What SUVs Have A Hands-Free Liftgate?

If you are shopping around for an SUV, chances are you will want to take advantage of the tremendous amount of storage space that comes with owning one. However, if you purchase a modern SUV that doesn't have an automatic liftgate, you miss out on a new standard of convenience. Which 2021 SUV models have a hands-free liftgate as a standard feature? Luckily, we've researched all of the top models and will provide them on a list for you here.

A hands-free liftgate is one of the best technological advances to any vehicle type in the last 20 years. There are over 30 models that include a standard power liftgate, but here are the top five 2021 SUV models with a hands-free liftgate:

Range Rover Velar
Lexus GX
Lincoln Navigator
Nissan Armada
Toyota Sequoia

The models listed above all come with a hands-free liftgate, but each model has other differences that may influence your purchase decision. Please continue reading to see the full list of models, find out more about each of these top models, hands-free liftgates in general, and how to get the absolute most out of one on your SUV.

SUVs that have hands-free power liftgates

A power liftgate is a type of trunk, or fifth door, that opens and closes on its own at the touch of a button or the pull of a handle. They are incredibly convenient and are on many modern SUV models.

As with many fancier features on vehicles, some SUVs come standard with a power liftgate, while others only have it as an add-on. For the sake of length, this list includes all of the SUV models that come with a power liftgate regardless of trim. If you would like to know whether a specific model has a power liftgate, please double-check the manufacturer's website.

Here is the complete list of SUVs with standard hands-free liftgates, separated by size:

Full-Size SUVs

Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Suburban
GMC Yukon
Infiniti QX80
Kia Carnival
Lexus GX
Lexus LX
Lincoln Navigator
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Nissan Armada
Toyota Sequoia
Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Mid-Sized SUVs

Acura RDS
Aston Martin DBX
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Explorer
Infiniti QX60
Kia Sorento
Range Rover Discovery
Lincoln Aviator
Mercedes GLC
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Murano
Subaru Ascent
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Porsche Macan
Porsche Cayenne
Volkswagen ID4
Audi Q5
Audi Q7
Audi Q8
Audi E-Tron
Audi A4

Most Interesting SUVs with Power Liftgates

Because the list above is far too extensive to cover in detail, we thought it would be best to select the top five most exciting or unique models from the list to examine further. The vehicles discussed below have been chosen because of their unique features or superb functionality.

1. Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Range Rover Velar is one of the best examples of a luxury SUV that's available today. This standard of luxury allows for additional features like a foot-sensor activation capability for its power liftgate. The Velar can seat up to five people but can house up to 61.1 cubic feet of cargo with all of the back seats down. The standard Velar comes with all-wheel-drive capabilities and terrain response outfitted with six driving modes.

2. Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX is one of the more unique SUV models on our list because of its unconventional liftgate. The liftgate on the GX opens sideways like a conventional door, which can be useful for moving taller objects. The glass portion of the back gate also opens in the normal fashion, independent of the complete door. The GX has a 4.8-liter V8 engine and advanced suspension perfect for off-road use. The SUV also seats up to seven people with its comfortable three rows of seating.

3. Lincoln Navigator

The newest edition of the Lincoln Navigator has power-folding rear seating for both the second and third rows as a standard feature in addition to the power liftgate. This added bonus makes this SUV the peak of cargo convenience. The ultra-spacious Navigator has seating for up to eight people and features a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine for added towing power.

The Lincoln Navigator is on the cutting edge of technology in other ways as well. Each model comes standard with Lincoln Connect, a 4G wifi hotspot that all of your passengers can connect to. Data charges do apply after a complimentary free trial.

4. Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada made the top five due to its superb cargo storage configurations. With the second and third-row seats in the down position, the Armada boasts an amazing 95.4 cubic feet of storage space. There are also special storage locations for electronics and other valuables in the console and floor of the vehicle. The Armada is also incredibly good at carrying passengers, featuring extremely comfortable seating for up to eight people.

The Nissan Armada comes standard with a V8 engine that provides the driver with 400 horsepower to use with its all-wheel drive and 413 foot-pounds of torque. The Armada is made for cargo and towing and has the space and drivetrain to get the job done.

5. Toyota Sequoia

Toyota's 2021 Sequoia is the perfect SUV for those weekend family camping trips or early autumn tailgates. The best part about the trunk of this vehicle is that it has a 12-volt power outlet inside it. This is an ultimate convenience for charging flashlights, powering a radio, or blowing up bicycle tires. The SUV has room for up to eight passengers, with plenty of room left over for cargo.

The Toyota Sequoia has the ability to switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive at the flip of a switch and has a 378 horsepower V8 that will help you haul just about anything.

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 certain models. Some online companies offer complete kits to allow your SUV to be retrofitted with a power liftgate. These kits can even be self-installed in some instances, but it's always best to consult a professional.

How does a hands-free liftgate work?

A power liftgate works using a special 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 even need to press a button to activate them. Automakers like Ford, among others, have a sensor-based liftgate that is 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 model of SUV.

How do I turn off my power liftgate?

There are situations where you will want to disable your power liftgate, like if you have a child or dog running around who may accidentally activate it. To turn off your power liftgate, go into the settings section of your dashboard control panel and search for the power liftgate function. Toggle this operation to the OFF position, and you should be good to go.

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 from time to time, which is also okay. On certain 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.

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, there are other aftermarket options available so that you can enjoy the convenience as well.