Can anyone tell me if the side door opening width is the same on a slider door vs the hinged doors? I can not find this spec anywhere. It appears the opening is the same but I can not make that assumption. Also what style to you prefer? I have always had the hinged doors.

 

When I measured myself, the barn door opening is bigger, but insignificantly so. And only when you open all the way (blocking passenger entry). Specifications like exact dimensions would available in the GM brochures that you can web search for.
Sliding doors are 100x better.

 

Technically the sliding door mechanism is heavier than regular one slowing down the vehicle. Moreover the sliding mechanism used requires frequent and quite expensive maintenance. plus they are also costly.

 

Mine is about 10 years old ... never needed service. Same thing with my previous van. Other than periodic lubrication. Keep it clean and don't abuse it and it will be fine.
If I ever need them, new rollers don't cost that much given how long they last. At least they are easily replaceable at home.
From what I can see, barn door hinges, straps and pins aren't cheap either. And hinges would have to be welded on.

 

Having had both, the slider is probably better on the Express. The only issue I had is the latch activating rods can flex a little and sometimes it required pushing in on the door metal behind the handle to get it to open.