You’ve probably noticed them every time you get in your SUV: a collection of slots, pockets, and compartments built right into the door panel. While one is clearly for a water bottle, what about the others? The ad that brought you here asked a simple question: what happens when you use these different slots? Let’s explore their real purpose.
Before we place our water bottle, it helps to understand what we’re looking at. The interior door panel of most modern SUVs, from a Ford Explorer to a Honda CR-V, is a carefully designed piece of real estate. It typically includes the window and lock controls, a speaker grille, an armrest, a door pull handle, and an assortment of storage pockets.
These storage areas aren’t random; they are the result of extensive research into how drivers and passengers use their vehicles. Automakers know you need places to stash items for quick access, and each slot is often designed with a specific type of item in mind.
This is the most obvious compartment, usually located at the bottom front of the door panel. It’s a deep, molded pocket often perfectly contoured to the shape of a standard 16.9 oz (500ml) or 20 oz plastic water bottle.
What happens when you place a water bottle here? Exactly what the designers intended. The bottle slides in snugly, the molded plastic prevents it from tipping over during turns or sudden stops, and its position keeps it from rattling against hard surfaces. Because it’s held securely, it’s easy to reach for a drink without taking your eyes off the road for more than a moment. Some higher-end SUVs, like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, even have holders large enough to accommodate bigger 32 oz reusable bottles from brands like Nalgene or Hydro Flask. This is the safest and most practical place for your drink.
Often running alongside the main bottle holder is a taller, slimmer slot. This is commonly known as a “map pocket,” a holdover from the days before GPS and smartphones when drivers relied on folded paper maps.
What happens when you place a water bottle here? This is where things get less ideal. A standard water bottle will be loose in this wider, non-contoured space. As you drive, it will likely slide back and forth, creating an annoying rattling or thumping sound. On a sharp turn, it could easily tip over. While it might seem like a convenient spot, it offers no stability, increasing the chance of the bottle falling out or becoming a distraction. Today, this pocket is better suited for things like a tablet, a small notebook, a foldable sunshade, or an emergency reflective vest.
Many SUVs feature a small, shallow tray or recessed area integrated into the armrest or near the door pull handle. You might find these in vehicles like the Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4. These spots are intentionally small and easy to access.
What happens when you place a water bottle here? It simply won’t fit. These nooks are designed for the small items you need to grab or store quickly. Think of them as a perfect spot for your keys, parking garage ticket, lip balm, or a small pack of tissues. Trying to wedge a bottle here is impossible, which underscores the fact that each storage spot has a dedicated purpose. Using them correctly keeps your cabin organized and essential items within easy reach.
Some manufacturers cleverly integrate storage right into the large handle you use to pull the door shut. This design is common in many Jeep and Ram vehicles. It creates a deep, secure cubby that’s perfect for holding your smartphone or wallet.
What happens when you place a water bottle here? A very small, thin bottle might fit, but it’s not a good idea. Placing a bottle here can interfere with your ability to get a solid grip on the handle to close the door. Furthermore, it’s often an awkward angle to grab the bottle for a drink. This spot is best reserved for items you want to keep secure but don’t need to access as frequently as your primary drink.
Beyond just rattling and inconvenience, there is a serious safety consideration. You should never leave a plastic water bottle, particularly one filled with water, rolling around in your vehicle on a sunny day.
The clear plastic bottle filled with clear liquid can act like a lens, concentrating sunlight into a single, high-energy beam. This beam can become hot enough to smolder, scorch, or even ignite a car’s upholstery or floor mats. Fire officials have demonstrated this phenomenon numerous times. Always store your water bottle in the designated, shaded door holder or take it with you when you leave the car.
Why doesn’t my reusable water bottle fit in the door holder? While car manufacturers try to accommodate common sizes, there is no universal standard for bottle holders or reusable bottles. Many larger or wider bottles, especially insulated metal ones, are too big for the molded holders in some vehicles. In this case, the center console cupholders are often your best bet.
Can I add more storage to my SUV’s doors? Yes, the aftermarket is full of solutions. You can find hanging door organizers that add extra pockets or even small trash receptacles that clip onto the existing door pockets, helping you keep your vehicle tidy.
What is the worst thing that can happen from putting a bottle in the wrong slot? The most likely outcome is annoying rattling noises. However, a tipped-over bottle could spill, potentially damaging any electronics in the door panel like speakers or window switches. The biggest risk is distracted driving, as fumbling for a loose bottle that has rolled under your feet is a significant safety hazard.