November 4, 2024 | Peter Kinney

The Most Durable Cars Taking Over The Quarter-Million Mile Club


Run, Run, And Run

While most cars start showing their age at 100,000 miles, an incredible group of cars and trucks scoff. Let's find you some icons that make a quarter-million miles look like just the beginning.

SUV

Toyota Tundra

This truck starts at about $39,965 and has a good chance—around 36.6%—of reaching 250,000 miles. It's got the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine, cranking out a cool 437 HP and 583 lb-ft of torque. If you go for the base twin-turbo V6, you'll get 389 horsepower.

Toyota TundraWindmemories, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Tundra (Cont.)

The aluminum-reinforced composite bed is tough against dents and rust, and that 10-speed automatic transmission is surely built to last. In fact, Motor Trend mentions impressive durability, with a 100,000-mile test truck showing minimal wear on important components.

Toyota TundraMercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Sequoia

Consumer Reports did some independent testing and found this SUV is the most reliable out there among full-size options. Its adaptive suspension system, which includes load-leveling tech, is what keeps the ride smooth even after hitting 200,000 miles. 

Toyota SequoiaIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Sequoia (Cont.)

This piece is constructed with high-quality materials and can comfortably fit eight people. Especially with that sturdy build that stands out. About 36.4% of owners are hitting a quarter-million miles with it, while spending $600 a year (approx.) on maintenance, which is comparatively cheap.

Toyota SequoiaU.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota 4Runner

This beast is built on a tough truck frame, so it laughs at rough terrain while its advanced off-road systems handle the tough parts. It's super straightforward mechanically and can go over 250,000 miles with ease—for real.

Toyota 4RunnerBull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota 4Runner (Cont.)

Over decades, the SUV priced at $40,175 has shown a strong track record of dependability. Its sturdy 4.0L V6 engine produces 270 horsepower using well-tested components. Certain reports even indicate that about 4.1% of 4Runners can exceed 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Toyota 4RunnerKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Tacoma 

Here comes Tacoma with brilliant engineering as it hits 26.7% over the quarter-million mark. The good thing is that the special coating on the frame lasts about 8 years longer than competitors. This could be one of the reasons why most folks say they spend less than $406 a year on maintenance.

Toyota Tacoma Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Tacoma (Cont.)

You can pick between a fuel-efficient 159-hp four-cylinder or the beefier 278-hp V6 for these tough trucks. Additionally, with the composite bed tech that came out in 2005, you won't have to worry about rust, even if you're close to the coastal areas.

Toyota Tacoma Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Highlander 

Talking about the Highlander, engineers have designed regenerative braking to reduce wear by 60%. Plus, the electronic all-wheel-drive system has an impressive 2% failure rate even after 200,000 miles. The Toyota Highlander has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.

Toyota Highlander Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Highlander (Cont.)

Around 25.9% reach amazing mileage. This advanced powertrain packs 243 horsepower and starts at about $40,220. Consumer Reports confirms its consistent performance and low maintenance needs, with verified annual repair costs averaging just $489.

Toyota HighlanderKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Honda Ridgeline 

Ditching old pickup traditions is really paying off, as 25.8% of these $38,800 trucks go over 250,000 miles. Unlike your typical trucks, the unibody design gives you car-like comfort while still being tough. The 3.5L V6 engine churns out 280 horsepower, so you know it's good to go.

Honda Ridgeline https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HonDa_RidgeLine.JPG

Honda Ridgeline (Cont.)

The independent rear suspension present in this car can handle heavy loads like a champ. A study done by Honda found that there are 82% fewer frame repairs needed compared to body-on-frame trucks, even after a ton of miles. The in-bed trunk is totally watertight as well.

Honda Ridgelineorder_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Suburban

The largest SUV in Chevy's lineup lives up to its reputation! Karl Brauer's analysis shows its amazing durability, with documented annual maintenance costs of $856. To add to that, the Magnetic Ride Control tech keeps it steady, even after a lot of use.

Chevrolet SuburbanAlexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Chevrolet Suburban (Cont.)

According to iSeeCars, 22% of these vehicles hit the 250,000-mile mark. This family rig starts at $56,900 and comes with two firm engine options. One is a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 horsepower, and the second is a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower.

Chevrolet SuburbanMr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Avalon

Basically, 22% of these cruisers are said to exceed 250,000 miles. It has a 3.5L V6 engine that puts out 301 horsepower and works with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Also present is the adaptive suspension, which keeps the ride comfortable for the long haul.

Toyota AvalonIFCAR, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Avalon (Cont.)

J.D. Power gives it the top spot for dependability among large cars, which shows off its brainy engineering. As Toyota's main sedan, it definitely combines long-lasting reliability with a touch of luxury. The annual maintenance costs are also pretty low at around $463.

Toyota AvalonDinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Lexus GX

Most people in the U.S. drive around 14,000 miles a year, so if you keep up with maintenance, a Highlander could last over 20 years. About 20.7% of them even hit the quarter-million mark. It comes with a 4.6L V8 that pumps out 301 horsepower.

Lexus GXJagvar, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Lexus GX (Cont.)

The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System gives you the best of both worlds—great off-roading and comfy rides on the highway. It comes with all-wheel drive and a TORSEN limited-slip differential, so you'll get better grip and handling even when conditions get tough.

Lexus GX IFCAR, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

This $35,600 costing workhorse is all about versatility. The 2012 model year is often cited as one of the most well-grounded pieces due to its comfortable ride and fewer recalls, and the Multi-Flex tailgate, introduced for the 2021 model year, adds practical innovation.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Cont.)

A solid 18.8% of these cars are cruising with over 250,000 miles. There is a Durabed present which is built with roll-formed high-strength steel, making it resistant to damage. You can pick between a 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder or go with a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2L V8.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

GMC Yukon XL

The GMC Yukon XL packs a punch with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Did you know that approximately 17.9% of these models make it past 250,000 miles? This is like 2.1 times more likely than your average ride, according to iSeeCars research.

GMC Yukon XLBull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

GMC Yukon XL (Cont.)

Active Response 4WD lets you handle tough terrain with ease, and the adaptive air suspension keeps everything level no matter what you're carrying. Plus, the longer wheelbase gives you an extra 16 cubic feet of space compared to regular Yukons, which is perfect for families on the go.

GMC Yukon XLKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Chevrolet Tahoe

The independent rear suspension that came out in 2021 really changed the game for this SUV's ride quality, all while keeping its tough reputation intact. You've got three solid engine options to choose from: a 277-horsepower diesel, a 5.3L V8 with 355 horsepower, and the 6.2L V8 that gives 420 hp.

Chevrolet TahoeCChanSonichu, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Tahoe (Cont.)

What's remarkable? Around 17.7% run beyond the stated miles. Tahoe owners typically bring their vehicles in for unscheduled repairs only about 0.3 times per year. So, if you're watching your budget, you'll like that the annual service costs are around $744.

Chevrolet TahoeBull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

Honda Pilot

Consumer Reports consistently lists the Honda Pilot as one of the most reliable midsize SUVs, and they've got real-world data to prove it. Its unibody design means it handles like a car but still stays tough. Apparently, 17.5% of these beasts are known to surpass 250,000 miles. 

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Honda Pilot (Cont.)

The i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system stands out in this family-friendly ride. It's powered by a smooth 3.5L V6 engine that puts out 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, all managed by a seamless 10-speed automatic transmission.

Honda PilotIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Honda Accord

This is a classy ride that starts at around $28,000 and lets you pick from a 192-hp turbo four-cylinder or a 252-hp 2.0L turbo engine. Most drivers say it runs smoothly past 200,000 miles, and the continuously variable transmission holds up quite well in tough tests.

Honda AccordIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Honda Accord (Cont.)

After long-term testing, it turns out that 16.6% of these vehicles actually hit the impressive 250,000-mile mark, and they've got Consumer Reports backing them up with dependability scores. The current generation, which is the 11th, came out in 2023.

Honda AccordBull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

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GMC Sierra 1500

The available 6.2L V8 comes with the horsepower of 420 and 460 lb-ft of torque in this stunner. Also, the CarbonPro composite bed is built to resist dents and rust. Costing approximately $36,400, it's impressive that over 16% of these trucks can hit more than 250,000 miles.

GMC Sierra 1500The Wikipeadian guy, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

GMC Sierra 1500 (Cont.)

So, the Sierra 1500 comes with a variety of engines to choose from, such as a zippy 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder, a 5.3-liter V8, and a 6.2-liter V8 if you need more power. Now, the MultiPro tailgate also has six different ways to make loading and unloading more easier. 

GMC Sierra 1500Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

Ford F-150 

Need power for tools? The Pro Power Onboard system of the Ford F-150 gives you up to 7.2kW, enough to run a small construction site. Ford's long-term testing shows these trucks keep their composure after years of use, though you'll need to budget about $788 for annual maintenance. 

Ford F-150 IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

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Ford F-150 (Cont.)

Ever wondered why America's best-selling truck has held its crown for 46 straight years? The numbers tell the story. From contractors to daily drivers, 15.8% of these tough machines cruise past 250,000 miles. At $34,585, you get either a 290-horsepower V6 or a PowerBoost hybrid of 450 hp.

Ford F-150Sfoskett~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Highlander 

The Toyota Highlander made its debut at the New York International Auto Show in 2000 and hit the market later that year. Priced around $36,620, this three-row SUV isn't just tough; about 15.7% of them go over 250,000 miles without any problems. It's also got a powerful 3.5L V6 engine.

Toyota Highlander IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Highlander (Cont.)

What makes it different is Toyota's Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. It's not just a fancy term—it actually figures out when the wheels might slip before you even notice it. Additionally, the multi-terrain select system tackles all kinds of conditions, be it snow or mud, all like a champ.

Toyota HighlanderIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

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Nissan Titan

A full-size pickup like this one deserves more attention when it comes to durability. Nissan says these trucks only cost around $555 a year to maintain, which isn't too shabby considering how most owners push them. Similarly, contractors like the Utili-track Channel System.

Nissan TitanIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Nissan Titan (Cont.)

The 9-speed automatic? It's super smooth, even after years of towing. About the 2019 model, it got a nice redesign that brought with it a hot 5.6-liter V8 engine. About 14.8% of these cars touched the 250,000-mile mark, and we've seen there's a good reason for that.

Nissan TitanKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

GMC Yukon

You might be curious about what makes this $54,300 luxury ride stand out. While other SUVs are winding down, 14.6% of Yukons are just warming up at 250,000 miles. The real factor is what's going on underneath: Magnetic Ride Control checks out the road 1,000 times every second.

GMC YukonBull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

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GMC Yukon (Cont.)

Power comes in two styles: a tough 6.2L V8 that can give most sports cars a run for their money, or a diesel option that's super efficient on fuel, kind of like a small car. There is an Active Response 4WD system as well, that turns regular folks into driving pros, even when the weather gets rough.

GMC YukonIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Honda CR-V 

These might be of a modest size—4,706 mm in length, but they show off some serious longevity. And what the brochure won't tell you is that the Real Time AWD system is so smart it can predict wheel slip before you hit that patch of ice. For $27,750, you can get Honda's bulletproof 1.5L turbo engine.

Honda CR-V IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Honda CR-V (Cont.)

A surprising 13.9% of CR-Vs break the 250,000-mile barrier. This pretty much makes the Honda CR-V a marathon runner of small SUVs also because it shows off a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 2nd out of 26 compact SUVs.

Honda CR-VKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Camry 

It is a noted fact that 13.5% of Camrys crush it past 250,000 miles. For this car, you've got options again. A 203-horsepower four-cylinder for the practical folks, or a tire-chirping 301-horsepower V6 for those who like to have fun. 

Toyota Camry Jiří Sedláček, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Camry (Cont.)

The dynamic force engine tech is a lot more than just marketing speak, as it achieves a thermal efficiency of 40% for conventional engines and 41% for hybrid variants. The Camry is equipped with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine that produces 175.67 bhp at 5700 rpm.

Toyota CamryAlexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Expedition 

Here's a $54,155 beauty that proves big doesn't mean fragile. This is simply because it's outlasting most of its competitors, with 13.1% reaching the quarter-million mark. A twin-turbo 3.5L V6 delivers 440 horsepower, which is enough to embarrass some sports cars.

Ford Expedition Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Ford Expedition (Cont.)

The continuously controlled damping system is why these tanks still ride like luxury cars even after 200k miles. Besides, the terrain management system handles things like beach sand or mountain snow without breaking a sweat. Car and Driver calls this the "King of Road Trip SUVs."

Ford ExpeditionKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Honda Accord Hybrid

Motor Trend's 50,000-mile endurance test showed zero battery degradation, while Kelley Book named it their "Best Hybrid Car to Buy", and why not? 13.1% have gone sailing past 250,000 miles. It pairs a 2.0L four-cylinder with twin electric motors, which provides 204-horsepower.

Honda Accord HybridGold Pony, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons


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