Kia Sportage: Smart Tailgate with Auto Open (If Equipped)

On Kia Sportage models equipped with a smart key, the Smart Tailgate with Auto Open feature can open the tailgate without requiring you to touch the vehicle.

How to Use the Smart Tailgate with Auto Open

The tailgate opens automatically when both of the following conditions are met:

• At least 15 seconds have passed since all doors were closed and locked.

• You remain in the detection area for more than three seconds with the smart key.

NOTE

The Smart Tailgate with Auto Open will not operate in these situations:

• The smart key is detected continuously during the first 15 seconds after all doors are closed and locked.

• The smart key is detected within 1.5 m (60 inches) of the front door handles during the first 15 seconds after the doors are closed and locked.

• A door is open or unlocked.

• The smart key is inside the vehicle.

1. Setting

   To enable the feature, select Vehicle > Door > Smart Tailgate on the LCD display.

2. Detection and Alert

   Stand in the detection area, approximately 50–100 cm (20–40 inches) behind the Kia Sportage, while carrying the smart key. The hazard warning lights flash and a chime sounds to indicate that the key has been detected and the tailgate is about to open.

   NOTE

   If you do not want the tailgate to open, do not enter the detection area. If you enter it unintentionally and the hazard lights and chime activate, leave the area while carrying the smart key. The tailgate then remains closed.

3. Automatic Opening

   The hazard warning lights flash and the chime sounds six times before the tailgate opens automatically.

   WARNING

   • Make sure the tailgate is fully closed before driving the vehicle.

   • Check that people and objects are clear of the tailgate’s path before opening or closing it.

   • When opening the tailgate on a slope, make sure luggage or other items cannot fall out. Falling objects may cause serious injury.

   • Switch off Smart Tailgate with Auto Open before washing the vehicle to prevent the tailgate from opening unexpectedly.

   • Keep the smart key out of children’s reach. Children playing near the rear of the vehicle may trigger the Smart Tailgate with Auto Open unintentionally.

   CAUTION

   Tailgate lift

   Close the tailgate before driving. Driving with it open may damage the tailgate gas lifters and associated hardware.

How to Deactivate Smart Tailgate with Auto Open Using the Smart Key

• Door lock button

• Door unlock button

• Tailgate open button

• Remote start button

During the Detect and Alert stage, press any button on the smart key to deactivate Smart Tailgate with Auto Open. Learn how to switch off the feature so you can stop the tailgate from opening in an unexpected situation.

NOTE

• Pressing the door unlock button (2) temporarily deactivates the feature. If you do not open a door within 30 seconds, the feature becomes active again.

• Press and hold the tailgate open button (3) for more than one second to open the tailgate.

• Pressing the door lock button (1) or tailgate open button (3) does not deactivate the feature unless it is currently in the Detect and Alert stage.

• If you deactivate Smart Tailgate with Auto Open using a smart key button and then open a door, the feature becomes active again after all doors are closed and locked.

Detecting Area

• When the smart key is detected approximately 50–100 cm (20–40 inches) from the tailgate, Smart Tailgate with Auto Open gives a welcome alert.

• During the Detect and Alert stage, the alert stops immediately if the smart key moves outside the detection area.

NOTE

• Smart Tailgate with Auto Open may not operate in the following situations:

  • The smart key is near a radio transmitter, such as one at a radio station or airport, that may interfere with its signal.

  • The smart key is close to a mobile two-way radio system or mobile phone.

  • Another vehicle’s smart key is being operated near the Kia Sportage.

• The detection range may become shorter or longer in these conditions:

  • One side of the vehicle is raised to change a tyre or inspect the vehicle.

  • The vehicle is parked at an angle on a slope or on an unpaved surface.

Emergency Tailgate Safety Release

Operation

1. Insert a long, flat object into the opening at the bottom of the tailgate.

2. Slide the latch in the direction indicated by the arrow to unlock the tailgate.

3. Push the tailgate open.

WARNING

• Know the location of the emergency tailgate safety release and how to use it in case you become accidentally locked inside the luggage compartment.

• Never allow anyone, including animals, to occupy the luggage compartment. It is extremely dangerous in the event of an accident.

• Use the release latch only in an emergency and take particular care if the vehicle is moving.

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