By Julie Blackley

Cars that Last the Longest are Full-Size SUVs

Full-size SUVs led by Toyota models are the longest-lasting vehicles that are most likely to reach 200,000 miles or more, according to a new study by automotive research firm and car search engine

iSeeCars.com

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iSeeCars analyzed over 15.8 million cars sold in 2019 to determine which models have the highest percentage of cars that reached 200,000 miles.

“Led by the Toyota Land Cruiser, truck-like SUVs and pickup trucks account for the majority of the list of vehicles that are most likely to reach 200,000 miles,” said iSeeCars CEO Phong Ly. “However, consumers looking for vehicles in other categories can find a reliable high-mileage hauler to suit their needs.”

Longest-Lasting Vehicles by Segment

Here are the longest-lasting vehicles by vehicle category compared to the average for each segment.

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Based on cars reaching 150,000 miles

**Based on cars reaching 100,000 miles

Top 15 Longest-Lasting Cars: Toyota Land Cruiser Earns the Top Spot

The top 15 models identified each have at least 2.5 percent of their vehicles (two-and-a-half times more than average) reach that mileage and include a mix of vehicle types with 10 SUVs (including a hybrid), three pickup trucks, one sedan, and one minivan.

Two Toyota full-size SUVs occupy the top spots including the first-ranked Toyota Land Cruiser and the second-ranked Toyota Sequoia. “With roots dating back to 1950, the iconic and indestructible Toyota Land Cruiser is designed to last at least 25 years, and it is relied upon in many developing countries where off-road driving is the norm,” said Ly. “Like the Land Cruiser, the Toyota Sequoia is built on a truck platform, so it has the durability of a truck and seating for up to eight passengers, making it a capable family hauler that is able to endure high mileage.”

Two additional midsize Toyota SUVs make the list of longest-lasting vehicles, including the fifth-ranked Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the eighth-ranked Toyota 4Runner. “Like the Land Cruiser and Sequoia, the Toyota 4Runner is also buit like a truck and provides ample cargo room and an optional third row for those who want a rugged family hauler, but don’t require a behemoth full-size SUV,” said Ly. “The crossover Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers third-row seating to provide a more fuel-efficient alternative to traditional gas-guzzling family vehicles, and owners have the added incentive to keep the car on the road for longer to allow fuel savings to offset the added upfront cost of a hybrid model.”

Six American full-size SUVs account for the remaining SUVs on the list, including the third-ranked Ford Expedition, the fourth-ranked Chevrolet Suburban, the sixth-ranked Chevrolet Tahoe, the seventh-ranked GMC Yukon XL, the ninth-ranked GMC Yukon, and the fourteenth-ranked Lincoln Navigator. “All manufactured by General Motors, the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, and Chevrolet Tahoe are built on the same platform and share many parts, which could explain why these popular family vehicles are all likely to last 200,000 miles,” said Ly. “Similarly, the Expedition and the lone luxury car on the list, the Navigator, also share the same manufacturer and are similar vehicles with the main difference being that the Navigator is under Ford’s luxury Lincoln marque.”

Three Japanese pickup trucks make the list including the tenth-ranked Honda Ridgeline, the eleventh-ranked Toyota Tundra, and the fifteenth-ranked Toyota Tacoma. “The Honda Ridgeline’s unique unibody design gives it the function of a pickup truck with the handling and efficiency of a crossover SUV, while achieving the reliability ratings characteristic of the Honda brand,” said Ly. “Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra are known for being indestructible, which explains why they are much more likely than the average vehicle to reach the 200,000-mile mark.”

The lone minivan on the list is the thirteenth-ranked Honda Odyssey, which represents the vehicle segment most commonly associated with family hauling. “Minivans generally offer more cargo space, better gas mileage, and added convenience features when compared to full-size SUVs, but lack the all-weather performance and towing capacity,” said Ly. “The Honda Odyssey consistently earns the distinction of being at the top of its class thanks to its handling, functionality and safety.”

Ranked thirteenth is the Toyota Avalon, which accounts for the only sedan on the list. “The Toyota Avalon is known for its excellent reliability ratings and is consistently at the top of its class for vehicle rankings,” said Ly. “The Avalon provides a spacious interior and serves as a capable and comfortable alternative for those who want a reliable family hauler but don’t require the expansive cargo space of a large SUV or minivan.”

Longest-Lasting Trucks

When analyzing which light-duty pickup trucks are most likely to reach 200,000 miles, five pickups rate above the 1.8 percent average for the vehicle class. These longest-lasting pickups join the top-ranked Honda Ridgeline, the second-ranked Toyota Tundra, and the third-ranked Toyota Tacoma.

The longest-lasting trucks with the highest percentage of vehicles that reach 200,000 miles are:

“Of all vehicle types, pickup trucks are the most likely to reach 200,000 miles with a 1.8 percent average for the segment, double the average for SUVs,” said Ly. “Pickup trucks are commonly used as work vehicles and are likely to accrue more miles than a typical passenger car while being more likely to undergo preventative maintenance and necessary repairs.”

Ranked fourth is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup, while its mechanically identical GMC Sierra 1500 ranks sixth and falls just below the segment average. “The Chevrolet Silverado is considered to be more of a working truck, while the GMC Sierra markets itself as being more luxurious,” said Ly. “As a result, the Silverado may log more miles since it’s more likely to be used for work purposes and more heavy hauling.”

The last full-size pickup that is more likely than the average pickup to reach 200,000 miles is the fifth-ranked Ford F-150. “The Ford F-150 has been America’s most popular vehicle for over 40 years, and its popularity with consumers is a testament to its reliability and longevity.”

Longest-Lasting SUVs

iSeeCars examined the data to determine the SUVs that are most likely to last for 200,000 miles compared to the 0.9 percent average for the segment. Joining the 10 that appear on the overall longest-lasting vehicles list are five additional popular midsize and full-size SUVs.

Ranked eleventh is the Honda Pilot midsize SUV, which is joined by its upscale counterpart manufactured under the brand’s luxury extension, the thirteenth-ranked Acura MDX. “These vehicles are known for their safety and reliability while offering three rows of seating and ample cargo room to accommodate families,” said Ly.

An additional midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander makes the list in the fifteenth position. “The Toyota Highlander joins its hybrid version on the list and is known for its reliability and performance,” said Ly. “It is also among the leaders in its class for passenger and cargo room, which makes it a popular choice as a family vehicle that is backed by Toyota’s solid reputation for reliability and longevity.”

Rounding out the list is the twelfth-ranked Cadillac Escalade and its extended stretch version, the fifteenth-ranked Cadillac Escalade ESV. “In addition to being popular family haulers, these vehicles are common livery vehicles that are likely to accrue high mileage,” said Ly.

Longest-Lasting Passenger Cars (Excluding SUVs and Pickup Trucks)

When trucks and SUVs are excluded, Japanese automakers account for the majority of the list of longest-lasting cars. The Honda Odyssey is the longest-lasting passenger car.

Toyota accounts for five models on the list including the second-ranked Avalon, the fourth-ranked Sienna minivan, the fifth-ranked Prius hybrid, the ninth-ranked Camry sedan, and its tenth-ranked hybrid counterpart, the Camry Hybrid. “Toyota is known for building reliable long-lasting vehicles with below-average ownership costs, which helps explain why it is so well-represented on the list across all vehicle types,” said Ly.

Joining the top-ranked Honda Odyssey are two additional Honda models: the third-ranked Civic and the sixth-ranked Accord. “The Honda Accord and the Honda Civic are known for their reliability and longevity, which helps explain why they have remained so popular among consumers despite the declining popularity of sedans” said Ly.

Standing out as the only luxury car on the list is the seventh-ranked Mercedes-Benz E-Class. “The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is consistently ranked at the top of the midsize luxury car class for reasons including its ride comfort, reliability, and safety, so it likely accrues high mileage because they are well-loved by their owners.”

Rounding out the list is the eighth-ranked Chevrolet Impala. "Chevrolet Impalas are commonly used for company fleets, city governments, and rental cars—and they are likely to accrue high mileage as a result," noted Ly.

Longest-Lasting Hybrid Cars

iSeeCars further examined the list to determine the eco-friendly vehicles that are most likely to reach 200,000 miles. The longest-lasting hybrid vehicle is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

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Two additional hybrid vehicles rank above average for the segment: the second-ranked Toyota Prius and the third-ranked Toyota Camry Hybrid. “Owners have the incentive to keep the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry Hybrid on the road for longer to accrue fuel savings to offset the higher upfront cost,” Ly noted. “These vehicles also attract practical buyers who want to take advantage of Prius’ low cost of ownership due to its reliability and fuel efficiency by keeping the vehicle on the road for as long as possible.”

“Because many hybrid and electric vehicles didn’t come into the marketplace until recently, there aren’t many models that have been on the road long enough to reach the 200,000-mile mark,” said Ly.

Longest-Lasting Sports Cars

iSeeCars also examined the list to determine the longest-lasting sports cars. “Because sports cars typically aren’t daily drivers, they aren’t as likely to reach the 200,000-mile milestone,” said Ly. “As a vehicle segment, sports cars are the least likely to reach 200,000 miles with the average for the segment being 0.2 percent.” Using a slightly lower mileage threshold of 150,000 miles as an indicator of the model’s longevity, six sports cars are more likely to reach a high mileage.

The Audi TT is the sports car that lasts the longest with 4.1% of its models reaching the 150,000-mile mark. “The Audi TT is praised for its performance and fuel economy, which may encourage drivers to keep it on the road for longer,” said Ly.

Ranked second is the Dodge Charger muscle car, which is twice as likely as the average sports car to reach 150,000 miles. “Despite its poor fuel economy, the Charger is a popular daily driver thanks to its spaciousness and provides an option for consumers who want a powerful family vehicle,” said Ly.

Three classic sports cars make the list including two variants of the Ford Mustang, the coupe and convertible, and the Mazda Miata convertible. “Along with being dream cars for many that owners take care of to keep on the road for longer, these vehicles are also among the lower-priced vehicles in the sports car segment,” said Ly. “This suggests that they appeal to more practical sports car buyers who keep them on the road for longer,” said Ly.

Rounding out the list is the fifth-ranked BMW M5. “The M5 is known as one of the definitive performance luxury sedans,” said Ly. “Its drivers likely enjoy driving it so much that they accrue high mileage.”

Longest-Lasting Car Brands

SeeCars further analyzed the data to determine the brands with the most vehicles that are likely to reach 200,000 miles.

iSeeCars Cars Most Likely to Reach 200,000 Miles by Make Rank Model % of Cars Over 200k Miles 1 Toyota 1.8% 2 Honda 1.6% 3 GMC 1.4% 4 Chevrolet 1.4% 5 Ford 1.1% Average for All Models 1.0% 6 Lincoln 0.7% 7 Subaru 0.6% 8 Jeep 0.6% 9 Dodge 0.5% 10 Nissan 0.4% 11 Mercedes-Benz 0.3% 12 BMW 0.3% 13 Lexus 0.3% 14 Hyundai 0.3% 15 Volkswagen 0.3% 16 Kia 0.2% 17 Audi 0.1% 18 Porsche 0.1%

Earning the top spot is Toyota with 1.8 percent of its vehicles reaching 200,000 miles, which is almost double the average for all vehicles. In second place is Honda with 1.6 percent of its vehicles reaching the 200,000 milestone.

“Given the track record for reliability among Toyotas and Hondas, it’s no surprise that they earn the top two spots on the list,” said Ly.

The remaining brands that fared above average are all American with GMC ranking third, Chevrolet ranking fourth, and Ford ranking fifth. “The majority of the longest-lasting SUVs and pickups are American vehicles, which helps contribute to their above-average ranking on this list,” said Ly.

Cars that Last 300,000 Miles

Of the longest-lasting vehicles, iSeeCars examined which cars are most likely to reach 300,000 miles. Six models earn this distinction by being at least twice as likely as average to achieve this milestone.

iSeeCars Cars Most Likely to Reach 300,000 Miles Rank Model % of Cars Over 200k Miles 1 Toyota Land Cruiser 1.5% 2 Toyota Sequoia 0.4% 3 Ford Expedition 0.2% 4 Chevrolet Suburban 0.2% 5 GMC Yukon XL 0.2% 6 Toyota 4Runner 0.2% 7 Toyota Tundra 0.2% Average for All Models 0.03%

Earning the top spot is the Toyota Land Cruiser, which is joined by four other full-size SUVs: the Toyota Sequoia, the Ford Expedition, the Chevrolet Suburban, and the GMC Yukon XL. The sixth-ranked Toyota 4Runner is the only midsize SUV on the list, while the seventh-ranked Toyota Tundra pickup rounds out the list.

Longest-Lasting Cars by City

Further analyzing the list geographically, iSeeCars identified the longest-lasting car in the top 25 most populous cities.

Similar to the national list, the top-ranked vehicle across the most cities is the Toyota Land Cruiser, which appears 13 times, followed by the Toyota Sequoia, which appears in nine metro areas.

“While full-size SUVs and pickup trucks are the most likely to reach 200,000 miles, there are still options for consumers who want an enduring vehicle outside of these categories,” said Ly. “This list shows that there are practical sedans, minivans, and even hybrid vehicles that are proven to go the distance. It’s also important to know that regardless of the vehicle, the right maintenance and care is the best way to extend how long a vehicle stays on the road.”

Methodology

iSeeCars.com analyzed over 15.8 million pre-owned cars sold in 2019. Models that were not in production as of the 2020 model year, heavy duty-vehicles, and low-volume models were excluded from further analysis. For each model, the percentage of the number of cars with at least 200,000 miles was mathematically modeled.

About iSeeCars.com

iSeeCars.com is an online car search engine helping consumers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars VIN check report. iSeeCars.com has saved users over $177 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of cars and thousands of dealers. Based in the Boston area, iSeeCars.com was founded by former TripAdvisor and SAP executives determined to improve the car shopping experience for consumers.