Kia Seltos Power Tailgate Retrofit Review

Enhance Your Kia Seltos with an OEM Power Tailgate Retrofit

For owners of the Kia Seltos, particularly those with pre-facelift models, the absence of a factory-installed power tailgate might have been a notable omission. Fortunately, a solution exists: retrofitting the genuine OEM power tailgate system. This upgrade brings the convenience and functionality of a power liftgate to your Seltos, mirroring the features you'd expect from a factory option. This review details the process, benefits, and considerations for this popular factory upgrade.

Why Choose an OEM Power Tailgate for Your Seltos?

Opting for an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) power tailgate system ensures the highest level of compatibility, durability, and safety for your Kia Seltos. Unlike aftermarket solutions, OEM parts are designed specifically for your vehicle, guaranteeing a seamless integration with its existing electrical and mechanical systems. This means no compromises on performance and a reduced risk of future issues. The original manual trunk can be cumbersome, requiring manual effort to open and close, and often lacking a convenient exterior button. A power tailgate retrofit addresses these inconveniences directly. It replaces the standard gas struts with robust electric actuators, providing smooth, reliable operation. The addition of an interior button further enhances usability, allowing you to operate the tailgate without leaving your driver's seat.

The OEM Power Tailgate Installation Process

The installation of an OEM power tailgate on a Kia Seltos is a precise process that typically takes between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the specific vehicle and parts availability. The procedure involves carefully removing the existing trunk trim and the original gas struts. Then, the new electric struts and associated components are meticulously fitted into their designated factory locations. Wiring is routed discreetly along original factory pathways, utilizing genuine connectors to ensure a clean installation and ease of future servicing. Following the physical installation, diagnostic tools are used to code the vehicle's system, activating the power tailgate functionality. This ensures all features, including the new interior button and potential smart-entry functions, operate correctly. The final result is a fully integrated power tailgate system that looks and functions just like a factory-installed option, with no visible aftermarket additions.

Installation Process:

1. Carefully remove existing trunk trim and manual struts.
2. Install new electric struts and related components in factory mounting points.
3. Route wiring harness along OEM pathways and connect using factory connectors.
4. Perform system coding using a diagnostic tool to activate power tailgate functions.
5. Reassemble trunk trim and test all functions.

Benefits and Functionality of the Retrofit

Once installed, the OEM power tailgate transforms the usability of your Seltos's trunk. A new menu option, often labeled 'Power Tailgate,' will appear on the vehicle's infotainment system. This allows for customization of the opening speed and the maximum height the tailgate reaches, tailoring it to your preferences and garage clearance. The system also incorporates safety features, such as an automatic stop if an obstruction is detected during operation, and can be configured for hands-free opening when the key fob is detected nearby. These features provide a level of convenience and sophistication comparable to higher trim levels or more expensive vehicles, making the retrofit a worthwhile consideration for many Seltos owners.