23 SUVs With Hands-Free Liftgates

SUVs with hands-free liftgates offer the ultimate convenience when loading cargo.

If you've ever struggled to juggle bags and boxes while trying to lift open the rear hatch one-handed, you'll appreciate an SUV equipped with this handy feature.

This article highlights 23 popular SUV models across all sizes and price ranges that come standard with hands-free liftgates.

Learn which automakers offer this capability and get tips on how to operate these high-tech tailgates.

Top SUVs with Hands-Free Liftgates

The SUV models below all come equipped with hands-free liftgates, allowing you to access the cargo area easily. While they share this convenient feature, each vehicle differs in size, performance, price, and amenities.

• Range Rover Velar
• Lexus GX
• Lincoln Navigator
• Nissan Armada
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
• Kia Sorento
• Ford Edge
• Nissan Murano
• Porsche Macan
• Subaru Outback

Compact SUVs

• Mazda CX-30
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Nissan Rogue
• Subaru Forester

Luxury SUVs

• Lincoln Aviator Reserve
• Lincoln Nautilus
• Lincoln Corsair
• Ford Edge Titanium
• Audi Q5
• Lexus GX

Hybrid and Electric SUVs

• Hyundai IONIQ 5
• Toyota Venza Hybrid
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The list continues with luxury SUVs as well as hybrid and electric models.

While the hands-free liftgate is a shared feature, the vehicles differ in size, performance, amenities and price.

Read on to see the complete list and learn how to operate these convenient liftgates.

SUVs

1. Honda CR-V

The latest Honda CR-V is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, and feature-rich SUV.

It has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The latest Honda CR-V features include a 1.5L turbocharged engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and an available all-wheel drive system.

It also comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great choice for anyone looking for a fuel-efficient and stylish SUV.

It has various features, including a 2.5-liter hybrid engine, all-wheel drive, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The hands-free liftgate lets you open the tailgate with a simple footkick.

Other features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features.

3. Kia Sorento

The 2023 Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and a hands-free liftgate.

The hands-free liftgate is a standard feature on all Sorento models except the base LX trim.

The Sorento also offers a variety of optional features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

4. Ford Edge

The 2023 Ford Edge is a midsize SUV with a 6.5-inch infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The Edge also has various safety features, including Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

This midsize SUV is powered by a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, with front or all-wheel drive.

5. Nissan Murano

The 2023 Nissan Murano is a midsize SUV that offers a variety of features to make your life easier, including a hands-free liftgate.

Other features of the 2023 Murano include a 10.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a suite of driver-assistance features.

The Murano is also available with all-wheel drive for better traction in slippery conditions.

6. Porsche Macan

The latest Porsche Macan is a stylish and powerful SUV with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-speaker audio system, LED headlights, and a hands-free liftgate.

The Macan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

It is paired with a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission.

7. Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV with all-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a continuously variable transmission.

It also has an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

Compact SUVs

These SUVs are perfect for city driving and offer plenty of cargo space for your daily needs. Here are some of the best compact SUVs with hands-free liftgates:

8. Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a stylish and practical SUV with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display, and advanced safety features.

The CX-30 also has two engine choices: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine.

9. Hyundai Tucson

The latest Hyundai Tucson is a stylish and feature-rich SUV with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The Tucson is available in a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

10. Kia Sportage

The latest Kia Sportage includes a hands-free liftgate, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a rearview camera.

Available features include a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and advanced safety features. The Sportage is available in a variety of trim levels.

The top-of-the-line X-Pro Prestige trim has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

11. Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and the Nissan Safety Shield 360.

This midsize SUV also has all-wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Other features of the 2023 Nissan Rogue include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a rearview camera.

The Rogue also offers a comfortable and spacious interior with up to five passengers.

12. Subaru Forester

The 2023 Forester is a great all-around SUV with standard features like symmetrical all-wheel drive, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, and a power liftgate.

The power liftgate is a new feature for the 2023 model year.

Other features include a power-adjustable driver's seat, panoramic sunroof, and heated steering wheel.

The Forester is also available with advanced safety features like EyeSight driver assistance technology.

Luxury SUVs

If you're in the market for a high-end SUV with a hands-free liftgate, luxury brands like Lincoln and Ford offer some great options.

Here are a few luxury SUV models with this feature:

13. Lincoln Aviator Reserve

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Reserve is a luxury SUV with a hands-free power liftgate, a panoramic glass moonroof with a power sunshade, and 20-inch wheels.

Other features include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-speaker audio system.

The Aviator Reserve also comes standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

14. Lincoln Nautilus

The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury SUV with a turbocharged 2.0L engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

This premium SUV also offers an available 2.7L V6 engine.

The Nautilus has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, a 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control.

15. Lincoln Corsair

The 2024 Lincoln Corsair is a luxury SUV with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ 2.1 advanced safety suite.

The Corsair also has various optional features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a 14-speaker Revel® audio system, and a wireless charging pad.

It's also powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

16. Ford Edge Titanium

The 2024 Ford Edge Titanium is the top-of-the-line trim level for the Edge SUV.

It has a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Other features include a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, all-wheel drive, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Edge Titanium is also available with a more powerful 2.7L EcoBoost engine.

17. Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 is a midsize luxury SUV with a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless charging pad.

Available features include a hands-free power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a head-up display.

18. Lexus GX

The latest Lexus GX is a luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and off-road capability.

It comes standard with a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The GX also has a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Hybrid and Electric SUVs with Hands-Free Liftgates

If you're looking for a hybrid or electric SUV with a hands-free liftgate, there are a few options on the market that might fit your needs:

19. Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a stylish and practical electric SUV with a 58 kWh battery pack, giving it an EPA-estimated range of 220 miles.

You can also opt for a larger 72.6 kWh battery pack that gives it an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles.

Some of the cool features of the IONIQ 5 include a hands-free liftgate, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a panoramic sunroof.

It also comes standard with various safety features, such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

20. Toyota Venza Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Venza Hybrid is a stylish and fuel-efficient midsize crossover SUV.

It has a hands-free power liftgate, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.

Other features of the 2023 Venza Hybrid include a panoramic sunroof, a JBL audio system, and a wireless charging pad.

It also comes standard with all-wheel drive, which provides added traction in slippery conditions.

21. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a great choice for anyone looking for a fuel-efficient and stylish SUV.

It comes standard with a hybrid powertrain that gets up to 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

The RAV4 Hybrid also comes with a variety of features that make it a great daily driver, including a hands-free liftgate, a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of safety features.

22. Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid gets an impressive 34 mpg combined and can even run on electric power alone for short distances.

The Escape Hybrid has a hands-free liftgate, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology.

Additionally, this hybrid SUV comes standard with a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a rearview camera.

23. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a combination of electric and gas power.

It has a range of up to 38 miles in electric mode and a total range of up to 420 miles.

The Outlander PHEV also comes standard with a hands-free liftgate, making it easy to open the trunk without using your hands.

Other features include a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 9-speaker Bose sound system, and advanced safety features.

In This Economy? Consider Used SUVs

You don't have to break the bank to get an SUV with a hands-free liftgate.

There are plenty of options available in the used car market that offer this convenient feature. Here are some ways to find them:

Online Listings

Searching online listings is one of the easiest ways to find used SUVs with hands-free liftgates.

With this feature, websites like AutoNation USA and CARFAX offer a wide selection of used SUVs.

You can filter your search by make, model, year, and other criteria to find the perfect SUV for your needs.

Dealerships

Another option is to visit a dealership that specializes in used cars.

Many dealerships have a selection of used SUVs with hands-free liftgates on their lots.

You can test drive several models to see which one you like best. Also, dealerships often offer financing options that make it easier to afford the SUV you want.

Private Sellers

If you're looking for a bargain, you might want to consider buying from a private seller.

Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace have listings for used SUVs with hands-free liftgates.

However, be sure to research and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing.

Popular Models

Some popular SUVs with hands-free liftgates include the Mazda CX-30, Honda CR-V, and Ford Edge.

These models offer a range of features and amenities, making them a great choice for families or anyone who wants a spacious and comfortable ride.

How to Use Your Hands-Free Liftgates

Here's a quick and easy guide to using the hands-free tailgates of the SUVs in this list:

Model	How to open the tailgate hands-free
Range Rover Velar	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Lexus GX	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Kick the rear bumper with your foot.
Lincoln Navigator	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Nissan Armada	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wave your hand under the rear bumper.
Honda CR-V	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Kia Sorento	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Hyundai Tucson	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Ford Edge	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Kick the rear bumper with your foot.
Nissan Murano	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wave your hand under the rear bumper.
Porsche Macan	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Audi Q5	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Lexus GX	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Kick the rear bumper with your foot.
Subaru Outback	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Mazda CX-30	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Ford Escape	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Kia Sportage	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Nissan Rogue	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wave your hand under the rear bumper.
Subaru Forester	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Lincoln Aviator Reserve	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Lincoln Nautilus	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Hyundai IONIQ 5	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Toyota Venza Hybrid	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Make a smooth, sweeping motion under the rear bumper.
Ford Escape Hybrid	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag. Wave your hand under the rear bumper.

FAQs: Bonus Details on Hands-Free Tailgates

Can you add a power liftgate?

So, what if you already have an SUV that doesn't have a hands-free liftgate? There are aftermarket liftgates available that can be installed on specific models.

Some online companies offer complete kits to allow your SUV to be retrofitted with a power liftgate.

Sometimes, these kits can even be self-installed, but it's always best to consult a professional. 

How does a hands-free liftgate work?

A power liftgate uses a specific motor in the hydraulic poles, or struts, that hold the back liftgate open when it is up.

An electronic system activates this motor via a button on your key fob, on the door handle, or within the trunk. 

With many modern power liftgates, you don't need to press a button to activate them.

Automakers like Ford, among others, have a sensor-based liftgate activated by moving your foot near a designated spot just under the rear bumper. 

How do I turn on my power liftgate?

If your SUV includes a power liftgate as part of its features, it should be on as a default.

If your power liftgate is not working, the automatic feature may be deactivated on your vehicle.

To solve this, go into your SUV's settings in your dashboard control panel, then find the Power Liftgate feature and ensure that it is switched to ON.

Consult your owner's manual for operating instructions on your specific SUV model. 

Can you manually open a power liftgate?

There are situations where a power liftgate may stop working mechanically for reasons like a bad fuse.

You may also want to open your liftgate manually occasionally, which is also okay.

On specific models, pressing the open button another time after pressing it once to activate the automatic opening/closing will make it a manual liftgate again.

Other models require a manual release, which isn't always easy to reach. 

As with any technical actions, we recommend checking your vehicle user manual or reaching out to someone at your dealership to get instructions for your specific SUV. 

What is the difference between a liftgate and a power liftgate?

A liftgate and a power liftgate are similar in that they both refer to the rear door of an SUV that provides access to the cargo area.

However, a power liftgate is operated by a motor, while a liftgate may require manual effort to open and close.

In Closing

Many great SUVs on the market come standard with a power liftgate, a trunk feature that you will wonder how you ever lived without.

Even if you have an SUV that doesn't come standard with a hands-free liftgate, other aftermarket options are also available to enjoy the convenience. 

If you found the information in this post useful, please check out a few others:

Which Full-Size SUV Has the Most Cargo Space? (Including a Data Table)

What Are The Ford Expedition Cargo Space Specs? [Breakdown By Trim Level]

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