Best 9-seater SUVs of 2023

If you have a large group of people you regularly ferry around and a minivan or passenger van are not something you’d consider, a 9-seater SUV may be just the thing for you. These behemoths have three rows of seats with three perches across each, including the front row. But this isn’t a common requirement for most buyers in the US, so there aren’t that many SUVs that seat 9 people available.

Here is a list of 9-passenger SUV models available in the USA for 2023:

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Characteristics of SUVs That Seat 9

It’s not often that buyers look for a vehicle with so many seats, and the requirements to make this happen have to be rather specific. So what does a utility vehicle have to do to be considered one of the best 9-seater SUV models?

They have a long wheelbase to maximize available passenger space
They have three bench seats seating three across in three rows
They are large, heavy, and ponderous to drive
They likely cost quite a bit of money and are not frugal

What to Consider When Buying a 9-Seater SUV

To have seating space for nine in an SUV will undoubtedly require some sacrifice, even with an extended wheelbase. So what do you need to give up for the ability to transport such a large group?

Pros

Loads of space to accommodate nine people
9-passenger SUVs in the States are from home-grown brands
No penalty on features for equipping three bench seats
Massive hauling potential
Powerful engines to get these large SUVs on the move

Cons

Very few options to choose from
Ponderous size makes driving and maneuvering it a challenge
The price of all that real estate isn’t cheap
Bench seats are less comfortable and spacious than buckets or captain’s chairs
Gas mileage figures are unlikely to impress
Most nine-seater options are base models, so they are sparse on features

FAQs About 9-Passenger SUV Models

How do you fit nine people in an SUV?

The 9-passenger SUV interior is only slightly different from the regular configuration. Where the standard setup in the cabin is two bucket seats up front, and two rows of three-seat benches behind this, the 9-seater SUV gets a three-seater bench up front as well.

Are nine-seater SUVs safe and reliable?

The addition of a bench seat in the front of an SUV may have you questioning the safety of the vehicle, but there are no separate or negative safety ratings from authorities for these models. In terms of reliability, the available nine-seat Chevrolet and GMC SUVs all earn high ratings from J.D. Power with the Suburban earning the lowest score of 75 out of 100. Tahoe and Yukon models are rated at 80.

How expensive are 9-seater SUVs?

With just a handful of models on the market at present, pricing is easy to compare. The new Chevrolet Tahoe, equipped to seat nine, has a starting cost of around $55k. The Suburban is around $5k dearer, and the GMC Yukon XL will cost at least $65k.