The power-programmable rear liftgate is a feature that has recently come into automotive spotlight. This feature can found in GM’s small- and medium-sized CUVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, and Cadillac SRX, among others.
The programmable liftgate gives drivers the ability to select the specific height to which the liftgate can open and is accomplished by turning the liftgate knob located on the overhead console (to 3/4″) and then pressing a button on the bottom face of the lift gate to lock in the specific height – which elicits a beep and blinks the rear lamps. The height can be later readjusted as needed by following the same sequence.
The feature helps prevent bumping the rear door into overhead garage doors and other areas with low roofs and ceilings. The power liftgate allows drivers to open the liftgate at the press of a button (from within the vehicle or from the key fob/remote). Closing the powered hatch is performed by pressing a button on the underside of an open hatch or on the key fob.
The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are the only non-premium compact crossovers in the U.S. that offer the programmable power liftgate as an option or as a standard feature – the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, or Hyundai Santa Fe do not.
“It’s one of the many delight features that customers wouldn’t expect in this category of vehicle,” said Carol Johnston, a GM designer involved in the feature’s development.
Availability of the programmable power liftgate is as follows:
- 2010 Equinox 2LT – $495 option
- 2010 Equinox LTZ – standard
- 2010 GMC Terrain SLT-1 – $495 option
- 2010 GMC Terrain SLT-2 – standard
- 2010 Cadillac SRX – standard on 3.0L V6 Luxury, Performance, and Premium models and above
- 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon – standard
Comments
Should be on the Acadia. It’s a premium vehicle for sure for the 45k I just paid for my 2010!
Completely agreed – let’s hope GM installs this on the Acadia asap.
Question: what made you decide to get the Acadia over the Chevy Traverse or Buick Enclave?
Wearing a jacket while seated in a car looks sloppy and bunchy – using OnStar to figure out how to work a certain in-car feature is awesome.