Abstract: A system and method of operating a rear closure assembly mounted to a rear portion of a vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving data indicative of a whether an object is detected near the rear portion of the vehicle; determining whether the detected object will obstruct the rear closure assembly from moving between a closed position to a maximum open position based on the data; and providing a response to an operator of the vehicle when the rear closure assembly will be obstructed from moving between the closed position to the maximum open position.