Could Three Door SUVs Make A Comeback?

The BMW X6, an idea that still baffles on paper but every time you see one on the road it has enough design presence to make it work. BMW has sold over 250,000 all over the world since its introduction, enough to warrant a second generation in the near future, an X4 sibling and a few competitors. The ZDX was an almost immediate response from Acura that never caught on, but Mercedes has the MLC almost ready and the rumors always persist about Audi following suite. With automakers willing to take some risks in the SUV category it seems more reasonable than ever to bring back the 1990s trend of three door SUVs. Back in the day it seemed like you can order your favorite SUV in a three door version starting with the "short bus" RAV4 all the way to the full size Tahoe. The three door SUV was the 1990s equivalent of the five door coupe of today.

What do you think, is this something that should make a comeback?
Read Article

jeffgall - 5/29/2014 11:15:04 AM

+1 Boost

Let's not forget the Bronco, which basically started the 3 door SUV.

trmckin - 5/29/2014 1:23:43 PM

+1 Boost

chevy suburban goes back to the 30's and was a 3 door. GMC version was the carryall. Jeep's came along in the early 40's.. Bronco not until mid 60's.

trmckin - 5/29/2014 1:31:11 PM

+1 Boost

land rover also had the series 1 that started in the 40's.

Dexter1 - 5/29/2014 12:01:03 PM

+1 Boost

Isn't the X6 four doors?

Dexter1 - 5/29/2014 12:01:39 PM

+1 Boost

Er . . . five doors?

Sciros - 5/29/2014 1:01:17 PM

+1 Boost

"The three door SUV was the 1990s equivalent of the five door coupe of today." I still don't know what a five door coupe is. Is it like a Camaro but you count being able to climb in through the windows and the sunroof as doors?

chewy - 5/29/2014 1:52:12 PM

+1 Boost

A sedan/hatch with better proportions and design like that of a coupe.

Dr550 - 5/29/2014 2:41:56 PM

+1 Boost

The X6 makes sense to owners who want a higher ride height and do not need to carry 6 suit cases and 4 passengers on a daily bases. Couples with no children or empty nesters may prefer the X6. A three door X4 would work for a younger demographic. After driving an X5 for three years I will not go back to a sedan. Was tapped on rear bumper and had to use a rental Chevy Malibu for three days. Ride height and comfort can not compare.