[Jim_in_PA]

The ideal vehicle for that is a minivan, honestly...which is why they are also what are used for true wheelchair accomodations. They are pretty much the only passenger vehicles available today with a sliding door and Subaru doesn't play in that part of the market. There is little demand and the number of minivans available on the market has contracted to just a very few from "a lot" a decade ago.

 

[Titanrx8]

As @Jim_in_PA noted you really should be looking at minivans but if you insist on having something suv-ish, look at the kia carnival.

2024 Kia Carnival | MPV - Pricing & Features | Kia

Cruise in comfort with the new 2024 Kia Carnival. With best-in-class passenger room and cargo space, 8-passenger side-flex seating and best-in-class horsepower capabilities, this multi-purpose vehicle makes traveling easier. Learn all about its convenient features!

www.kia.com

 

[Wolverine73]

OK, this is going to sound really weird, but if there is any company that would take the leap it is Subaru. Here in a the US most modern families (🙋‍♂️) will shun the obvious functional superiority of a minivan for the gratifying/aesthetic benefits of an SUV. However, that doesn't mean that SUVs can't take a page or two from the minivan book. Specifically sliding doors would give numerous advantages for families. I can't tell you how many times I have wished I had them in our cramped garage while putting our kids into the car. For those who get the ascent without family hauling in mind, they would quickly see that the positives carry over to virtually any use case.

In summary, just think about how good this would sound and how much of a splash it would make in the industry:

"The all new 2024 Subaru Ascent. The first SUV with sliding doors."

View attachment 5494
Note: This is just a random picture I found online.

Those wanting sliding doors and awd should have considered a Toyota Sienna.

 

[TheRaven]

What I'd like, rather than sliding doors, is a little mini door for the 3rd row on the passenger side. These days we regularly have 2 child carseats in the 2nd row, so the only way for anyone to climb into the 3rd row is for them to crawl through the rear hatch. A little mini door on the right side of the 3rd row, perhaps opening the opposite way, would be super amazing.

 

[Jimi1976]

Friends don’t let Subaru make a minivan out of an SUV