Have you ever hopped into an older SUV that’s got hundreds of thousands of miles on it and it feels just as sturdy as a brand new car—while your newer model seems like it might barely handle a few speed bumps? That’s the kind of tough build I found in a Toyota Land Cruiser.
When looking for an SUV, how long it’ll last is a big deal for a lot of shoppers. A ride that’s built to last not only gives you some peace of mind but can also save you money down the road.
So what makes certain SUVs hold up for so long? Let’s dig into what contributes to their durability and rank the best SUVs that last the longest based on what owners say, reliability surveys, and expert info from places like iSeeCars, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power.
Top 10 Longest Lasting SUVs (Ranked by Longevity)
These SUVs have proven track records of surpassing 200,000+ miles, based on real-world owner reports, longevity ratings, and durability studies.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser
If you’ve ever traveled to regions like the Middle East, Australia, or Africa, you’ll immediately recognize the legendary status of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Dive deeper by speaking with locals, and you’ll hear fascinating stories of how this rugged SUV has conquered terrains and challenges that no other vehicle could be trusted to handle.
- Avg. Lifespan: 300,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Legendary V8 durability, body-on-frame design, and off-road toughness.
- Downside: Expensive upfront but holds value extremely well.
2. Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia shares many components with the Land Cruiser but is designed with a different audience in mind. While it may not be engineered to last 25+ years or feature the same rugged suspension, it still upholds Toyota’s reliability standards, offering a durable and trouble-free driving experience for many years.
- Avg. Lifespan: 280,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Shares platform with Land Cruiser, known for bulletproof reliability.
- Downside: Low MPG due to its large V8 engine.
3. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is the brand’s largest SUV, so it’s reasonable to expect Honda’s best engineering and reliability to be showcased here. While it’s not built for serious off-roading, it handles paved roads and light trails exceptionally well. Stick to typical usage, and you’ll likely be impressed by how well it holds up over time.
- Avg. Lifespan: 250,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Simple naturally aspirated V6, excellent build quality.
- Downside: Older models had transmission issues, later generations fixed this.
4. Lexus GX 460
The Lexus GX is essentially a luxury version of the Land Cruiser J150, also known as the Prado (which hasn’t been sold in the U.S.). However, the GX takes it a step further with a more powerful V8, a feature absent in the original Prado. Given the Prado’s golden reputation for reliability and durability, the GX inherits the same rugged Toyota engineering, making it a dependable and long-lasting SUV choice.
- Avg. Lifespan: 250,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Shares a Land Cruiser-based platform, highly durable and luxury-grade build quality.
- Downside: Higher ownership cost due to premium brand status.
5. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban (previously also known as the GMC Suburban before being rebranded as the Yukon XL) holds the title of America’s first and most popular full-size SUV. Over the years, GM has equipped it with its most proven and tested drivetrains, ensuring solid performance and longevity. While it’s not without issues, proper maintenance can keep its mechanical components running smoothly for tens of thousands of miles.
- Avg. Lifespan: 230,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Proven 5.3L & 6.2L V8s, used in government fleets for decades.
- Downside: Higher repair costs due to suspension and transmission wear over time.
6. Ford Expedition
- Avg. Lifespan: 225,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Modern EcoBoost V6, strong towing capability.
- Downside: Turbocharged engine may require more maintenance over time.
7. Toyota 4Runner
- Avg. Lifespan: 220,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Simple, naturally aspirated V6, rugged off-road capability.
- Downside: Dated interior and not fuel-efficient.
8. Nissan Armada
- Avg. Lifespan: 215,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Enduring 5.6L V8, similar to Titan truck.
- Downside: Lower resale value compared to Toyota/Lexus rivals.
9. GMC Yukon XL
The Yukon XL is essentially Suburban’s sister with few exterior styling differences and a little upscale interior though not as upscale as that of a Cadillac Escalade -this is just again the typical question of GMC vs Cadillac one- So basically if you want to feel a bit more special than the average Chevrolet Suburban’s driver and have a little more features than him but don’t want to pay the price of a Cadillac Escalade and don’t need the kind of luxury it provides, then this one is for you.
- Avg. Lifespan: 210,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: Shares architecture with Suburban, reliable V8 power.
- Downside: Expensive repairs on air suspension-equipped models.
10. Subaru Outback (Honorable Mention)
- Avg. Lifespan: 200,000+ miles
- Why It Lasts: AWD system designed for longevity, low maintenance costs.
- Downside: CVT transmission not as durable as traditional automatics.
Why Longevity Matters in an SUV
When buying an SUV, reliability and longevity should be top priorities. An SUV that lasts 15+ years offers major benefits:
- Better Resale Value – Long-lasting models retain their worth longer.
- Lower Ownership Costs – Fewer major repairs mean more money in your pocket.
- More Dependable for Road Trips & Family Use – Reliable SUVs minimize breakdown risks on long journeys.
- Stronger Return on Investment – If you keep a car for over 10 years, the value of a durable SUV becomes undeniable.
With these benefits in mind, let’s break down what separates long-lasting SUVs from the rest.
What Makes an SUV Last 200,000+ Miles?
An SUV that surpasses 200,000 miles is built on proven engineering, durable materials, and time-tested designs that prioritize longevity over fleeting trends. Here are the key factors contributing to longevity:
1. Proven Engine & Transmission
- SUVs equipped with naturally aspirated V6 or V8 engines with modest compression ratios and designed to run on regular gasoline tend to outlast turbocharged four-cylinders with higher compression demands that require premium fuel.
- Traditional automatic transmissions with fewer moving parts and hydraulic torque converters (like Toyota’s 6-speed auto) are more durable than complex CVTs or dual-clutch systems.
2. Simplicity in Design
- Vehicles with fewer electronic sensors, motorized actuators, and software-dependent systems that can fail over time often last longer than those loaded with complex high-tech electronics.
- Body-on-frame construction, solid rear axles, reinforced steel subframes, and serviceable suspension components (vs. unibody) provide superior durability as well over modern lightweight designs that sacrifice strength for efficiency.
3. Manufacturer Reputation for Reliability
- Brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Honda make SUVs that have fewer fragile components and come with strong, easy-to-service components. This means they can go over 300,000 miles without many issues.
- These vehicles stick to a straightforward “stick to the book” design, which helps keep things simple. They focus on mechanical resilience, structural integrity, and ease of maintenance instead of just trying to be efficient for a quick fix.
4. Routine Maintenance & Owner Care
- Regular oil changes, transmission flushes, and brake fluid replacements significantly extend vehicle life.
- Avoiding excessive towing loads or off-road abuse helps keep engines and transmissions running longer.
All these factors help such SUVs handle tough roads, potholes, and off-road adventures for a really long time.
Key Maintenance Tips to Extend Your SUV’s Life
No SUV lasts forever without proper care. Here are expert-backed maintenance tips to reach 200,000+ miles:
- Follow Factory Service Intervals – Never skip scheduled maintenance.
- Change Fluids Regularly – Transmission fluid, differential oil, and coolant extend component lifespan.
- Use High-Quality Fuel & Oil – Prevents carbon buildup and extends engine life.
- Inspect Suspension & Brakes – Heavier SUVs wear out shocks, struts, and brake pads faster.
- Avoid Aggressive Driving – Hard acceleration and braking wear out engines, transmissions, and suspension components prematurely.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right SUV for Maximum Lifespan
If you want an SUV that will last decades, stick with models known for:
- Proven, naturally aspirated engines
- Strong, body-on-frame construction
- Minimal electronic complexity
- Reliable transmissions with solid maintenance history
The Toyota Land Cruiser is still the top pick when it comes to longevity, but you can also count on rides like the Honda Pilot and Ford Expedition for decent long-term reliability without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind that no matter which of these SUVs you go with, keeping up with regular maintenance is the secret to hitting 200,000+ miles.
If you found this post helpful, you might also enjoy our article, “Which is the Safest Midsize SUV? 2025’s Best Picks.“
Be sure to explore more of our site for detailed car reviews, expert buying guides, and the latest industry insights. We’ve got plenty of content to keep you informed, so take a look around—and don’t forget to bookmark us for future updates!
*Disclaimer: This website provides automotive content for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the reliability or suitability of any vehicle or product mentioned—always conduct your own research before making purchasing decisions. Additionally, some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.