When it comes to family-friendly vehicles, one of the most convenient features to have is sliding doors. Sliding doors offer easy access and exit for passengers, especially in crowded parking lots or narrow spaces.
Discover the ultimate blend of convenience and style as we present the 15 best SUVs with sliding doors, their advantages, and the factors to consider before making a purchase. From spacious minivans to sleek SUVs, these vehicles redefine practicality without compromising on elegance.
Moreover, we’ve sought insights from industry experts, ensuring you have access to credible information that empowers your decision-making. So, why settle for conventional car doors when you can embrace the practicality and elegance of sliding doors?
The Advantages of Suvs with Sliding Doors
- Easy Accessibility: Sliding doors offer wide openings, making it effortless for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle, even in tight parking spots.
- Child-Friendly: Sliding doors eliminate the risk of children accidentally hitting nearby vehicles when opening the door.
- Space Efficiency: With no need for extra clearance for outward swinging doors, sliding doors are ideal for compact parking spaces.
- Improved Safety: Sliding doors have sensors to prevent the closing of objects or people, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Comfortable Seating Arrangements: Sliding doors make it easier to access the rear seats, making the interior more versatile and comfortable for passengers.
Top Picks for SUVs with Sliding Doors in 2024
| SUV Model | Price Range | Engine | Fuel Economy | Seating Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Carnival MPV | $33,200 | 3.5L V6 / 290 hp | 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway | Up to 7 |
| Toyota Sienna | $37,185 | Hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl / 245-hp | 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway | Up to 8 |
| Toyota Proace Verso | $35,995 | 2.0L Turbodiesel | 25 mpg city/ 35 mpg highway | Up to 9 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | $38,020 | 3.6L V6 / 287-hp | 22 mpg city/ 28 mpg highway | Up to 8 |
| Honda Odyssey | $37,840 | 3.5L V6 / 280 hp | 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway | Up to 8 |
| Mercedes V-Class | $45,750 | 2.0-litre turbodiesel / 163hp | 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway | Up to 8 |
| Volkswagen Multivan | $69,290 | 2.0L turbodiesel | 25 mpg city/ 34 mpg highway | Up to 7 |
| Volkswagen Caddy Life | $41300 | 2.0L TDI diesel / 101hp | 57.7 MPG Combined | Up to 7 |
| Ford Tourneo Custom | $35,160 | EcoBlue 2.0 Litre Engine | 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway | Up to 9 |
| Citroen e-SpaceTourer | $47,590 | 50 kWh | 185 KM Range | Up to 9 |
| Citroen Berlingo | $31,880 | 1.2-Litre Turbocharged Three-Cylinder | Between 37-48 MPG | Up to 5 |
| Peugeot e-Rifter | $42,550 | 107 kW electric | 173 Miles Range | Up to 7 |
| Kia Sedona | $31,575 | 3.3-liter V6 | 18 mpg city/42 mpg highway | Up to 8 |
| Toyota Century SUV | $170,000 | 3.5-liter V-6 | 30 MPG & 33 MPGe | Up to 4 |
| Dodge Grand Caravan | $27,530 | 3.6-liter V6 | 17 MPG City/25 MPG Highway | Up to 7 |
1. Kia Carnival MPV
- MSRP: $33,200
- Engine: 3.5L V6 / 290 hp
- Fuel economy: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 7
The Kia Carnival MPV stands tall as the best SUV with sliding doors, blending practicality with SUV-inspired aesthetics. Embracing a blocky, Telluride-inspired exterior, it ensures van-wary drivers dodge cringe-worthy moments.
Inside, the Carnival shines with a low-load floor and tall roof, catering to family needs. Opting for second-row VIP seats transforms it into a luxury haven for road trips.
The EX trim steals the spotlight, featuring a power liftgate and an in-cabin intercom. Powered by a robust 290-hp V-6 engine, it boasts a well-balanced ride and impressive fuel efficiency.
2. Toyota Sienna
- MSRP: $37,185
- Engine: Hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl / 245-hp
- Fuel economy: 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 8
The Toyota Sienna emerges as the apex SUV with sliding doors, flaunting a sleek design that veils its minivan essence. Despite a mild-mannered facade, the Sienna roars with a 245-hp hybrid powertrain, delivering a frugal 36 mpg combined.
The sporty XSE model amps up the thrill with a sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and Toyota’s “one-motion” split & stow third row. Inside, a spacious console and top-tier trims pamper with leather accents.
While lacking removable second-row seats, the Sienna compensates with versatile sliding options and high-tech amenities. Safety-wise, it excels with standard blind-spot monitoring and Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0. The Sienna, though slower than rivals, is a fuel-efficient, tech-savvy family chariot that elevates the sliding door SUV experience.
- Reviewed as one of the best cars for short people.
3. Toyota Proace Verso
- MSRP: $35,995
- Engine: 2.0L turbodiesel
- Fuel economy: 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 9
The Toyota Proace Verso redefines the minivan game, offering a versatile 6 to 9-seat configuration that caters to diverse needs. Derived from a PSA Peugeot Citroen partnership, it combines Toyota’s reliability with French design finesse.
With three sizes and trims like Shuttle, Family, and VIP, it delivers a tailored experience. Powered by a diesel lineup featuring 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines, it excels in fuel efficiency, ranging from 36.2 to 43.4mpg.
Despite its commercial roots, the Proace Verso boasts a refined interior, showcasing the latest technology. Its spacious yet compact design challenges the status quo, delivering a winning proposition for families or businesses seeking the ultimate sliding-door SUV experience.
4. Chrysler Pacifica
- MSRP: $38,020
- Engine: 3.6L V6 / 287-hp
- Fuel economy: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 8
The Chrysler Pacifica, often dubbed the “Swiss Army Knife of Minivans,” steals the show in the SUV with sliding doors category. Boasting Stow ‘n Go seating, it effortlessly conceals the second-row seats like magic tricks.
Power options include a 287-hp V-6 or a plug-in hybrid with a staggering 540-mile range. The Pacifica’s swift 7.3-second 0-60mph, spacious cabin, and sliding doors make it a minivan maestro.
The 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto ensure a connected drive. With an impressive 31 mpg on highways and an accommodating interior, the Pacifica stands tall as the ultimate family-friendly SUV.
5. Honda Odyssey
- MSRP: $37,840
- Engine: 3.5L V6 / 280 hp
- Fuel economy: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 8
The Honda Odyssey stands tall as the unsung hero in the realm of family-friendly SUVs with sliding doors. Celebrating three decades of excellence, this eight-seater flaunts Honda’s mechanical reliability, a zippy V-6 engine, and innovative Magic Slide seats, allowing versatile second-row configurations.
While lacking some tech features, the Odyssey compensates with an optional rear-seat entertainment system, complete with an in-car camera for parental surveillance.
The EX-L trim, with its leather seats and added USB ports, strikes the perfect balance. Efficient and polished, the Odyssey cruises at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, outshining rivals in real-world testing.
This vehicle is also reviewed as the best vehicle for a family of 6 and the best car for long-distance driving.
6. Mercedes V-Class
- MSRP: $45,750
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel / 163hp
- Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 8
photo From Mercedes V-ClassThe Mercedes V-Class, a luxurious SUV with sliding doors, redefines elegance in the realm of family-friendly transport. This posh, van-based MPV combines practicality and style, boasting a sleek exterior with chrome trim and a plush interior akin to a high-end handbag.
Accommodating up to eight passengers, it stands out with a roomy, well-appointed cabin, including an option for uber-luxurious seats.
Driving the V-Class is a delight, offering comfort, a smooth automatic gearbox, and a quiet cruise. While the diesel engine can be a tad noisy, the V-Class excels in sophistication, making every journey a first-class experience.
7. Volkswagen Multivan
- Price: Starting at $69,290
- Engine: 2.0L turbodiesel
- Fuel economy: 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 7
The Volkswagen Multivan crowned the Adventurer’s Choice at the 2024 Carwow Car of the Year Awards, is like the SUV with a magic wand. Offering the versatility of an American-style fridge-freezer, it combines space, style, and a dash of adventure.
The sleek exterior, especially with the two-tone paint job, conceals a roomy interior available in petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid, where each rear seat can be individually removed or configured on movable rails.
The driving experience is akin to maneuvering a big van, with the diesel excelling in fuel economy. It’s the Swiss Army knife of family transport – practical, clever, and effortlessly cool.
8. Volkswagen Caddy Life
- Price: Starting at $41,900
- Engine: 2.0L TDI diesel / 101hp
- Fuel economy: 57.7 mpg
- Seats: Upto 7
The Volkswagen Caddy Life is the unsung hero of family practicality, offering more space than its SUV siblings at a reasonable starting price of $41,900.
Forget the glitzy Touareg; the Caddy’s MQB platform ensures it inherits Golf-like features. Engine options include a punchy 112bhp turbo petrol or a 2.0L turbodiesel with 101bhp or 120bhp.
Its sleek design, especially in metallic hues like ‘Copper Bronze,’ makes it surprisingly stylish for an MPV. With car-like driving dynamics and a cavernous interior, the Caddy Life is the affordable, overlooked gem for families who prioritize space and value over fleeting SUV trends.
9. Ford Tourneo Custom
- Price: Starting at $35,160
- Engine: EcoBlue 2.0litre engine
- Fuel economy: 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway
- Seats: Up to 9
The Ford Tourneo Custom, a sociable family chariot, transforms mundane outings into communal adventures. With room for up to nine passengers, it’s the ultimate people carrier.
Choose from potent 2.0L diesel engines, offering 104bhp to a spirited 182bhp, or opt for the urban-friendly petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The cavernous interior features flexible seating configurations, sliding rear doors for easy access, and a colossal boot with 1200 liters of space. While it may lack the lavishness of rivals, its affordability, car-like handling, and robust safety features make the Tourneo Custom the MVP of social transportation.
10. Citroen e-SpaceTourer
- Price: Starting at $47,590
- Engine: 50 kWh
- Electric Range: 185 km
- Seats: Up to 9
The Citroen e-SpaceToure emerges as a versatile and eco-friendly SUV with sliding doors. Ideal for larger families or those who love group travel, it accommodates up to nine people. Powered by a 50kWh battery, it delivers a 143-mile range.
Charging options include a home wall box (7.5 hours), workplace wall box (around five hours), or public rapid charger (80% in half an hour).
With sliding seats, it offers flexible interior configurations, and the MyCitroen app allows remote monitoring. With a top speed of 80mph and three drive modes, the e-SpaceTourer combines functionality with electric driving pleasure.
11. Citroen Berlingo
- Price: Starting at $31,880
- Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder / 110 hp
- Fuel economy: Between 37-48mpg
- Seats: 5
The Citroën Berlingo, a true MPV workhorse, stands out as the unsung hero among SUVs. Derived from a van, it champions practicality, cost-effectiveness, and a cavernous interior.
Sporting a no-nonsense design, it excels in transporting families and cargo. The Berlingo boasts competitive pricing, efficient engines, and a plethora of storage options.
The 1.2 Puretech 110 petrol engine impresses with sprightly performance, making it a solid choice. Despite its commercial roots, the Berlingo’s interior showcases durability with thoughtful touches.
If you prioritize space over SUV trends, this MPV, challenging conventional norms, emerges as a compelling and sensible family transport solution.
12. Peugeot e-Rifter
- Price: Starting at $42,550
- Engine: 107 kW electric motor / 136 hp
- Electric Range: 173 Miles Range
- Seats: Up to 7
The Peugeot e-Rifter, an electric MPV sibling to the Citroen e-Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life Electric, caters to families seeking an all-electric, spacious solution.
Boasting a 50kWh battery, it achieves an official range of 172 miles. While its exterior lacks the flash of some EVs, it’s pragmatic, offering sliding doors for easy access.
The cabin, though not luxurious, features Peugeot’s cockpit, ample storage, and removable rear seats for flexible cargo space. Suited for urban commuting with a swift electric motor, its underwhelming efficiency on highways limits long-distance adventures. Priced sensibly, it competes well against costlier electric family cars.
13. Kia Sedona
- Price: Starting at $31,575
- Engine: 3.3-liter V6 / 276 hp
- Fuel economy: 18 MPG City/24 MPG Highway
- Seats: Up to 8
The Kia Sedona, although not leading the minivan segment, brings a unique SUV-like aesthetic to the table. Rumors suggest an imminent redesign for 2022.
The mid-range EX trim emerges as the sweet spot, offering a blend of features like keyless entry, heated seats, and advanced safety tech.
Its V-6 engine delivers a smooth ride, though fuel efficiency falls behind rivals. The cabin, while not Kia’s latest, is spacious, with a luxurious option in the SX variant boasting reclining second-row lounge chairs. Cargo space is its weak point, but the infotainment options and safety ratings shine, making it a reliable family choice.
14. Toyota Century SUV
- Price: Starting at $170,000
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 / 406 hp
- Fuel economy: 30 mpg and a 33-mile electric driving range
- Seats: Up to 4
The Toyota Century SUV, a departure from tradition, is a luxurious chauffeur-driven masterpiece. Originating from a lineage of sedans, this SUV introduces sliding doors, akin to a modern-day Japanese Rolls-Royce.
Designed with opulence in mind, the rear seats offer Gulfstream-level comfort. Surprisingly, Toyota allows unique customization, even enabling the switch from traditional to sliding rear doors.
Powering the behemoth is a 3.5L V-6 engine, plug-in hybrid system, and all-wheel drive. Limited to 30 units annually, each bespoke Century SUV is a rarity. Priced at $170,000, its exclusivity competes with Bentley and Mercedes-Benz in the realm of exotic SUVs.
15. Dodge Grand Caravan
- MSRP: $27,530
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 / 283-hp
- Fuel economy: 17 MPG City/25 MPG Highway
- Seats: Up to 7
The Dodge Grand Caravan, though aging, remains a budget-friendly option for those seeking a minivan. Its 2020 model, despite being the last hurrah, comes with minor updates, including standard second-row captain’s chairs on the SE Plus.
Unchanged is the reliable 283-hp V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While lacking in modern amenities, the Grand Caravan excels in practicality with its signature Stow ‘n Go seats, creating a spacious cargo hauler.
Fuel efficiency trails competitors, but the real-world utility shines. Unfortunately, safety ratings fall short, and the dated infotainment system lacks smartphone integration. A farewell to a minivan era.
Unleash advanced infotainment in the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan SE, boasting a 6.5-inch touchscreen, six-speaker sound system, and CD player.
Ready to find these SUVs through used car deals? Explore our recommended best used car websites to purchase your favorite SUV without exceeding your budget.
Comparison of Sliding Door Mechanisms
Manual Sliding Doors
Manual sliding doors are operated by hand and are typically more affordable than automatic ones. However, they may require more effort, especially when the vehicle is on an incline.
Automatic Sliding Doors
Automatic sliding doors offer added convenience with their power-operated mechanism. With the press of a button or a sensor activation, they effortlessly glide open or closed.
Sliding Doors vs. Traditional Doors: Pros and Cons
Accessibility and Convenience
- Sliding doors: Easy access in tight spaces, ideal for families with children or elderly passengers. If you are looking for a comfortable SUV for your senior citizens, Check out our article on the best SUVs for the elderly.
- Traditional doors: Wider clearance is needed, less suitable for tight parking spots.
Parking and Tight Spaces
- Sliding doors: Save space, and allow for closer side-by-side parking.
- Traditional doors: Require more space to open, limiting parking options.
Aesthetics and Style
- Sliding doors: Offer a modern, streamlined appearance.
- Traditional doors: Often considered classic and conventional.
Maintenance and Repairs
- Sliding doors: More complex mechanism, potentially higher repair costs.
- Traditional doors: Simpler mechanism, generally easier to maintain.
The Future of Sliding Doors in the Automotive Industry
With the increasing focus on convenience and accessibility, sliding doors are expected to remain a sought-after feature in family-oriented vehicles. As technology advances, we can anticipate more innovative designs and enhanced safety features.
Conclusion
In 2024, the best SUVs with sliding doors provide unmatched convenience and practicality for families and passengers.
The Kia Carnival MPV, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Proace Verso, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey are among the top choices, each offering unique features to suit various needs.
Whether you prioritize space, technology, or eco-friendliness, these are the perfect SUVs with sliding doors for you. Embrace the future of automotive design with sliding doors, making family journeys more enjoyable and hassle-free.
FAQs
Are sliding doors safe for children?
Yes, sliding doors often come with safety sensors to prevent closing on objects or people, making them safe for children.
Can I get sliding doors in a non-minivan car?
While sliding doors are more commonly found in minivans, some larger SUVs and crossovers may also offer this feature.
Do sliding doors require more maintenance than traditional doors?
Sliding doors have a more complex mechanism, which may result in slightly higher maintenance costs compared to traditional doors.
Can I convert a car with traditional doors to sliding doors?
Converting a car to have sliding doors is a challenging and expensive process, and it may not be feasible for most vehicles.
Are automatic sliding doors worth the extra cost?
Automatic sliding doors offer added convenience, especially for families, but whether they are worth the extra cost depends on individual preferences and budget constraints.
