A radar detection system for activation of a powered closure member of a vehicle and corresponding method are provided. The system includes a radar sensor assembly having a radar transmit antenna for transmitting radar waves and a radar receive antenna for receiving the radar waves after reflection from an object in a detection zone. The radar sensor assembly outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the motion of the object in the detection zone. An electronic control unit is coupled to the radar sensor assembly and includes a data acquisition module to receive the sensor signal and a plurality of analysis modules to analyze the sensor signal to detect extracted features and determine whether extracted features are within predetermined thresholds representing a valid activation gesture. The electronic control unit initiates movement of the closure member in response to the extracted features being within the predetermined thresholds representing the valid activation gesture.