Power Liftgates used to be a feature reserved for high-end models but now they’re all but ubiquitous. Almost every vehicle on the market is available with a power liftgate, although you may not find them on the base trim level. And therein lies your dilemma. Bumping up to a higher trim will cost more, and you’ll have to weigh that cost against the benefits of the extra features. If you’re not sure whether or not a power liftgate is worth it, compare your car ownership experience with a power liftgate versus a manual one to help you decide.
The biggest advantage a model with a manual liftgate will have over one with a power liftgate is the cost. Opting for a manual liftgate will save you money in two ways. The first, of course, is the initial cost of the vehicle. The second is in repair costs and may not apply to you. Because power liftgates have more moving parts, and those parts are more complex, you’ll likely pay more for repairs if something were to go wrong.
Power liftgates do cost more, but you may recoup some of the cost when it’s time to trade in your vehicle since convenience features and technology help to reduce the rate of depreciation and retain your vehicle’s value. Even if you don’t plan to trade in your vehicle, the extra cost may be worth it since power liftgates will enhance your ownership experience in several ways. Here are just a few:
Deciding whether you should opt for a vehicle with a power liftgate depends entirely on your needs and budget. If you decide that a power liftgate is something that you want in your next vehicle, you don’t always have to splurge on a higher-trim model. For instance, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a power liftgate in the base model. To find other affordable models that feature a power liftgate, visit us at Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM.