Kia Carnival 4th Gen OEM Options Review: Cost

The Convenience of OEM Power Tailgate for Your Kia Carnival 4th Gen

For many Kia Carnival 4th Gen owners, the power tailgate might seem like an unnecessary luxury. However, as lifestyles evolve to include more camping, road trips, and family outings, the convenience of a power tailgate becomes increasingly apparent. Imagine juggling groceries, sports equipment, or camping gear – the ability to open and close your trunk with just the press of a button can significantly enhance your daily convenience. This review delves into the process, benefits, and considerations of retrofitting the genuine OEM power tailgate option onto your Carnival.

OEM Power Tailgate Installation Process on the Kia Carnival 4th Gen

Retrofitting the OEM power tailgate involves replacing several key components. The original trunk lid handle and shock absorbers are swapped out for units equipped with power motors. Additionally, a new button for closing the tailgate is installed, along with a smart tailgate sensor, necessary wiring harnesses, control modules, and an audible buzzer for operation alerts. Inside the cabin, the overhead map light assembly is replaced with one that includes the power tailgate switch. Following the physical installation, a crucial step involves using a diagnostic tool to code the vehicle's systems, ensuring all functions are properly activated and integrated as if they were factory-installed. This meticulous process guarantees seamless operation and full integration with your vehicle's existing electronics.

Installation Process:

1. Replacement of trunk lid handle and shock absorbers with OEM power tailgate components.
2. Installation of the tailgate closing button, smart sensor, wiring, modules, and buzzer.
3. Replacement of the interior map light with the switch-integrated unit.
4. Diagnostic coding to activate and integrate all power tailgate functions.

Benefits and Usage of the Factory-Installed Power Tailgate

Once installed, the OEM power tailgate offers a range of convenient features. You can operate it remotely using your smart key, allowing you to open the tailgate from a distance. The smart tailgate function is particularly useful; when you approach the vehicle with the key in your pocket, the tailgate can automatically open, a lifesaver when your hands are full. The button on the trunk lid itself provides another easy way to open and close the tailgate. While the opening speed is deliberately moderate for safety reasons, the overall user experience is highly satisfying. A significant advantage of choosing the OEM option is the integration into the vehicle's instrument cluster menus, allowing you to customize settings like opening height and sensitivity, mirroring the functionality of a factory-equipped system.

The installation process, as performed by specialists like those at 'Ojeuk-ui Ka' (Today's Car) in Daejeon, South Korea, typically takes about 4 to 5 hours. This timeframe accounts for the complexity of the wiring and coding involved. The focus is on precision and a clean finish, ensuring that the retrofitted system performs reliably and looks integrated.

The cost for this retrofit in South Korea is approximately 1,000,000 KRW, which translates to roughly $750 USD, though actual US pricing may vary significantly based on dealership labor rates and specific vehicle configurations.