Few people would argue that a large, truck-based SUV is a good value, but if you truly need a rugged vehicle with plenty of passenger space and lots of power for towing, it’s tough to beat the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. With seating for up to nine people in three rows, the Suburban is an efficient way to move a crowd. Its 15/21 m.p.g. city/highway fuel-economy ratings may not seem that great until you compare them with the fuel-economy ratings of other large SUVs. With available four-wheel drive and the ability to tow up to 9,600 pounds, the Suburban is meant to pull horse trailers, RVs, and boats, all while keeping passengers comfortable in an interior reviewers say is upscale for a Chevrolet.
Depending on how much you want to spend, the Suburban can be had with features like rear-seat entertainment and Bluetooth. Other features, like satellite radio and GM’s OnStar system, are standard. The Suburban comes with a five-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.