Written byUsing sliding doors isn’t only fashionable for older minivans or moms. Today, cars with sliding doors are designed to be both fashionable, brainy, and extremely useful. Although most people buy minivans for these reasons, many other vehicles are adding sliding doors to attract those seeking ease of use, extra space, and a modern, updated look.
It used to be that sliding doors were either plain or only suitable for specific functions, but this is no longer the case. Vehicle makers have updated side sliding doors, fitting them onto luxury SUVs, rough outdoor autos, and forward-looking EVs of all sizes. They offer a convenient blend of practicality and style, which is why they work well for anyone seeking a car that’s both functional and visually appealing.
If you commute in the city, love adventure, or are part of a growing family, there are sliding-door cars that suit your lifestyle and look great, too. Visitors to this exhibition will see how automakers like Tesla and Toyota are introducing various innovations to their vehicles.
We explore 10 vehicles with cool sliding doors, detailing each one to highlight what makes it stand out from the rest. If you’ve been looking for a way to add excitement to your slide doors, get ready because we’re about to show you some fun and practical ideas.
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#1. Tesla Model X
- Type: Electric Luxury SUV
- Sliding Door Type: Falcon-wing (automated vertical sliding)
- Powertrain: Dual Motor or Tri-Motor AWD
- Horsepower: Up to 1,020 hp
- Range: Up to 348 miles
- 0–60 mph: 2.5 seconds (Plaid)
- Starting Price: $79,990+
- Why It’s Not Boring: Supercar performance with dramatic sliding doors.
The Tesla Model X is the electric SUV at the forefront, offering bold design, powerful performance, and useful sliding doors. Because its doors slide up, the car is one of the most noticeable on the road. Thanks to its choice between Dual Motor and Tri-Motor versions, the Model X’s output can be up to 1,020 horsepower and see it reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.5 seconds. Not only is it fast, but it’s also very efficient, managing up to 348 miles.
With this Tesla SUV, opening the rear doors is easy, transforming family travel into something luxurious. It’s exciting, happens quickly, and certainly is not dull.
#2. Toyota Sienta (JDM)
- Type: Compact MPV (Japan)
- Sliding Door Type: Dual power sliding
- Engine: 1.5L hybrid or gas
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 40+ mpg
- Seating: 5–7 passengers
- Price: $20,000 (Japan)
- Why It’s Not Boring: Youthful, compact, city-friendly, and efficient.
Made exclusively for Japan, the Toyota Sienta is a compact car with sliding doors. Unlike minivans, it’s a small, sleek car with side-sliding doors that combines a mature design with modern needs. Because of its smart twin-sliding doors, you can get in and out easily anywhere, and thanks to its size, you won’t have trouble parking.
The Sienta powers up with two engine options; a capable 1.5L hybrid or a gasoline version, which can give up to 40+ mpg—great for commuting from home to work and family duties. For less than $20,000 in Japan, you get both flexible seating and an affordable price tag with the Toyota. The sliding doors on this Japanese car demonstrate that a vehicle can be fun, efficient with fuel, and still practical.
#3. Ford Transit Connect Wagon
- Type: Compact Passenger Van
- Sliding Door Type: Dual sliding
- Engine: 2.0L I4
- Horsepower: 162 hp
- MPG: 24 City / 28 Highway
- Cargo Capacity: Up to 106 cu. ft.
- Price: $35,000
- Why It’s Not Boring: Great mix of practicality and drivability in a small footprint.
Its sliding doors and small size mean you can use the Ford Transit Connect Wagon as a functional van, yet it drives like a car. For people living in cities, it’s perfect because you can slide the doors open from both sides, making parking easier. Equipped with a 2.0L inline-four engine good for 162 hp, the minivan alternative gets 24 miles per gallon when driving in the city and 28 miles per gallon when driving highways.
There’s plenty of room for up to seven on the inside and a whopping 106 cu.ft. The 5 of cargo space makes it easy to use for anything, from daily errands to weekend activities. You can get the Transit Connect Wagon for around $35,000, and it’s more convenient than a minivan but not nearly as bulky.
#4. Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van
- Type: Midsize Luxury Van
- Sliding Door Type: Power sliding
- Engine: 2.0L Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 208 hp
- Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Payload: 1,874 lbs
- Starting Price: $45,000
- Why It’s Not Boring: Premium utility vehicle with European refinement.
The van features a European design and strikes a balance between luxury and practicality, achieved through sliding doors within a mid-size shell. If you need something fancy for your family or shuttle, they will make getting in and out of the cabin an absolute convenience with its power sliding doors.
At its core, the 2.0L turbocharged engine produces 208 horsepower, delivering engaging and energetic driving no matter where you are. A maximum towing weight of 5,000 lbs and payload limit of 1,874 kg makes this luxurious sliding door van capable of a lot. With a starting price of around $45,000, Mercedes demonstrates that style and productivity can coexist perfectly in the Metris.
#5. Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- Type: Electric Minivan (not boring!)
- Sliding Door Type: Dual sliding
- Horsepower: 282–330 hp
- Range: 260–300 miles
- Seating: Up to 7
- Starting Price: $45,000–\$60,000 (est.)
- Why It’s Not Boring: Retro looks + modern electric tech = instant cool.
The Volkswagen ID has been designed for drivers who rely on their vehicles every day. Buzz is a van that’s bound to get your attention, with its doors sliding open, and it brings back some of the charm of the VW Microbus for the modern age. This modern Volkswagen bus combines classic design elements with modern electric power, featuring two sliding doors that make getting in and out much easier.
Analysts expect the ID model to make 282 to 330 horsepower and drive up to 300 miles on a charge. Buzz stands out with both incredible performance and energy-efficient use. Since it accommodates up to seven and costs between $45,000 and $60,000, it will appeal to both eco-friendly families and nature enthusiasts. This beautiful EV is anything but dull; it’s a remake of a classic story, but it feels fresh with its electric setup.
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#6. Mazda Bongo Friendee (Import)
- Type: Camper Van (Import)
- Sliding Door Type: Power Sliding
- Engine: 2.0L–2.5L gas or diesel
- Drivetrain: AWD available
- Features: Pop-top, fold-flat seating
- Used Price: $7,000–$15,000
- Why It’s Not Boring: Cult-classic camper for adventurous souls.
Many travelers love the Mazda Bongo Friendee because it’s a famous camper van equipped with sliding doors. The vehicle was imported from Japan and features power sliding doors, making access to its spacious interior easy. Customers can pick from three engines—2.0L, 2.2L, or 2.5L—in either gas or diesel and also order it with AWD for rough terrain.
Outfitted with a fold-flat back and roof that pops, the Bongo makes a lovely camper for smooth weekends or long road trips. You can find these cars on the used market, priced between $7,000 and $15,000, and they give you both style and usefulness, unlike most minivans.
#7. Toyota HiAce (Global)
- Type: Large Commercial Van
- Sliding Door Type: Side sliding
- Engines: 2.8L turbo-diesel / 3.5L V6
- Transmission: 6-speed auto
- Seats: Up to 15
- Price: Varies by country ($35,000+)
- Why It’s Not Boring: Global workhorse with massive following and durability.
The Toyota HiAce, a full-size van, is known worldwide for its sliding doors and reputation for dependability and practicality. Because it’s a commercial van, its side sliding door makes it easy to load and unload both passengers and cargo. If you want a diesel, there’s a 2.8L turbo, or choose a 3.5L V6 with an automatic transmission.
Its ability to seat 15 passengers means the HiAce is excellent for everything from prominent families to groups and businesses. The numerous makes and models make it challenging to establish a price range, but they typically start at around $35,000 worldwide. This global van, featuring side-sliding doors, is both valuable and robust, building a reputation for lasting durability and pleasing its loyal user base.
#8. Nissan e-NV200 (Used Import)
- Type: Compact Electric Van
- Sliding Door Type: Dual sliding
- Powertrain: Electric
- Range: 124 miles
- Price (used import): $15,000–\$25,000
- Why It’s Not Boring: Quiet, urban-friendly, and surprisingly fun to drive.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly electric van that’s also affordable, read on. The Nissan e-NV200 offers both a practical vehicle and one that is environmentally friendly. It’s easy to drive in towns, thanks to its small size and sliding doors, and the all-electric power lets you travel around 124 miles per charge.
There are dual sliding doors available, making travel in and out simple in crowded city areas. Inside, there’s plenty of space for goods or people, and because it’s so quiet, it’s especially appealing. You can find a used import in the $15,000 to $25,000 range, making it more affordable than gas-powered vans. It’s straightforward, requires minimal maintenance, and is helpful for today’s drivers.
#9. Honda Stepwgn (JDM Import)
- Type: Mid-Size Family Van (Import)
- Sliding Door Type: Dual power sliding
- Engine: 1.5L turbo / hybrid
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- Price (import): $20,000–\$30,000
- Why It’s Not Boring: Boxy, clever, and beloved in the JDM scene.
The Honda Stepwgn boasts special sliding doors that reflect Japanese technology in its design, particularly in its use by families. There are two side doors on this van, both of which power open wide, and the cabin holds up to eight passengers in comfort. There is either a gas turbo or a hybrid engine available, which together offer excellent fuel economy for city or family use.
A taller, boxy style provides the home with ample space, while the proper storage and lowered floor make it easy for families to navigate. Being a JDM import, the Stepwgn typically sells for $20,000 to $30,000, offering plenty of fun and excellent value. As well as being useful, it’s also an attractive and unusual option to the usual minivan.
#10. Hyundai Staria (Import)
- Type: Full-Size MPV
- Sliding Door Type: Power Sliding
- Engine: 2.2L diesel / 3.5L V6
- Seating: 7–11 passengers
- Price (import): $35,000–$45,000
- Why It’s Not Boring: Looks like a spaceship and feels like a lounge.
Wide-opening sliding doors and a spacelike design set the Hyundai Staria apart from most vans. Since this is a full-size MPV, it pairs a 2.2L diesel engine with either a regular gearbox or an automatic transmission or a 3.5L V6 and a 5-speed box for a smooth drive at any distance. The interior space resembles a contemporary living room, featuring pleasant lighting, relaxing captain’s chairs, and large windows that offer expansive views.
The Staria accommodates 7 to 11 riders, making it a suitable alternative to an SUV, thanks to its handy sliding doors. Importing one costs roughly between $35,000 and $45,000, and the Staria offers luxury, a novel look, and a family-friendly interior minus the usual minivan appearance.
Conclusion
Now, you don’t have to let a plain minivan stop you from choosing a sliding door. Whether you’re interested in the entirely futuristic Tesla Model X or the timeless yet modern Volkswagen ID, you’ll find both memorable cars. Buzz, thanks to today’s design, you can enjoy sliding doors in your vehicle without compromising its appearance. No matter what you need, electric, for the family, or something wild, a soft-roader with sliders is a good fit.
This shows that slider doors are a good choice without anyone thinking you’re driving a minivan. JDM campers and luxury European vans each offer their own set of qualities, including speed, tech news features, superb comfort, or just looking great.
Next time you’re looking for a vehicle that does the job well, pick one that looks cool, too. They demonstrate that making things more accessible can be visually appealing.
