7 Compact SUVs With Automatic Liftgate (Power Liftgate)

Automatic liftgates have become popular in different vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, minivans, and hatchbacks.

Due to the convenience it offers, several compact and subcompact SUVs in the market today have also featured a power liftgate.

Below is a list of compact SUV models with power liftgates. We have arranged them based on subcompact and compact categories. 

Subcompact SUVs

Here are some small SUVs with automatic liftgates:

1. Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact crossover SUV that debuted in 2019, under the auspices of the Mazda brand. While it’s still in its first generation, the SUV has won a number of awards and performed well commercially. 

It also currently tops the U.S News’ list of the best subcompact crossover SUVs for the current model year.

This SUV boasts of plenty of features, including a top-shelf cabin, composed ride, and myriads of standard tech endowments.

Some variants of the Mazda CX-30 also have a very efficient power liftgate. You can open or close the liftgate by using the keyless entry transmitter or some designated switches on the vehicle. 

Opening the power liftgate on the transmitter will require you to press a button on the transmitter for about 1-3 seconds. Once you do this, the hazard flashlight comes on, while a beep sound erupts and the liftgate opens. 

Also, there are switches in front of the driver’s seat and on the liftgate itself. You can press either of these to open or close the gate as long as it is unlocked or you have the key with you. 

2. Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trailblazer debuted as a subcompact crossover SUV under the Chevrolet brand. Not to be confused with the old Chevrolet Trailblazer model (2001-2008), the new Chevy Trailblazer debuted in 2020. 

The brand has already sold hundreds of thousands of units of this SUV. No wonder it has received many worthy reviews from auto pundits.

Some of its best features include a spacious cargo area, comfortable seats, great fuel economy, and, of course, power liftgates. 

The Chevrolet Trailblazer features an automatic (power) liftgate as part of its “Sun and Liftgate” package. To open/close your Trailblazer’s liftgate, all the vehicle needs is a gentle kicking motion from you around the trunk.

As you approach your vehicle with the key fob around you, a logo projection appears when you get within six feet.

If you wish to open the liftgate, the vehicle expects you to kick over the logo. Then, the rear light and a beeping sound should come on as the liftgate opens.

Make sure to also check our article on how long the Chevrolet Trailblazer last.

3. Buick Encore GX

General Motors began production of the Buick Encore GX in 2019 for the 2020 model year. It has sold over 100,000 units since then while also making #5 on U.S. News’ list of best subcompact SUVs for 2022. 

Some of its most acclaimed features include impressive cargo space, plush seats, great engine options, and impressive fuel economy. The Buick Encore GX also offers a hands-free power liftgate to make things a lot more convenient for drivers. 

To use the power liftgate on the Encore GX, raise your foot gently above the logo that appears when you approach the car.

Once you have done that, the liftgate opens slowly, allowing you to do whatever it is you want to do in there. Pretty simple, huh?

You can also press the key fob twice to open or close the liftgate. Another option is to press the liftgate button in the cabin.

Interestingly, you can customize a maximum height for the liftgate to prevent any damage, especially when you are within an enclosed space.

4. Toyota Corolla Cross

In 2020, Toyota introduced the all-new Corolla Cross, a compact crossover SUV using the iconic Corolla nameplate. Critics, including US News and CarandDriver, gave it scores of 7.5/10 or higher. 

Some of the best features of the Toyota Corolla Cross include its huge cargo space, amazing gas mileage, and a power liftgate.

Its power liftgate is a pretty efficient one, as it gives you unfettered access to the rear cargo area. To open or close the liftgate, you can simply press a button on the key fob. You can also press a button around the driver’s seat to control the gate. Better still, raise your foot underneath the rear bumper to access the liftgate. 

Please, also check our article on the 3 known issues with the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Compact SUVs

Below is a list of compact SUVs with automatic liftgates:

5. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that officially hit the market in 2012. It is now in its second generation and the brand has already sold over 3.5 million units as of 2022.

This SUV is also considered one of the best compact crossover SUVs by critics and pundits. 

Some of the most impressive features of the Mazda CX-5 include nimble handling, a generously equipped interior, great fuel economy, a gorgeous exterior, and a power liftgate.

Particularly, you can open or close the power liftgate by using the keyless entry transmitter or some designated switches on the vehicle. 

To use the transmitter, you need to press the required button for about 1-3 seconds. Once you do this, the hazard flashlight comes on while a beep sound erupts and the liftgate opens. 

Also, there are switches in front of the driver’s seat and on the liftgate itself. You can press either of these to open or close the liftgate as long as it is unlocked or you have the key with you.

6. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V debuted in 1995 as a compact crossover SUV. The 5-door SUV entered its sixth generation in 2022 and it’s undoubtedly one of the best-selling vehicles, not only in its class but across the auto market. 

CR-V also enjoys excellent ratings from critics and some of its acclaimed features include stress-free ride quality, comfy seats, and a great fuel economy.

The Honda CR-V features an automatic power liftgate on the EX-L and Touring variants. You can either control the liftgate with the key fob from up to 50ft away or press a button from the driver’s seat.

You can also make an upward kicking motion beneath the rear center of the vehicle to control the rear gate. 

All of these actions will trigger a flash from the rear lights as well as a beeping sound while the liftgate opens. 

You should also check the 10 best and worst Honda CR-V years.

7. Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover introduced in 2001 by Mitsubishi. More than 1.5 million units have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling SUVs in the world. In fact, several pundits consider it to be one of the best compact SUVs on the market today. 

Some of its most impressive features include a composed handling, a first-rate cabin, comfy seats, and a host of tech upgrades. The Mitsubishi Outlander also sports an impressive hands-free power liftgate. 

You can open the Mitsubishi Outlander liftgate by pressing the key fob or pressing a button on the dash in front of the driver’s seat. You could also just press a button on the hatch itself or use the kick sensor, which requires an upper quick motion under the rear bumper.

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