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GM Utility Vehicle Power Liftgates Shifting From Motion To Proximity Sensors

GM is slowly shifting its crossovers and SUVs from using motion sensors to operate power liftgates to proximity sensors used specifically for the AutoSense Liftgate feature.

Power liftgates with motion sensors can be somewhat fussy to use, requiring the vehicle user to wave their foot under the vehicle bumper to trigger liftgate operation – with some GM models even including a logo projection on the ground to help people figure out where to place their foot to activate the system.

GM AutoSense tech used in models like the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV.

The AutoSense Liftgate, on the other hand, enables the vehicle owner to activate the system and “open the liftgate without lifting a finger,” as Chevy describes the operation. The AutoSense proximity sensor is activated from the center display, and is only available when the vehicle is in Park.

With GM slowly moving away from manual, power, or motion sensor liftgate operation for its crossovers and SUVs, more models are getting AutoSense proximity sensors as standard or optional. As the following table shows, AutoSense liftgates are now standard on the 2025 Buick Enclave, the Chevy Equinox EV, the all-new third generation 2024 Chevy Traverse, and the 2024 GMC Acadia, while AutoSense is optional on the Chevy Blazer EV and the ICE-powered 2025 Chevy Equinox:

GM Crossover/SUV Power Liftgate Operation
Manual Power Motion Sensor AutoSense Proximity Sensor
Buick Enclave (2024) - - S -
Buick Enclave (2025) - - - S
Buick Encore GX S A A -
Buick Envision S - A -
Buick Envista S A - -
Cadillac Escalade - - S -
Cadillac Lyriq - S A -
Cadillac XT4 - - S -
Cadillac XT5 - S A -
Cadillac XT6 - S A -
Chevy Blazer S A A -
Chevy Blazer EV S - - A
Chevy Equinox (2024) S A A -
Chevy Equinox (2025) S - - A
Chevy Equinox EV - - - S
Chevy Suburban S - A -
Chevy Tahoe S - A -
Chevy Trailblazer S A A -
Chevy Traverse (2023) S A A -
Chevy Traverse (2024) - - - S
Chevy Trax S - - -
GMC Acadia (2023) S - A -
GMC Acadia (2024) - - - S
GMC Terrain (2024) S A A -
GMC Yukon S - A -

AutoSense detects the vehicle keyfob when the person carrying it approaches within 10 to 15 feet of the vehicle’s rear, and initiates liftgate opening once the keyfob is within 4 feet of the liftgate. After three seconds, the taillights flash and a beep is sounded four times. The owner has the option to step away and cancel the opening, or remain and open the liftgate.

The liftgate opens slowly with three additional beeps. If the opening is canceled, the keyfob holder will need to wait 20 seconds to try again, or use the alternative exterior liftgate switch to start the opening. Cancelation can also be carried out using the liftgate switch or the keyfob’s liftgate button. Closing the liftgate is handled via an interior or exterior switch or the keyfob button.

The Chevrolet video below gives a visual rundown of AutoSense operation:

GM Authority has also previously described the AutoSense feature as integrated into the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV. The feature will likely continue to expand in use until it replaces all other liftgate options for the crossovers and SUVs made by General Motors.

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Comments

  1. Bad decision. This is one of the features that I can’t stand about Hyundais and Kias. How many times will you walk by it with the key in your pocket and it opens when you don’t want it to?

    Reply
  2. Sooooo many GM forum new vehicle owners complain about their cars with these proximity sensors opening up the lift gate when they’re just walking around the car in the driveway. Just stopping to pick something up or move a kids toy and beep, beep, beep there goes the lift gate again. There needs to be some action that informs the car you want the back open. Do the doors unlock and open when you walk up to them?

    Reply
  3. I have a 2023 Enclave with the motion sensor, it’s usually a hit and miss. Trying to find the lift gate button is a search in wonderland. Getting the key fob out isn’t always easy. The days with just a pull handle, it always worked.

    Reply
  4. Somebody once said the trouble with these modern conveniences is that they are so inconvenient.

    Reply
    1. Exactly. I’m perfectly capable of opening a hatch myself, and would prefer no motorization at all. I don’t even like the feature on my tailgate which slows its descent mechanically–it takes too long to drop and I’m perfectly capable of catching the tailgate before the bottom of the fall.

      This is just feature creep, where buyers prefer the item with the most features, even if they don’t need them.

      Reply
      1. You are not a lawyer. Heavy tailgate falling on person’s hand/head would be a personal lawyer’s dream machine.

        Reply
      2. Seniors with arthritis need them. And have money to pay for them. But they can also press a button.

        Reply
  5. The issue I see is that when walking behind the vehicle in the garage, the gate will open and hit the garage door. If you’re not fast enough to hit the button, you may be carrying something you don’t want in your vehicle, just in your garage.

    Reply
  6. Another reason to not have the keyfob with you when you wash/wax the car. 😉

    Reply
  7. So we are back to trying to hit the switch on the lift gate with our hands full of groceries. What’s the point of even having it?

    Reply
  8. From the article, it looks like you can disable, which I would. I don’t have either and have no problem finding the button on the hatch or using the fob. I had to laugh at the grocery though, a woman was waving her foot almost falling down(heels) trying to get her suv to recognize the gesture. She finally gave up and used the button on the hatch. Would have made a funny video.

    Reply
    1. Agree but disabling it defeats the whole purpose and requires another step.

      Reply
  9. Got it on my wife’s 23 Trailblazer RS. It displays a white bowtie on the ground so you just swipe your foot under so it displays on your foot and it opens. Takes a little practice to figure out what it likes so that it will work consistently. Works fine and definitely been handy at times. If my hands aren’t full, I just hit the button that’s just under the tailgate lip center of license plate. Never have used it to close it, easier to just hit the button on the left side of the tailgate. Also for anyone else who has one, if it fail to work check that the switch on the drivers door hasn’t accidentally been turned in the off position. I have hit it several times cleaning the interior or hitting it getting in and out. Same switch enables you to adjust the tailgate opening height.

    Reply
  10. This isn’t for convenience, removing the sensor probably saved another $2 per car and Mary’s stock will go up another .008%,,,,,

    Thats what this is.

    Reply

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