KIA – Smart Power Liftgate

July 10th, 2025 by

Smart Power Liftgate with Auto Open & Close (If Equipped)

Enjoy a premium hands-free convenience with the Smart Power Liftgate system, which can automatically open or close when it senses the Smart Key nearby—no need to press any buttons.

Activating or Deactivating the Smart Power Liftgate

To access the Smart Power Liftgate settings:

  • Navigate through the infotainment system (example shown: ccNC Head Unit)

  • Select: Setup > Vehicle > Door > Smart Liftgate

 

Automatic Opening (Approaching the Vehicle)

When the Smart Key is on your person:

  1. Walk towards the rear of the vehicle.

  2. Once detected in close range, the vehicle will flash the hazard lights and sound a chime for approximately 3 seconds.

  3. This is followed by two additional chimes and more flashes before the liftgate opens automatically.

 

Automatic Closing (Walking Away)

When leaving the area with the Smart Key:

  1. A series of three chimes will sound as a warning.

  2. Two more chimes will follow shortly after, and the liftgate will begin to close on its own.

 

 

Temporarily Turning Off Auto-Close

To disable the auto-close function temporarily:

  • Press the interior liftgate button (labeled B).

  • Auto-Close will remain off until the liftgate is manually shut and reopened.

 

When the Liftgate Will Not Function 

The system will not activate under the following conditions:

  • A door has just been locked and the Smart Key remains nearby (within 60 inches) for more than 15 seconds.

  • Any of the doors are not completely closed or locked.

  • The Smart Key is left inside the vehicle.

  • If any Smart Key button is pressed during the alert period, the automatic liftgate action will be canceled.

Customizing the Liftgate Opening Height

You can personalize how high the liftgate opens in two ways:

Manual Setting:

  1. Move the liftgate to your desired height.

  2. Hold the open/close button inside the liftgate (button A) for over 3 seconds.

  3. A double chime will confirm the new height is saved.

Via Infotainment Screen:

  • Go to: Setup > Vehicle > Door > Power Liftgate Opening Height
    (Note: exact menu names may differ based on vehicle model.)

 

Lock Button Feature (EV9 Only)

On EV9 models, there’s an added Lock Button (C) inside the liftgate:

  • Pressing this will both close the liftgate and lock all doors, provided the Smart Key is detected and the vehicle is turned off.

 

Learn More

For a visual walkthrough, check out the Smart Power Liftgate tutorial on Kia’s Features & Functions YouTube™ Channel.

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