Kia Sportage PHEV 2023 Power Liftgate and Smart Liftgate with Auto Open

With its Power Liftgate and Smart Liftgate system, the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV starts a new era of convenience and technology progress. This cutting-edge feature changes the way we connect with our cars by combining modern engineering with user-centred design in a way that looks great and works well. The Power Liftgate makes it easy to get to the trunk area, so you can drive with your hands-free and load and unload your groceries quickly. Additionally, the Smart Liftgate feature adds a smart element of expectation by opening the liftgate automatically when it detects that the key fob is nearby. This detailed guide goes into great detail about these features, showing you step-by-step how to use the Power Liftgate and Smart Liftgate in the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV. These features unlock a world of convenience that makes driving and owning this forward-thinking and environmentally-friendly car more enjoyable.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Power Liftgate

 Operating the power liftgate

Operation

1.  Press the power liftgate open/close button inside the vehicle or with the smart key for 1 second. The power liftgate opens with a warning sound.
   Press and hold the power liftgate open/close button inside the vehicle or with the smart key to close the liftgate.
   • While the liftgate is opening, press the power liftgate open/close button again to stop the liftgate operation.
   •  If you release the power liftgate open/close button while the liftgate is closing, or the smart key is not within operation range (approximately 10 m (33 ft.)) from the vehicle, the power liftgate operation will stop with a warning sound for 5 seconds.
2. The liftgate will open or close with a warning sound when the power lift-gate open/closes the button outside the vehicle.
   If the vehicle is locked, press the power liftgate open/close button outside the vehicle with the smart key in your possession.
3.  Press the power liftgate open/close button inside the liftgate. The liftgate opens or closes with a warning sound.

Operating condition(s)

• When the gear is in P (Park) with the vehicle in ON position
• When the vehicle is in OFF position Non-operating condition(s)
•  The vehicle speed is above 3 km/h (1.8 mph)

Automatic reverse

If the power liftgate senses any obstacle, the liftgate will stop or will fully open.

Operating condition(s)
If the power liftgate senses any obstacles

Non-operating condition(s)

• If the detected resistance is below a certain level
•  If the liftgate is almost fully closed near the latched position
•  If a strong impact is applied with no obstructions placed

WARNING

•  Never leave children or animals unattended in your vehicle. Children may operate the power liftgate. Doing so can result in injury to themselves or others and can damage the vehicle.
•  Make sure that there are no people or objects in the path of the power lift-gate or smart liftgate prior to use. Serious injury, damage to the vehicle or damage to surrounding objects (for example, walls, ceilings, vehicles, etc.) may result if contact with the liftgate occurs.
  
  •  A: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
  • B: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
•  Never intentionally place any object or part of your body in the path of the power liftgate to make sure the automatic reverse feature operates. Serious injury, or damage to the vehicle or object may occur.

CAUTION

•  Do not close or open the liftgate manually. This may cause damage to the power liftgate. If it is necessary to close or open the liftgate manually when the battery is discharged or disconnected, do not apply excessive force.
•  Do not operate the power liftgate more than 10 times continuously when the engine is not running. Use the power liftgate with the engine running when the power liftgate is used repeatedly to prevent battery discharge.
• Do not leave the power liftgate open for a long period of time. This may drain the battery.
•  Do not apply excessive force when the power liftgate is operating. Doing so could result in vehicle damage.
•  Do not grab or hold on to the liftgate support struts at any time. Damage to the liftgate support struts could result. Deformation of the liftgate support struts may cause vehicle damage and personal injury may occur.
  
•  Do not modify or repair any part of the power liftgate by yourself. This must be done by an authorized Kia dealer.
•  Do not operate the power liftgate under the following conditions. The power liftgate may not operate properly.
  •  One side of the vehicle is lifted to inspect the vehicle or change a tire
  •  Parking on an uneven road such as a slope, etc.
•  Close the liftgate completely and lock all doors and liftgate using the central door lock button before using an automatic car wash.
•  Do not spray high-pressure water directly on the power liftgate outside open/close button. The liftgate may open unintentionally.

NOTICE

•  If the liftgate is not fully closed and vehicle speed is at or above 3 km/h (1.8 mph), a warning will sound 10 times. Immediately park the vehicle at a safe place, close the liftgate, and check that the liftgate open warning on the instrument cluster is turned off.
•  In cold and wet climates, the outside power liftgate open/close button may not work properly due to freezing conditions. If this occurs, remove the ice before using the outside power liftgate open/close button or use the power liftgate open/close button on the smart key or the instrument panel.
•  Operating the power liftgate more than 5 times continuously could cause damage to the operating motor. If this occurs, the power liftgate will not operate to prevent the motor from overheating. If any of the power lift-gate buttons are pressed to try to open the liftgate, the chime will sound 3 times, but the liftgate will remain closed. Allow the power liftgate system to cool for about 1 minute before operating the system again.
•  The power liftgate may stop operating if the automatic reverse feature operates more than two times while attempting to open or close the lift-gate. If this occurs, carefully open or close the liftgate manually, and then after 30 seconds try to operate the power liftgate automatically again.

Setting the power liftgate

Power liftgate opening speed
You can adjust the power liftgate opening speed. Select the desired opening speed (Fast/Normal) (Default setting is Fast).

Operation

• Instrument cluster Select User Settings → Door → Power Liftgate Opening Speed → Fast/Normal.
•  Infotainment system (if equipped) Select Setup → Vehicle Settings → Door → Power Liftgate Opening Speed → Fast/Normal.

Power liftgate opening height
You can adjust the power liftgate opening height. Select the desired opening height (Full Open/Level 3/Level 2/Level 1/User Height Setting).

Operation

• Instrument cluster
  Select User Settings → Door → Power Liftgate Opening Height → Full Open/Level 3/Level 2/Level 1/User Height Setting.
•  Infotainment system (if equipped)
  Select Setup → Vehicle Settings → Door → Power Liftgate Opening Height → Full Open/Level 3/Level 2/Level 1/User Height Setting.

User height setting

Operation

1. Position the liftgate manually to the height you prefer.
2. Press the power liftgate open/close button located inside the liftgate for more than approximately 3 seconds. If User Height Setting is selected for the power liftgate opening height, the power liftgate will automatically open to the height manually set by you.

INFORMATION

•  The infotainment system may change after updates. For detailed information on system settings, see the infotainment system web manual.
•  To use each feature, you must select the opening speed or opening height from the settings menu. Select the settings when you do not want to use the feature.
•  If the power liftgate opening height has not been manually set, the power liftgate will fully open when ‘User Height Setting’ from the infotainment system selected.
•  If one of the height setting (Full Open/Level 3/Level 2/Level 1/User Height Setting) is selected from the settings menu in the infotainment system, and then ‘User Height Setting’ is selected, the liftgate will open to the height manually set by you.
• The power liftgate opening speed and opening height settings change according to the linked User Profile. If the User Profile is changed, power lift-gate opening speed and opening height settings will change accordingly.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Resetting the power liftgate

Operation

1. With the vehicle in OFF or ON position, shift to P (Park).
2.  Press the power liftgate open/close button inside the liftgate and the power liftgate open/close button out-side the vehicle simultaneously until a chime sounds.
   
3. Slowly close the liftgate manually.
4. Press the power liftgate open/close button outside the vehicle. The power liftgate will open with a chime sound.

NOTICE

• In some circumstances resetting the power liftgate operation may need to be performed. Some instances where resetting the power liftgate may be required include:
  • When the 12-volt battery is recharged
  • When the 12-volt battery is rein-stalled after removal or replacement
  • When the related fuse is reinstalled after removal or replacement
•  Wait until the liftgate fully opens to complete resetting. If the liftgate stops before it is fully open, resetting cannot be completed.
•  If the power liftgate does not operate properly after the above procedure, we recommend the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Emergency liftgate safety release

Operation

1. Insert a long, flat object, such as a key into the opening at the bottom of the liftgate.
2. Slide the latch in the direction of the arrow to unlock the liftgate.
3. Push the liftgate to open.

WARNING

•  For emergencies, be fully aware of the location of the emergency liftgate safety release latch in the vehicle and how to open the liftgate if you are accidentally locked in the luggage compartment.
•  No one, including animals, should be allowed to occupy the luggage compartment of the vehicle at any time. The luggage compartment is a very dangerous location in the event of an accident.
•  Use the release latch for emergencies only. Use extreme caution, especially while the vehicle is in motion.

Smart Liftgate with Auto Open (if equipped)

On a vehicle equipped with a smart key, the liftgate can be opened using the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open system.

How to use the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open

The liftgate can be opened with no-touch activation satisfying all the conditions below.

• After 15 seconds when all doors are closed and locked
•  Positioned in the detecting area for more than 3 seconds.

NOTICE
The Smart Liftgate with Auto Open does not operate when:

• The smart key is detected within 15 seconds after the doors are closed and locked, and is continuously detected.
•  The smart key is detected within 15 seconds after the doors are closed and locked, and 60 inches (1.5 m) from the front door handles.
•  A door is not locked or closed.
• The smart key is in the vehicle.

1. Setting
   To activate the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open, go to ‘Vehicle → Door → Smart Liftgate’ on the LCD display.
2.  Detect and Alert
   
   If you are positioned in the detecting area (20 ~ 40 inches [50 ~ 100 cm] behind the vehicle) carrying a smart key, the hazard warning lights will blink and chime will sound to alert you the smart key has been detected and the liftgate will open.
   NOTICE
   Do not approach the detecting area if you do not want the liftgate to open. If you have unintentionally entered the detecting area and the hazard warning lights and chime starts to operate, leave the detecting area with the smart key. The liftgate will stay closed.
3. Automatic opening
   
   The hazard warning lights will blink and chime 6 times and then the lift-gate will open.

WARNING

• Make sure you close the liftgate before driving your vehicle.
•  Make sure there are no people or objects around the liftgate before opening or closing the liftgate.
•  Make sure objects in the liftgate do not come out when opening the lift gate on a slope. It may cause serious injury.
•  Make sure to deactivate the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open when washing your vehicle. Otherwise, the lift gate may open inadvertently. The key should be kept out of reach of children. Children may inadvertently open the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open while playing around the rear area of the vehicle.

CAUTION
Liftgate lift
Make certain that you close the liftgate before driving your vehicle. Possible damage may occur to the liftgate gas lifters and attached hardware if the liftgate is not closed prior to driving.

How to deactivate the Smart Lift-gate with Auto Open function using the smart key

1.  Door lock
2.  Door unlock
3.  Liftgate open
4.  Panic button
5. Remote start
   If you press any button of the smart key during the Detect and Alert stage, the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function will be deactivated. Make sure to be aware of how to deactivate the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function for emergency situations.

NOTICE

•  If you press the door unlock button  (2), the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function will be deactivated temporarily. But, if you do not open any door for 30 seconds, the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function will be activated again.
•  If you press the liftgate open button (3) for more than 1 second, the liftgate opens.
•  If you press the door lock button (1) or liftgate open button (3) when the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function is not in the Detect and Alert stage, the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function will not be deactivated.
• In case you have deactivated the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function by pressing the smart key button and opened a door, the Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function can be activated again by closing and locking all doors.

Detecting area

•  The Smart Liftgate with Auto Open operates with a welcome alert if the smart key is detected within 20 ~ 40 inches (50 ~ 100 cm) from the liftgate.
•  The alert stops at once if the smart key is positioned outside the detecting area during the Detect and Alert stage.

NOTICE

•  The Smart Liftgate with Auto Open function will not work if any of the following occurs:
  • The smart key is close to a radio transmitter such as a radio station or an airport which can interfere with normal operation of the transmitter.
  • The smart key is near a mobile two-way radio system or a cellular phone.
  •  Another vehicle’s smart key is being operated close to your vehicle.
•  The detecting range may decrease or increase when :
  •  One side of the tire is raised to replace a tire or to inspect the vehicle.
  •  The vehicle is slantingly parked on a slope or unpaved road, etc.

FAQ