How to Use Hyundai’s Remote Smart Parking Assist (Smart Park)
We’ve all been there: you return to your car in a crowded parking lot only to find that another driver has parked so close to your door that you can’t even squeeze inside. In the past, this meant crawling through the passenger side or waiting for the other driver to return.
With Hyundai’s Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)—famously known as “Smart Park”—that frustration is a thing of the past. This feature allows you to move your vehicle in and out of tight parking spaces using just your key fob while standing outside the car.
What is Remote Smart Parking Assist?
RSPA is a driver-assistance system that uses ultrasonic sensors located around the vehicle to control the steering, speed, and gear shifts. It is designed to help you navigate narrow garages or tight parking stalls where opening the doors would be impossible.
How to Use Smart Park to Pull Out of a Tight Space
If your car is parked in a tight spot and you need to bring it forward so you can get inside, follow these simple steps:
- Stand near the vehicle: You must be within about 13 feet of the car for the sensors to recognize the key fob.
- Lock the doors: Press the Lock button on your key fob.
- Start the engine remotely: Within four seconds of locking the doors, press and hold the Remote Start (Hold) button until the lights flash and the engine/system starts.
- Move the car: Press and hold the Forward or Backward arrow button on your key fob. The car will automatically release the parking brake, shift into gear, and begin to move.
- Stop the car: Simply release the button on the fob. The car will stop and engage the parking brake.
Using Smart Park to Put the Car Into a Space
If you find a narrow parking spot but don’t want to struggle to get out of the car once parked, you can let the car park itself:
- Align your vehicle straight with the parking space and shift into Park (P).
- Press the Remote Parking button located on the center console (usually near the gear selector).
- A message will appear on the dashboard display telling you to get out of the car with the key fob.
- Once outside, close all doors and follow the same steps using the Forward button on your key fob to guide the car into the spot.
Safety Features to Keep in Mind
While it might feel like magic, the system is packed with safety protocols. The car will automatically stop if it detects an obstacle, a person, or a pet in its path. Additionally, if you let go of the button on your key fob, the car stops instantly.
Is It Only for Electric Vehicles?
While RSPA is a headline feature on EVs like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, it is also available on several internal combustion models, including the Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, and Sonata.
Next time you find yourself in a parking pinch, don’t sweat the tight squeeze—just let your key fob do the heavy lifting!