Kia Sorento Power Tailgate Retrofit Review

Considering a Power Tailgate for Your Kia Sorento?

Many Kia Sorento owners find themselves regretting not opting for the power tailgate (also known as a power liftgate or automatic trunk) when purchasing their vehicle. The convenience of a hands-free trunk opening and closing system is a significant upgrade, especially when your hands are full or you have young children. If you're finding the manual operation of your Sorento's trunk cumbersome, a factory option retrofit can add this valuable feature.

This review details the process of retrofitting a power tailgate onto a Kia Sorento using genuine Mobis OEM parts. We'll cover the installation, expected results, and what to consider before making the upgrade. A customer from Busan, South Korea, traveled to our Geojedo branch for this specific upgrade, highlighting the demand for high-quality retrofitting services.

Seamless Integration with Genuine OEM Parts

The key to a successful and reliable power tailgate retrofit is using genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. For the Kia Sorento, this means utilizing components from Mobis, Kia's official parts supplier. Using genuine parts ensures perfect compatibility with your vehicle's existing electrical systems and design, avoiding the glitches or mismatched aesthetics that can come with aftermarket alternatives.

The installation process involves replacing the standard manual trunk struts with powered struts that contain integrated motors. This is a precise job that requires careful handling of the vehicle's wiring and body panels.

Installation Process:

1. Careful removal of the trunk's interior trim panels to access the existing struts and wiring.
2. Detachment of the original manual trunk support struts.
3. Installation of the new power struts, along with the necessary control modules and wiring harnesses.
4. Integration of the anti-pinch sensor, a crucial safety feature that automatically stops the trunk from closing if an obstruction is detected.
5. Installation of new control switches, typically on the driver's door panel and the trunk lid itself, for manual operation.

The anti-pinch sensor is particularly important for safety, ensuring that the tailgate stops and reverses if it encounters an obstacle, preventing injury or damage. Genuine OEM parts ensure this system functions with the intended sensitivity and reliability.

Is a Power Tailgate Retrofit Worth It for Your Sorento?

The decision to retrofit a power tailgate often comes down to weighing the cost against the added convenience and functionality. For the Kia Sorento, the typical cost for a genuine OEM power tailgate installation in South Korea ranges from approximately ₩700,000 to ₩1,000,000 (roughly $500-$750 USD, depending on exchange rates). This price can vary based on the specific parts used and the labor rates at the installation facility.

The benefits are clear: effortless trunk operation via a button on the driver's door, the trunk lid, or even your key fob (if supported by the system). This is especially beneficial when carrying groceries, luggage, or managing children. The enhanced safety provided by the anti-pinch sensor is another significant advantage.

However, it's crucial to have this work performed by experienced technicians. Improper installation can lead to electrical issues or a poorly functioning tailgate. Always choose a reputable shop that specializes in these types of OEM retrofits. The installation process typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, ensuring all components are correctly fitted and tested.