We need more 2-door SUVs

"BadMotorScooter" (badmotorscooter)
05/15/2019 at 08:19 • Filed to: None

Seems like there would be good interest in a ‘personal’ SUV that has a usable back seat but only two doors. Considering how popular the FJ Cruiser and 2-door Wrangler are, I am surprised there aren’t more options.

There used to be a 2-door option for most SUVs - 4Runner, Blazer, Explorer, Tahoe/Yukon, Cherokee, etc. Now there’s only one in the US that I can think of - Wrangler. What do you think?

DISCUSSION (18)

E90M3 > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 08:37

My first car was a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport, was not really a fan of only having two doors. I’m pretty sure it was one reason why I got a four door M3.

Ssfancyfresh > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 08:43

I think the 2-door Tahoe shown above is one of the most handsome SUV’s. Ever. But I have no use for one. We have a large SUV because we have kids. Kids are strapped into car seats until they’re 15. It’s already a pain in the ass when everyone has their own door.

To me, t he cool factor of a 2 door SUV doesn’t o ut weigh the convenience of extra doors.

facw > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 08:50

Considering how popular the FJ Cruiser and 2-door Wrangler are

Do you mean popular enough that they stopped selling it in the US years ago despite an SUV boom and much less popular than the 4-door respectively? Because I don’t think that’s a very compelling argument if I’m an auto executive.

TheRealBicycleBuck > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 08:54

Two doors suck, especially when you have kids.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 08:59

Can’t have luxury finished multifunction electric front buckets with driver memory if you have just two doors and a usable back seat.

I mean you aren’t wrong but your appreciation of the past is clouding your judgement. And yet...perhaps not...

Kinja'd!!!

BadMotorScooter > Ssfancyfresh
05/15/2019 at 09:00

I’m with you on the Tahoe looking good. I’m not suggesting to kill the 4-door versions, just give us some 2-door options. It sure seems like there would be a reasonable sized market.

BadMotorScooter > facw
05/15/2019 at 09:04

True, although the FJ Cruiser was extremely popular and they killed it because of emissions and the platform change (I think). It has re mained at the top of resale value lists due to high demand even now years after production ended.

Wrangler is similar, although the 4-door version is much more popular, not many people doubt the 2-door is cooler.

facw > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 09:09

The FJ Cruiser had two really strong sales years and then quickly fell off in popularity before plateauing:

Kinja'd!!!

They still make it for the Middle East, which suggests to me that they probably were concerned about keeping up with emissions or fuel economy rules when they canceled it here, but had it been more popular I’m sure they could have given it a new engine or a general refresh.

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 09:10

Kinja'd!!!

maniacally rubbing my hands together saying “excellent”

BadMotorScooter > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media
05/15/2019 at 09:10

Bring back the Sidekick and Samurai! I’m not suggesting to stop making 4-door versions, but it sure seems like there is a market for a more personal 2-door version. The FJ Cruiser was very popular with sky high resale value throughout its production run. 2-door Wranglers are very popular and cool. The same reasons why somebody might want a 2-door coupe instead of a 4-door sedan apply to SUVs, and perhaps even more so.

functionoverfashion > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 09:18

https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/every-single-two-door-suv-has-failed-266841

Now, I disagree with the headline , because it’s ridiculous to say that the Jeep CJ / Wrangler was a failure, even if it’s now being eclipsed by the 4-door version. But still, worth a read. Just bring your grain of salt.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 09:19

2 door wranglers arent that popular anymore, the unlimiteds out sell the 2 doors and have for a few years

412GTI > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 09:47

I mean we already have two door convertible versions, so why not. I don’t see it happening though. Most people just want a practice vehicle and that means a four door. I know I did going from a Civic Coupe to a 5-door VW. Wranglers Unlimited sell way better at our dealer than 2-door. Some of our 2018 2-doors are discounted heavily and still are coming up on a birthday.

BahamaTodd > BadMotorScooter
05/15/2019 at 09:52

Similarly with the regular cab pickup down to only 5% of sales, Americans want a backseat with easy access.

The Bronco will be available in a 2 door.

Also the Defender.

Kinja'd!!!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Ssfancyfresh
05/15/2019 at 10:08

The 2 door Tahoes of that vintage are extremely easy to strap kids into, dare I say easier than the 4 door, thanks to the larger doors and a passenger seat that folds all the way to the dash.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > TheRealBicycleBuck
05/15/2019 at 10:11

Depends on the vehicle.

Ex A: Our 1990 Integra coupe was easier to get the kids in and out of than most midsize 4 doors thanks to the large door openings and a passenger seat that folded to the dash. You could literally step into the back, strap the kids in, and be on with your day.

Ex B: The 2 door Tahoes of that vintage are extremely easy to strap kids into, dare I say easier than the 4 door, thanks to the larger doors and a passenger seat that folds all the way to the dash. Same scenario, open door, fold seat, step in, strap kid, go about your day.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
05/15/2019 at 10:34

I don’t have any experience with either of those vehicles. Every two-door I’ve ever been in was a pain in the ass when it came to accessing the back seat.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > TheRealBicycleBuck
05/15/2019 at 11:49

It really depends on how the passenger seat functions. Many 2 doors have a passenger seat that folds all the way forward to the dash, this combined with larger door openings actually makes them easier to access the back seat, plus gives more space for moving around for things like strapping kids in.