
A power liftgate system can be a total game-changer for anyone who struggles with heavy groceries or bulky items. It makes loading and unloading a breeze, and can even be a lifesaver for people with mobility issues.
With a power liftgate, you can effortlessly raise and lower the rear gate of your vehicle, eliminating the need to manually lift heavy loads. This is especially convenient for people who have back problems or other mobility issues.
One of the biggest advantages of a power liftgate system is that it can help prevent injuries caused by heavy lifting. According to some estimates, a power liftgate can reduce the risk of back strain by up to 75%.
What It Does
A power liftgate is a convenient feature that makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
It's activated by pressing a button on your key fob or driver's control panel, and sensors detect when you're close to the vehicle to engage the motor.
The motor lifts the rear hatch or liftgate smoothly and steadily until it's fully opened.
Many power liftgates also have a button on the interior that lets you press to close the liftgate or guide it shut manually.
Some systems are even hands-free, allowing you to wave your hands in front of a sensor to initiate the opening sequence.
Others may use a pedal or foot sensor to activate the power liftgate.
Some power liftgates come equipped with obstacle detection, which prevents the gate from closing if it senses an obstruction.
They also often have customizable height settings, so you can adjust how far the liftgate opens upward in garages or other low-clearance areas.
This feature is especially useful if you have a garage with a low ceiling or a specific height requirement.
The New Generation power lift gate opener, for instance, includes a foot kick sensor addon, which is included in the kit.
This feature allows you to open or close the tailgate with the kick of your foot.
It also has a customizable tailgate height, which suits everyone's needs.
Benefits and Features
A power liftgate is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with loading and unloading cargo, especially in inclement weather. It offers effortless operation, making it easy to open and close the hatch without having to physically lift or lower it.
You can open the hatch even when your hands are full of grocery bags or other items, and the power liftgate will do the work for you. This is especially convenient during rainy or snowy weather, or in extreme heat or cold.
Systems with obstacle detection and memory height customization help reduce the risk of accidents that could cause damage to your vehicle or cargo, or even injury. This feature is a must-have for anyone who values safety and convenience.
Here are some of the key benefits and features of a power liftgate:
- Effortless operation: Open and close the hatch easily, without having to physically lift or lower it.
- Convenience in all weather conditions: Through rain or snow, extreme heat or cold, or in moments when your hands are full, a power liftgate gives you quick, easy access to your vehicle’s cargo area.
- Enhanced safety: Systems with obstacle detection and memory height customization help reduce risk of accidents that could cause damage to your vehicle or cargo, or even injury.
- Customizable height settings: When included, the memory height feature makes the power liftgate accessible in low-clearance environments and to users of all heights.
Benefits of Liftgate
A power liftgate is a game-changer for anyone who's ever struggled to load or unload heavy groceries or gear from their vehicle. It offers easier access to your vehicle's cargo area in moments when you need it most.
Effortless operation is one of the key benefits of a power liftgate. You can open and close the hatch easily, without having to physically lift or lower it.
Convenience in all weather conditions is another advantage. A power liftgate gives you quick, easy access to your vehicle's cargo area, whether it's through rain or snow, or in extreme heat or cold.
Enhanced safety is also a major benefit. Systems with obstacle detection and memory height customization help reduce the risk of accidents that could cause damage to your vehicle or cargo, or even injury.
Customizable height settings are a nice touch, especially when included with the memory height feature. This makes the power liftgate accessible in low-clearance environments and to users of all heights.
Liftgate Features
Liftgate features are designed to make your life easier. Most modern systems offer programmable height adjustments, which allow you to adjust the maximum height of the door when opened.
This feature is especially useful for spaces with smaller overhead clearance, making it safer to open the door. It also ensures that you can reach the door no matter your height.
Some liftgate systems come with automatic opening and closing, which can be convenient for hands-free operation. However, this feature may not be as common as programmable height adjustments.
Subaru Vehicles
Subaru Vehicles with Power Liftgate are a game-changer for families and adventurers alike.
The Power Rear Gate feature is available in several Subaru SUV models, including the Ascent, Forester, Outback, and Solterra.
This feature includes automatic close, height memory function, and a vehicle lock button built into the hatch interior. Hands-free functionality is also available on certain models and trims.
The Subaru Power Rear Gate is designed to make loading and unloading easier, whether you're hauling groceries, pets, or camping gear.
Here are some Subaru SUV models that come equipped with the Power Rear Gate:
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Solterra
This feature is perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of their Subaru's cargo space.
AutoSense and Settings
To use the AutoSense Power Liftgate, you need to enable it first. This can be done by selecting Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access > Open Only on your center display.
You'll also need to remain at least 10 feet away from the vehicle for over 20 seconds before approaching the rear with your key fob. This is to ensure the feature is functioning properly.
If your key fob becomes muted, you can unmute it by performing an action such as a vehicle unlock or pressing the exterior door switch.
The AutoSense Power Liftgate can be disabled or re-enabled using the center display or a button in the liftgate area. To disable it, select Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access > Off, or press and hold the button in the liftgate area for over five seconds.
To re-enable the feature, press any button on the remote key or open and close any vehicle door.
Preventing Unintentional Service Triggers

To prevent unintentional service triggers, it's essential to understand how your AutoSense Power Liftgate works. Remain at least 10 feet away from the vehicle for over 20 seconds before approaching the rear with your key fob.
If your key fob becomes muted, you can unmute it by performing specific actions. This will ensure that the liftgate opening function is activated correctly.
Approach the rear of the liftgate with your key fob from farther than 10 feet. Within 3 feet of the liftgate, the key fob will activate the opening function, accompanied by multiple quick beeps and flashes from the exterior lighting.
If you step out of the 3-foot area in under three seconds, the liftgate opening will be cancelled, unless you return within eight seconds. This is a crucial time frame to remember to avoid unwanted liftgate openings.
To cancel an undesired liftgate opening, simply step more than 3 feet away from the liftgate within three seconds. Alternatively, use a single press of the liftgate button on your key fob or the exterior liftgate touchpad/emblem to cancel the opening.

Here are some key takeaways to help you avoid unintentional liftgate openings:
- Approach the rear of the liftgate from farther than 10 feet.
- Stay within the 3-foot area for at least three seconds to activate the liftgate opening.
- Cancel the opening by stepping more than 3 feet away or pressing the liftgate button.
Enabling Your AutoSense
To enable your AutoSense Power Liftgate, first make sure it's enabled using your center display by selecting Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access > Open Only.
You'll need to stay at least 10 feet away from the vehicle for over 20 seconds before approaching the rear with your key fob.
If your key fob becomes muted, you can unmute it by performing an action like unlocking the vehicle or pressing the exterior door switch.
To reactivate the AutoSense Power Liftgate feature after closing your liftgate, follow the steps provided in the documentation.
Closing
Closing the power liftgate is a straightforward process. You can do it by pressing the Close button in the rear of the vehicle, usually located on the liftgate trim.
You can also close the liftgate by pressing the liftgate button in the cabin. The exact location of this button may vary depending on your vehicle model.
If you're having trouble finding the cabin button, try looking for it in a spot that's easily accessible while you're driving. I've noticed that some models place it near the gearshift or on the center console.
To close the liftgate quickly, you can use your key fob. Simply double press the liftgate button, and the liftgate will shut automatically.
Cancelling
Cancelling a power liftgate is easier than you think. Simply stepping more than 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) away from the liftgate within three seconds will cancel the liftgate opening.
There are other ways to cancel a liftgate opening while the feature is active. Pressing the exterior liftgate touchpad/emblem at the rear of the vehicle is a viable option.
Pressing the liftgate button on the key fob with a single press will also cancel the liftgate opening.
Q&As
If you're using a power liftgate, it's essential to be aware of the initial three-second period of alerts. During this time, if you step more than 3 feet away from the liftgate and don't return, the liftgate opening may cancel.
The liftgate opening may cancel if you step more than 3 feet away from the liftgate during the initial three-second period of alerts without returning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a power liftgate and an handsfree liftgate?
The main difference between a power liftgate and a hands-free liftgate is that a hands-free liftgate allows access to the cargo area with a foot swipe under the rear bumper, while a power liftgate typically requires a button press or key fob activation. This convenience feature makes hands-free liftgates a popular choice for many vehicle owners.
What is the difference between a liftgate and a power liftgate?
A liftgate is a manual system that requires physical effort to open and close, whereas a power liftgate is an electronic system that operates automatically with the touch of a button. The main difference is the convenience and ease of use offered by a power liftgate.
How do power liftgates work?
Power liftgates work by allowing vehicle owners to open their rear door with the push of a button, typically found on the key fob or inside the vehicle. This convenient feature makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
How much does it cost to install a power liftgate?
The cost of a power liftgate installation can range from $2,000 to $9,000, depending on the vehicle's make, model, and features. Factors such as power supply, lifting capacity, and materials also impact the overall cost.
What is electric liftgate?
A power liftgate, also known as a power tailgate, is a convenient feature that allows remote or hands-free control of a vehicle's rear hatch or tailgate. This feature enables easy access to the cargo area with just the touch of a button or by engaging a sensor.
Sources
- https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-info/articles/what-is-power-liftgate.html
- https://www.autoease.com/product/liftgate/
- https://www.chevrolet.com/support/vehicle/storage-doors-windows/autosense-liftgate
- https://toledodealerservices.com/products/aftermarket-oem-integrated-power-liftgate
- https://www.gm-navigation.com/what-is-a-power-liftgate-and-do-you-need-it/
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