Is It Feasible to Build an SUV with Sliding Back Doors like a Mini Van?

When considering the design and engineering aspects of modern vehicles, sliding doors have become increasingly associated with vans and commercial vehicles. However, would it be structurally feasible to integrate sliding back doors into an SUV design?

Feasibility and Preferences

It is entirely feasible to incorporate sliding back doors into an SUV, but it's unlikely to see widespread adoption due to the strong association of sliding doors with vans. The primary challenge lies in the design trade-offs and user preferences. Sliding doors often come with a set of expectations regarding practicality, convenience, and aesthetics.

Structural Considerations and Design Constraints

For an SUV to have sliding back doors, a dedicated track must be installed on the vehicle#39;s exterior to accommodate the doors' sliding mechanism. The track needs to be straight, which imposes certain design constraints on the vehicle. This straight track is crucial for the smooth operation of the doors. Recent advances in vehicle design have led to more sophisticated aesthetic solutions to hide these tracks, but they still need to be considered in the overall design process.

Traditional Frame SUVs

In the case of a traditional frame-based SUV, constructing vehicles with sliding back doors becomes a less challenging endeavor. The frame provides additional structural support, allowing designers more flexibility in terms of door design. By offloading the responsibility of structural strength to the frame, designers can focus on creating distinctive and unconventional door designs, such as a SUV-convertible or unique door configurations.

Disadvantages of Frame Cars

Although incorporating sliding back doors into frame-based SUVs is feasible, it's important to note that frame cars typically carry their own set of disadvantages. These include increased weight, potential uneven distribution of mass, and increased maintenance. These factors contributed to the decline in popularity of frame-based vehicles in favor of modern unibody construction, which offers superior performance, handling, and fuel efficiency.

Cost and Practicality

The integration of sliding back doors into an SUV would come with significant cost and practical considerations. The sliding mechanism itself is more complex than a conventional hinge, adding to the overall cost of the vehicle. Additionally, the length of the bodywork behind the door is critical for the sliding mechanism to function properly. If the body length is insufficient, the door's functionality and usability would be compromised, leading to potential inconveniences for the vehicle's occupants.

A notable example is the Peugeot 107, which attempted to introduce a sliding front door to improve maneuverability in tight urban spaces. This concept was well-received in concept form but ultimately failed to gain traction in the market, leading to its discontinuation after a few years.

Whereas sliding doors in vans and micro-vans have become a practical feature, integrating them into an SUV design requires careful consideration. While technical feasibility exists, the practical and cost implications, along with the prevailing perceptions of sliding doors, may make such an innovation less likely to be embraced by manufacturers and consumers alike.