The Most Reliable SUV: Which Vehicle Will Last 250,000 Miles?

Buying a vehicle represents a significant financial commitment, making long-term reliability a critical consideration for most shoppers. But which SUVs actually deliver on promises of durability? A comprehensive research study analyzing over 174 million vehicles across 12 years has identified the clear winner—and the results might surprise you with their one-sided nature.

The Massive Study Behind the Rankings

Research Methodology and Scope

iSeeCars conducted an exhaustive analysis examining more than 174 million automobiles sold between model years spanning over a decade. Their objective was straightforward: identify which vehicles demonstrated the highest probability of reaching the 250,000-mile milestone.

This threshold represents approximately 20 years of average driving for most Americans, who typically accumulate around 12,000-13,000 miles annually. Vehicles achieving this mileage demonstrate exceptional engineering, quality construction, and long-term durability.

Industry Average Performance

Before revealing the champions, context matters. The typical passenger vehicle has merely a 4.8% probability of reaching 250,000 miles on its odometer. This relatively low percentage underscores just how challenging it is for most automobiles to deliver truly exceptional longevity.

Against this backdrop, certain models demonstrate dramatically superior performance—some achieving odds eight times better than average.

Toyota Sequoia: The Undisputed Longevity Champion

Dominating the Competition

The Toyota Sequoia sits atop the reliability rankings with an impressive 39.1% chance of surpassing 250,000 miles. This full-size SUV outperforms the industry average by more than eight times, establishing itself as the most dependable passenger vehicle you can purchase.

What Makes the 2026 Sequoia Special

Starting at $64,025, the current-generation Toyota Sequoia comes standard with genuinely impressive mechanical specifications:

• Twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain
• 437 horsepower output
• 583 lb-ft of torque (exceptional for towing)
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• 22 mpg combined fuel economy rating

Design and Features

Beyond mechanical excellence, the Sequoia offers:

• Six distinct trim levels accommodating various budgets
• Wheel options ranging from 18 to 22 inches
• Athletic exterior stance projecting capability
• Luxurious interior appointments with soft-touch materials
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel across the lineup

The combination of robust engineering and premium features explains why families trust this SUV for long-term ownership.

The Top Five Most Reliable SUVs and Trucks

Second Place: Toyota 4Runner (32.9%)

The legendary 4Runner claims second position with a 32.9% probability of reaching a quarter-million miles. This body-on-frame SUV has maintained its traditional truck-based architecture while competitors switched to car-based platforms.

Third Place: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (31%)

The Highlander Hybrid variant achieves third place at 31% likelihood. The hybrid powertrain’s combination of electric motors and gasoline engine apparently contributes to enhanced longevity compared to conventional powertrains.

Fourth Place: Toyota Tundra (30%)

Sharing its platform with the Sequoia, the Tundra pickup truck delivers a 30% probability of exceptional durability. This platform-sharing demonstrates how Toyota’s engineering excellence translates across multiple vehicle types.

Fifth Place: Lexus IS (27.5%)

Rounding out the top five, the Lexus IS luxury sedan achieves 27.5% probability despite being a performance-oriented vehicle. This sedan’s presence proves that reliability isn’t limited to trucks and SUVs.

Heavy-Duty Trucks: A Special Category

Why They’re Excluded from Standard Rankings

The iSeeCars study separates heavy-duty pickup trucks from passenger vehicle rankings due to their specialized construction. These workhorses are engineered specifically for extreme conditions, commercial applications, and sustained heavy loads.

Heavy-Duty Champions

Among heavy-duty models, the rankings shift:

• Ram 3500: 39.7% probability (slightly edging the Sequoia)
• Toyota Tundra: 30% probability (maintaining strong performance)
• Ford F-450 Super Duty: 28.5% probability

The Ram 3500’s narrow victory over the Sequoia demonstrates that specialized heavy-duty engineering can match Toyota’s legendary reliability when vehicles are purpose-built for durability.

Japanese Manufacturers Dominate Reliability Rankings

Toyota and Lexus: An Overwhelming Presence

The results reveal stunning dominance by Japanese automakers:

• Toyota models occupy 10 of the top 25 positions
• Lexus adds four additional spots
• Combined, Toyota and Lexus claim nine of the top 10 positions

Only the Honda Ridgeline in tenth place prevents a complete Toyota/Lexus sweep of the top 10.

Honda and Acura: Strong Secondary Performance

Honda’s reputation for reliability translates into measurable results:

• Honda models secure five top-25 positions
• Acura contributes two additional spots
• Together with Toyota/Lexus, these four brands occupy the first 12 positions

Breaking the Japanese Streak

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in 13th place represents the first non-Japanese entry. Overall, only three General Motors vehicles make the top 25:

• One GMC model
• Two Chevrolet trucks

Nissan’s discontinued Titan pickup appears in 23rd place, marking the brand’s sole representation.

Final Tally: Japanese Dominance

Japanese manufacturers claim an astounding 22 of the top 25 longest-lasting vehicle positions, demonstrating systematic engineering advantages in durability and longevity.

Brand-Level Reliability Analysis

Exceeding Industry Average

Only four manufacturers surpass the 4.8% industry benchmark for reaching 250,000 miles:

• Toyota: 17.8% (nearly four times industry average)
• Lexus: 12.8% (more than double industry average)
• Honda: 10.8% (significantly above average)
• Acura: 7.2% (50% better than average)

Near-Average Performers

GMC and Tesla both achieved 4.6% probability—just slightly below the industry standard but respectable given the diversity of their product lineups.

Expert Analysis on Long-Term Durability

Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars, provided perspective on these findings:

Modern engineering and design capabilities have extended expected lifespans across the entire automotive industry. However, consistently producing vehicles capable of reaching 250,000 miles remains an exceptional achievement that few manufacturers accomplish reliably.

Why This Matters for Car Buyers

Financial Implications

Purchasing a vehicle with superior longevity potential offers substantial financial advantages:

• Lower total cost of ownership over time
• Reduced frequency of vehicle replacement
• Better resale values when eventually selling
• Fewer catastrophic repair expenses

Peace of Mind

Beyond financial considerations, reliable vehicles provide intangible benefits like reduced stress, predictable maintenance costs, and confidence during long trips.

Surprising Takeaways From the Data

General Motors’ Modest Success

While Japanese brands dominate, General Motors deserves recognition as the only domestic manufacturer breaking into the top rankings with multiple models. This achievement demonstrates that American engineering can compete in longevity when priorities align.

Nissan’s Discontinued Titan

The Nissan Titan’s 23rd-place finish presents an interesting irony. Despite demonstrating superior longevity compared to many competitors, Nissan discontinued this model after 2024 due to poor sales—proving that reliability alone doesn’t guarantee marketplace success.

Hybrid Technology’s Role

The Highlander Hybrid’s strong third-place performance suggests that hybrid powertrains may contribute to enhanced longevity, possibly due to reduced strain on conventional mechanical components.

Making Your Purchase Decision

When shopping for an SUV prioritizing long-term reliability, the data clearly points toward Japanese manufacturers—particularly Toyota and its luxury division Lexus. The Toyota Sequoia represents the safest bet for buyers seeking maximum longevity potential.

However, remember that proper maintenance remains crucial. Even the most reliable vehicle will fail prematurely without regular oil changes, fluid services, and timely repairs.

Have you driven a vehicle past 250,000 miles? Which make and model exceeded your expectations for longevity? Share your high-mileage success stories in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more data-driven automotive insights that help you make smarter vehicle purchases!