When you have a large family or you need to transport more people than normal for work, it’s important to make sure everyone has the room they deserve. Sometimes, the only way to do that is to drive one of the best 9-seater SUVs.
We’ve found the best nine-passenger SUVs for your consideration. We’ve also found a few other vehicles that may work, put together a list of pros and cons to think about, plus answered your top questions at the end of this article.
As far as large 9-seater SUVs are concerned, the Chevrolet Suburban is a top choice. You also have the option to drive a Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon or Ford Expedition. Among these models, there is a couple with longer wheelbases, including the GMC Yukon XL or Ford Expedition Max SUVs.
Dive into the specs with us.
1. Chevrolet Suburban
Even though the Chevy Suburban is equipped with a powerful V8, it still turns back decent fuel economy numbers. Plus, it’s hard to argue with how much space is provided inside the cabin for up to nine people. There’s also no lack of cargo room for all of your gear or a large family shopping trip.
To accommodate nine people, you need to opt out of the bucket seats in the first and second rows. These must be bench rows, so you have three rows each holding three people. However, Chevy only offers this option in the base model, so you may be limited on what add-ons can be included.
- MSRP: $57,200
- Dimensions: 226″ L x 81″ W x 76″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 144.7 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 7,400-7,800 pounds
- MPG: 15/20 mpg (city/highway)
2. Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevy also makes the Tahoe, which can be equipped to hold nine people. It is a smaller variation of the Suburban, so expect to have slightly less legroom and cargo space. While you will be limited to what trim levels you can choose, even the base Tahoe comes well-equipped with the latest tech and safety features.
It’s also an extremely capable tow vehicle. Therefore, if you and your family want to hit the beach, lake or mountains for the weekend, taking a camper with you shouldn’t be a big deal.
- MSRP: $54,200
- Dimensions: 211″ L x 81″ W x 76″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 122.9 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 7,600-7,900 pounds
- MPG: 15/20 mpg (city/highway)
3. GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is very similar to the Chevy Tahoe but with a slightly more luxurious touch. To get nine-passenger seating, you need to choose the base model, which seems to be an ongoing problem. This limitation keeps you from enjoying the Denali lineup, with its 22” wheels and high-tech features, but you could opt for these if you were able to get seating capacity down to seven or eight people.
Still, it’s hard to complain about the capability of this large SUV. You can tow what you want, haul who you want and carry all of the cargo.
- MSRP: $57,400
- Dimensions: 210″ L x 81″ W x 77″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 122.9 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 8,400 pounds (with max trailering package)
- MPG: up to 21/27 mpg (city/highway)
4. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition provides the best towing capacity of the large SUVs we’ve examined. It’s also on the smaller side of the others, so that’s something to consider. However, the smaller size could help if you have to park in tighter spaces, but it also equates to less interior space.
What’s interesting about the Expedition is that it has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Jeep Wagoneer. With the 3.5L high-output EcoBoost engine, you also achieve 48 more horsepower than the 5.7L V8 engine installed in the Wagoneer. Yet, you aren’t going to suffer at the pump for it.
- MSRP: $54,755
- Dimensions: 210″ L x 80″ W x 76-77″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 121.4 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 9,200 pounds
- MPG: up to 17/23 mpg (city/highway)
5. GMC Yukon XL
If you like the thought of the Yukon model listed above, but you need more space to stretch out, the XL variant is going to be a better option. It has a longer wheelbase to accommodate your family.
This larger size does have some consequences. The most important to consider is that driving this SUV is like navigating a tank in some respects. You better be very good at maneuvering large vehicles before taking this into a busy city environment.
- MSRP: $60,400
- Dimensions: 225″ L x 81″ W x 77″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 144.7 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 8,300 pounds (with max trailering package)
- MPG: up to 15/20 mpg (city/highway)
6. Ford Expedition Max
Ford has its own version of the long-wheelbase SUV. The Expedition Max is meant to provide ample seating space on a larger scale. Yet, there isn’t much more cargo capacity worth boasting about.
This model comes in slightly shorter than the GMC Yukon XL, so you may gain a little more maneuverability. However, it’s still large and in charge, so be prepared.
- MSRP: $62,790
- Dimensions: 222″ L x 80″ W x 76″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 121.5 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 9,300 pounds
- MPG: up to 17/23 mpg (city/highway)
Best 9-Seater Non SUVs (Vans)
If you are willing to load up in a van instead, you can find plenty that accommodate nine passengers, with room to grow. The best 12-passenger vans include the Nissan NV, Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, Chevy Express or GMC Savana.
Many of these may be slightly harder to find, but here are a few specs worth mentioning.
Nissan NV
The NV Passenger model provides one of the most versatile configurations in the auto industry. With 324 possible ways to configure it, there’s no stopping you from getting what you need.
You can even take out the back seats and turn the van into your own delivery vehicle, perfect for when you need to move to another house. Plus, the inside of the Nissan van has been filled to the brim with tech and comfort features. The only bad news is that these are no longer produced, so you have to find a used model.
- MSRP: Varies on model year
- Dimensions: 241″ L x 80″ W x 84″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 234.1 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 8,700 pounds
- MPG: up to 24/26 mpg (city/highway)
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is another popular choice among large families. You can easily fit up to 12 or 15 people and still have some cargo room left over. Plus, Ford offers many different configurations, including a higher roof so you can stand up in the van.
With a power sliding door and HID headlamps, this van is fully up to date, ensuring you aren’t left behind. It also includes the 3.5L EcoBoost engine for maximum efficiency.
- MSRP: $51,130
- Dimensions: 238-264″ L x 81″ W x 82-108″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 234.1 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 8,700 pounds
- MPG: up to 24/26 mpg (city/highway)
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes Sprinter is a large van on the luxury side. This model is popular for being converted into RVs, mainly because of how reliable and powerful it is. Yet, you can have nine passengers in this van and have room to spare.
Of course, you are going to spend more on this option. But the added technology and comfort may make the price tag worth it for you.
- MSRP: $48,700
- Dimensions: 234-290″ L x 80″ W x 96-114″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 532.6 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
- MPG: up to 14/17 mpg (city/highway)
Chevrolet Express
The Chevy Express is a trusted van that’s been around for decades. It’s one of the lowest-priced in its class, so you can’t expect a lot of bells and whistles.
This Chevy van is truck-based, giving it more durability. There’s also an available V8 engine that makes this van a workhorse.
- MSRP: $42,300
- Dimensions: 224″ L x 79″ W x 84″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 218.5 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 10,000 pounds
- MPG: up to 11/16 mpg (city/highway)
GMC Savana
The GMC Savana is a rebadged Chevy Express. You can expect many of the same specifications with the exact same starting price, making it one of the most affordable and versatile you can drive.
Even with the base model, you’ll find the comfort and technology that’s needed. Of course, you can easily upgrade to some luxuries if you demand more from your people mover.
- MSRP: $42,300
- Dimensions: 224″ L x 79″ W x 84″ H
- Cargo capacity (max): 283.6 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 10,000 pounds
- MPG: up to 11/16 mpg (city/highway)
Pros and Cons of Nine-Passenger SUVs
Before you jump right in and buy a 9-passenger SUV, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. Any SUV with this much room is going to create some downsides that must be balanced against the advantages. Consider these before making your decision.
Pros
- Space to hold nine people – ideal for a large family or workgroups
- American-made models available
- Plenty of features, even with the base models
- Maximum towing/hauling capabilities
- Lots of cargo room available
- Powerful engine options with most SUVs
Cons
- Limited options to pick from
- Large size makes maneuverability a challenger
- Price tends to be higher than other basic SUVs
- Gas mileage suffers – costing more at the pump
- Most nine-passenger options can only be chosen with base trim levels, limiting features
Do any SUVs fit 9 passengers?
Yes, you could choose the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon or Ford Expedition. If you need something with a longer wheelbase, there’s the GMC Yukon XL or Ford Expedition Max. Aside from these, you could also opt for a 12- or 15-passenger van for even more room.
Which car is best for 9 people?
It depends on what you are looking for. There are budget-friendly options and those that are a little more luxurious. Evaluate the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon XL or Ford Expedition Max to see which model may suit you the best.
Are there 9 passenger minivans?
Most of today’s minivans either hold seven or eight people. However, you could choose a 12- or 15-passenger van to accommodate a family of nine. Choose from the Nissan NV, Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, Chevy Express or GMC Savana.
Which Suburban has nine seats?
Chevrolet only offers nine seats with the base model Suburban. That option limits you with technology and features, so it’s a trade-off. Otherwise, the LT, RST and Z71 models have seven seats, while the Premier and High Country trims can be equipped with eight seats.
If you want the best 9-seater SUV, you don’t have a lot of options. You would need to choose an SUV from Chevy, Ford or GMC to get the space you are looking for.
There are also 12- and 15-passenger van options that may seem appealing to you if more space is desirable. Explore your options before making any decisions.
Categories: Market
