, so you can reach the liftgate's close or close-and-lock buttons no matter how tall you are, or to prevent damage in low-clearance parking spaces.
• Look for hands-free capability. A hands-free power liftgate adds an extra layer of convenience, especially for family vehicles. Determine whether the system requires you to stand behind the car, wave your foot under the trunk, or put your hand in front of a badge.
• Some systems have a lock button on the trunk or liftgate or in the cargo area. This functionality saves you the added step of locking the car after you close the liftgate.

KAIMIAO is a Power Liftgates supplier. Please feel free to contact us if you need them!

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