The 12-Year SUV List: 6 Vehicles Known for Lasting Beyond 250,000 Miles

Most new car buyers think in terms of five or six years. They weigh the monthly payment, the warranty, the fuel economy. What they rarely factor in is what happens at mile 180,000, or 220,000, or beyond. The vehicles on this list operate in a different category entirely, one where the odometer reading stops being something to worry about.

A 2025 study by iSeeCars analyzed almost 400 million cars to determine which models were most likely to continue operating for at least 250,000 miles. Across all vehicle types, the average car has just a 4.8% chance of hitting that quarter-million-mile mark. The six SUVs below beat those odds by a significant margin, and in some cases, it isn’t even close.

Toyota Sequoia: The Statistical Champion

Toyota Sequoia: The Statistical Champion (Image Credits: Pexels)

Toyota Sequoia: The Statistical Champion (Image Credits: Pexels)

When it comes to passenger vehicles, the Toyota Sequoia dominates the competition, with a 39.1% chance of lasting more than 250,000 miles. To put that in perspective, the average vehicle has a 4.8% chance of hitting 250,000 miles, making the Sequoia eight times more likely to achieve such a feat. That gap between this SUV and the rest of the field is striking, even for a segment with some genuinely impressive competitors.

Sharing a chassis and powertrain with the Tundra pickup, the second-generation Sequoia is built for heavy-duty longevity. That is partly why the 5.7L “i-Force” V8 is capable of clocking 300,000 miles and more without a major overhaul. Data from CarEdge paints a similarly positive picture, reporting that the Sequoia should have a mere 3% chance of needing major repairs after its first five years. For a full-size family hauler, those are remarkable numbers.

Toyota Land Cruiser: Built for Decades, Not Years

Toyota Land Cruiser: Built for Decades, Not Years (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Toyota Land Cruiser: Built for Decades, Not Years (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Few other nameplates are as closely associated with reliability as the Land Cruiser. From South Africa to Ireland, there are plenty of stories to be found about Land Cruisers racking up mileage figures that would be unheard of for lesser vehicles, and they continue to be a popular choice with buyers looking for a tough workhorse. According to iSeeCars, the Land Cruiser is the second longest-lasting car on the market, behind only the Toyota Sequoia.

After a hiatus from the American market, the Land Cruiser returned for the 2024 model year with a fresh hybrid powertrain and the same bone-deep durability that made it famous globally. The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser features an i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with electric motors. This setup delivers a robust 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, with impressive low-end power for quick acceleration. Even with all that power, the Land Cruiser achieves an estimated 23 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.

Toyota 4Runner: Simplicity as a Long-Term Strategy

Toyota 4Runner: Simplicity as a Long-Term Strategy (Image Credits: Pexels)

Toyota 4Runner: Simplicity as a Long-Term Strategy (Image Credits: Pexels)

While not every model year of the Toyota 4Runner has a flawless reputation, it’s generally considered a safe bet when it comes to durability and longevity. Owners of older examples frequently report clocking over 200,000 miles without their cars needing any major maintenance, with 300,000 or 350,000 miles not out of the question for well-maintained examples. Part of what makes this possible is a design philosophy that has resisted the urge to overcomplicate things.

Because the 4Runner’s technology is comparatively dated, very few bugs remain, and any known issues have fixes from a vast aftermarket network. Consistently ranked at the top of the mid-size SUV category for predicted reliability, the one known flaw is the potential for frame rust in “salt-belt” states; applying a wool-wax or oil-based undercoating is the standard fix to keep these vehicles on the road for decades. The 4Runner received an overhaul for the 2025 model year, bringing new tech, powertrains, and a new platform, and so far, there’s little indication that the model’s reputation for reliability will change. The latest 4Runner received a “Great” score for build quality and reliability from J.D. Power, and the NHTSA has not logged any owner complaints as of this writing.

Lexus GX: Premium Engineering With Staying Power

Lexus GX: Premium Engineering With Staying Power (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Lexus GX: Premium Engineering With Staying Power (Image Credits: Unsplash)

The Lexus GX holds an 18.3% predicted chance of reaching 250,000 miles according to iSeeCars’ analysis. That figure, roughly four times the industry average, is grounded in Lexus’s long track record of producing vehicles that age gracefully. According to J.D. Power’s 2025 dependability study, Lexus is still the most reliable brand you can buy, with its cars having the fewest problems per 100 vehicles.

The GX has an average J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 87 out of 100 over the last five years. Kelley Blue Book also rated the GX’s reliability at a 4.7 out of 5. The 2024 Lexus GX 550’s new powertrain is an upgrade over the previous edition’s V8. The twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 delivers performance that leaves little room for nostalgia for the old engine. With 349 hp and a robust torque curve, it pairs well with the 10-speed automatic transmission. It offers a compelling case for buyers who want durability without sacrificing comfort.

Honda CR-V: The Compact That Keeps Going

Honda CR-V: The Compact That Keeps Going (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Honda CR-V: The Compact That Keeps Going (Image Credits: Unsplash)

The Honda CR-V has consistently ranked among the most reliable compact SUVs, and the 2025 model continued that tradition. The CR-V has been on the market for 30 years and has cemented itself as the most popular and best-selling vehicle that Honda currently offers. With a refined hybrid powertrain option, impressive gas mileage, and strong resale value, it’s a solid choice if longevity and everyday drivability are particularly important to you.

The CR-V’s 1.5L turbocharged engine is designed for both power and longevity, delivering a balance of fuel efficiency and performance. Honda’s Continuously Variable Transmission has been refined over multiple generations, reducing early complaints and ensuring smooth, responsive shifting. With proper care, both the engine and transmission routinely last well beyond 200,000 miles, proving the CR-V’s long-term dependability. Worth noting: according to a comprehensive longevity study by iSeeCars, the Honda CR-V has a 10.6% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, which is still more than double the industry average and a solid showing for the compact class.

Chevrolet Tahoe: America's Full-Size Workhorse

Chevrolet Tahoe: America's Full-Size Workhorse (Image Credits: Pexels)

Chevrolet Tahoe: America's Full-Size Workhorse (Image Credits: Pexels)

Catering to a crowd similar to that of its Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon siblings, the Tahoe should last just over 250,000 miles if properly maintained, according to iSeeCars’ study. Much like the Suburban, Chevy hasn’t done anything to change the core appeal of the Tahoe for the 2025 model year. That consistency is itself a kind of reliability. It shouldn’t cost the earth to reach that mileage either, with CarEdge reporting that the Tahoe costs significantly less in maintenance and repairs than the average in its segment.

According to J.D. Power, the Tahoe boasts “Great” estimated reliability, giving owners peace of mind that their new vehicle should be just as dependable as older generations. J.D. Power also gave the Tahoe the highest combined rating of any new SUV in its segment, beating competition from GMC and Jeep. The 2025 model of the Chevy Tahoe is a one full-size SUV that you can count on to keep going, even when the going gets tough. It’s built on a truck-based platform designed to take on just about anything. For buyers who need genuine utility over a long ownership period, the Tahoe remains one of the more straightforward bets in the segment.

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