Best MPVs with Sliding Doors and Easy Access

The Volkswagen Sharan comes with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, plus three different trim levels. It’s seriously spacious and practical inside, and is offered with a good range of engines. It sits at the higher end of the MPV range, and the interior befits its status, with everything feeling high-quality and well put together. In some new Sharans, the sliding doors can be electrically operated, but they’re light enough and you should be able to move them fine by hand.

The Alhambra might be up against a clutch of butch SUV rivals here, but it flourishes by prioritising practicality and being substance over style. That said, SEAT is also known for its design flair and has executed this spacious MPV with a touch of panache. Unlike many people movers, there genuinely is room for seven tall adults here – and with its sliding doors, it’s easy for them to get out too. Features such as folding picnic tables and middle seats that slide forward and back individually add versatility. It’s not the cheapest MPV on the market, but it does offer some of the best value.

The Doblo offers an affordable way to shunt large numbers of people or loads of luggage. The interior quality and design styling of this Fiat might not quite match those of more premium rivals. But on the positive side, this MPV with sliding doors doesn’t lean too heavily on its commercial vehicle origins and feels more like a car rather than a van. Bi-link rear suspension helps to deliver a composed drive even when you’re hauling a heavy load. And, the large glass area gives you great visibility, which is handy when you’re driving around town.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class delivers bags of space all wrapped up in a luxurious package – and the premium badge on its nose isn’t bad either. It’s the kind of people carrier used to carry around Formula One drivers behind tinted windows. The rear seats can be configured in all kinds of different set-ups to suit your passengers, although this can be a bit fiddly and time-consuming due to their size. There’s also a camper van version available, the Marco Polo, which is complete with an electric pop-up roof, kitchenette and two built-in beds – as well as sliding doors of course.

The Caravelle is part of the long tradition of Volkswagen people movers, stretching all the way back to the iconic van of the 1950s. Having lots of space doesn’t age badly and you still get acres of it today. That comes alongside the sliding doors and a dazzling array of kit – though at the kind of chunky prices you might expect from a premium vehicle such as this. A long-wheelbase version offers extra versatility for when you need to transport a mountain of luggage.

With no central pillars and sliding doors, the B-Max is great for loading kids into child seats when parked in a tight space. The doors are some of the widest you’ll find. The vehicle is based on the Fiesta and uses the same range of engines, including the strong turbocharged 1.0-litre Ecoboost, which delivers either 99 bhp or 123 bhp. It handles well despite the firm suspension needed to minimise body lean, and comes with a slick gearbox and well-weighted steering to boot.

The original C-Max rode in on the first wave of MPV’s popularity. It did so well that Ford didn’t meddle too much with the formula. It stretched the vehicle out to create the seven-seater Grand C-Max as one of the last MPVs to be launched before SUVs muscled in on the scene. The practical interior features cubbyholes all over the place for storage. It’s fun to drive too, boasting agility that belies its dimensions, along with well-weighted steering and very little in the way of body roll.

You might not think it to look at the Tepee’s bulky shape, but it’s very cost-effective to run. Despite being based on the Peugeot Partner van, it feels remarkably car-like to drive, with quite sophisticated handling and punchy diesel engines. Rear seats that can be reclined, folded, tumbled or removed means you can customise the space according to your needs. All that in addition to the sliding doors makes this an MPV for the practical-minded drivers out there.

Previously known as the C4 Picasso, the Citroen Spacetourer stands out thanks to the large expanses of glass that make the interior a light and airy space. It beats most of its rivals when it comes to how many people it can move too. While many might brag about their ability to carry seven people, the Spacetourer can do nine. This MPV with sliding doors really lives up to the people-carrier tag, and it’s available with a range of four diesel engines in three different levels of trim.

With powerful engines and nippy handling, the Berlingo set out to show how a vehicle based on a van could be much more than the sum of its parts. It manages to do so at a competitive price too, offering cost-conscious families a compelling combination of efficient engines and endlessly reconfigurable interiors. For the money, the Berlingo is very tough to beat for interior space and ride quality.

Ready to find your MPV with sliding doors? Dive into our listings, browse the wide range of models available and find the one that’s right for you, whether you’re looking for a premium experience or a value proposition.