
Before opening the door, the first thing to do is to observe the left rearview mirror to confirm whether there are any vehicles approaching from behind. After confirming from the side mirror that there are no vehicles coming from behind, alert the drivers of approaching motorcycles and non-motorized vehicles to give way. After ensuring safety from behind by checking through the door gap, keep an eye on the traffic coming from behind, and open the door to an angle sufficient for exiting before stepping out.

I've been driving a Toyota Alphard for over two years, and the daily door operation is quite straightforward. The front doors feature a conventional handle design – simply pull the outer or inner handle to open, just like any regular car with no special mechanisms. The rear power sliding doors are exceptionally practical, typically offering three opening methods: 1) Pull the exterior door handle to trigger automatic sliding; 2) Press the unlock button on the smart key for remote automatic opening; or 3) Use the dedicated switch button on the center console for one-touch operation. In case of electronic system failure, don't panic – the doors can still be forcibly opened by manually pulling the handle with slightly more force. Always prioritize safety during operation, especially in crowded areas or when children are nearby, being cautious to avoid finger pinching. The doors also feature automatic closing functionality, engaging only after proper latching confirmation for added convenience. For maintenance, I lubricate the sliding tracks quarterly to prevent stiffness and ensure smooth operation.

My first encounter with the Alphard left me completely clueless about how to open the doors—it took me quite a while to figure it out. The rear doors were the most puzzling part: I initially tried pulling the exterior handle with no response, only to later discover a small lever above the interior handle that, with a gentle pull, smoothly slid the door open. The smart key makes things even easier—just get close to the car and press twice for automatic opening and closing. I remember one rainy day when a friend was waiting impatiently outside, and I managed to operate the doors via the center console button—perfect for times when you don’t want to reach out in the rain. A useful tip is to pay attention to the indicator light: it flashes if a door isn’t properly closed, preventing you from driving off with a gap. This feature is incredibly user-friendly for the lazy, allowing one-touch opening and closing.

The Alphard's doors primarily operate via handles and buttons. For the front doors, simply pull the handle to open. The sliding rear doors feature an internal lever—pull it to slide the door open. Externally, just use the handle. If you prefer not to move, use the key fob or center console button for effortless operation. The electric system includes anti-pinch protection for safety and convenience. For child safety, engage the manual child lock located on the inner side of the rear doors—once activated, the doors can only be opened from inside. New users will master it with a few practice attempts.


