Enable Smart Liftgate, lock every door, wait 15 seconds away from the vehicle and stand within about 40 inches of the rear for more than three seconds.
Check that your vehicle has it.
Verified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Sportage HEV/PHEV digital owner's manual for vehicles equipped with Smart Liftgate and a smart key.
Does the documented scope match your car?
This check combines the verified year, any source-supported powertrain scope, source-named trim/package and required equipment. It does not read a VIN or factory build record.
Published availability and qualifications
Verified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Sportage HEV/PHEV digital owner's manual for vehicles equipped with Smart Liftgate and a smart key.
- 2025 Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models equipped with Smart Liftgate with Auto Open and a smart key
Know what kind of control to look for.
This original category diagram is an orientation aid, not a picture of your exact trim. Use the written labels and your vehicle manual to identify the real control.
Step by step.
- 01
Enable Vehicle → Door → Smart Liftgate in the vehicle settings.
- 02
Close and lock all doors, carry the smart key and move away from the detection area for at least 15 seconds.
- 03
Approach the rear and stand within about 40 in (100 cm) for more than three seconds.
- 04
Listen for the chimes and watch the hazard lights confirm key detection.
- 05
Step clear while the six warning cycles complete and the liftgate opens.
Important limits
- The function will not arm if a door is open or unlocked, the key is inside, or the key stays near the vehicle during the arming period.
- Disable Smart Liftgate before an automatic car wash.
- Keep people, cargo and overhead objects clear of the liftgate path.
Quick checks.
- ✓If it does not arm, lock every door and move the key away for at least 15 seconds before approaching again.
- ✓If the warning starts unintentionally, leave the detection area with the key to keep the liftgate closed.
- ✓If detection is unreliable, replace a weak smart-key battery and move away from radio interference.
What happened on your vehicle?
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2025 Kia Sportage HEV/PHEV Digital Owner's Manual — Smart Liftgate
Relevant section or page: Features of your vehicle — Smart Liftgate with Auto Open — How to use. We use the written official source to determine the steps and applicability shown above.
Reviewed with a visible trail.
Scope and steps were checked by Car Cheat Codes Editorial Review. A guide is narrowed or corrected when the source does not support a broader claim.
- Published
- Last modified
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Guide change history
- Initial verified publication.