Some families have big needs when it comes to seating and some have really big needs. When it comes to 9 passenger SUVs, the best SUVs in 2013 for nine passengers might all be GM products but there still is some choice with four models to choose from.
2013 SUVs that Seat Nine
We have your list of 2013 SUVS with seating for nine people below but first please note that only specific trims and seating packages accommodate nine passengers.
Chevrolet Tahoe LS $39,830 MSRP 15 City / 21 Hwy MPG
Chevrolet Suburban LS $43,295 MSRP 15 City / 21 Hwy MPG
Both the Tahoe and its big brother, the Suburban, are great SUVs with lower MSRPs than their GMC counterparts with similar fuel economy. And while GMC is typically known as the more upscale trim with its Denali brand, this is one area where upscale falls apart and you are probably better off with the more affordable Chevy brands.
Why? Because to squeeze in the extra seatbelts into what is typically an SUV that seats seven or eight passengers means giving up personal space and additional storage. Both things the upscale brands like GMC's Denali trim or the upscale Cadillac brand with its similar Escalade SUV refuse to do.
The issue is primarily the need for a front bench seat to sit all those people at the cost of a center arm rest and storage console. It's a $250 option that GM only offers in its base trim packages and only in cloth interiors. And it has to be paired with middle bench seat that seats three instead of two middle captain chairs.
New Over Used? Yes if Nine Seats Matter
The result of having such specific trim requirements means finding a cheap SUV for sale that meets all your specific requirements is rather difficult. Anything with leather or captain chairs is instantly out of the discussion if you want a nine seater SUV. If you do have to buy used, you might have better luck looking for the Chevy over the GMC models.
The better option if you need that much seating capacity is to buy new at one of your local car lots and get the specific package and trims you need. The Tahoe and Yukon models are more affordable with good trunk space. However for the best SUV that seat nine people get the Suburban or the Yukon XL. With that many people even good trunk space isn't going to cut it.