Americans usually hold onto their vehicles for an average of about eight and half years, and they drive an average of about 14,000 annually. But what about those drivers who want to drive their car until the wheels come off?
Thankfully, more than a few great vehicles are ready and willing to go the distance. Recent research from iSeeCars found the most likely vehicles to go 250,000 miles or more, which would equal about 18 years of driving, on average.
SUVs took many of the top spots, giving us a glimpse of some of the best options likely to last you (almost) a lifetime.
1. Honda Pilot
Hondas are known for being steady and reliable, and the Pilot doesn’t veer off this course, considering it’s twice as likely to reach 250,000 miles as other vehicles.
The latest Pilot starts at $40,200, and for that price, you’ll get a 285 horsepower V6 engine, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, seven speaker sound system, and heated front seats. The Pilot also has tons of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision mitigation braking, and adaptive cruise control. Opt for the TrailSport trim for AWD, an off-road-tuned suspension, and skid plates.
Not only is the Pilot a very reliable SUV, but it’s also one of the cheapest vehicles to insure. Click here to find cheap car insurance, no matter which SUV you drive.
2. Nearly any Toyota SUV
You can basically close your eyes at the Toyota dealership, spin around a few times, point, and find an SUV with a better-than-average chance of reaching 250,000. Indeed, the Toyota Sequoia, 4Runner, and Highlander Hybrid are three times more likely to hit that milestone than the average vehicle.
As its name not-so-subtly suggests, the Sequoia is Toyota’s largest SUV, and you’ll get a 437 horsepower hybrid engine, eight seats, and a towing capacity of 9,520 pounds from the behemoth. The all-new, redesigned 2025 4Runner is an iconic off-roader that’s about to hit dealer lots later this year and will set you back an estimated $43,000, while the tamer but still very capable Highlander Hybrid starts at just under $41,000.
3. Chevrolet Suburban
There may be no better picture of an American people-mover than the larger-than-life Suburban. With seating for up to nine people, you’ll get the kids, their friends, and the grandparents all to the game. And the standard 355 horsepower 5.8-liter V8 will ensure you get there on time.
Suburban owners keep their vehicles for more than nine years on average, and iSeeCars says they’re 2.5 times more likely than the average vehicle to reach 250,000 miles.
Related: The type of vehicle you drive can greatly impact your car insurance premiums. Go here to see comparisons of the best car insurance companies.
4. Lexus GX
It’s no surprise that the GX makes it on this list, as Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota. The GX was recently redesigned and, while still keeping its iconic boxy styling, looks far more futuristic than its predecessor.
The GX’s $64,250 starting price isn’t for the faint of heart, but you get plenty of upgrades for the financial sacrifice, including seating for seven, a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6, full-time 4WD, and 10-speaker premium sound system. Add to all this the fact that the GX is one the most reliable SUVs available with a greater-than-20% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, according to iSeeCars.
5. Ford Expedition
The three-row Ford Expedition has attracted a loyal following since its late ’90s debut, partly because it’s one and half times more likely to reach a quarter of a million miles than most vehicles.
You’ll have to fork over $61,700 for the latest iteration of the SUV. For the sticker shock, you’ll get a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, room for eight, a 13-inch touchscreen, and cargo room for days. You can go even bigger by opting for the Max upgrade, which adds an additional one foot of length and extra cargo space to several of the 2025 models.
When buying a new car, factoring in its estimated longevity could be the deciding factor between similarly capable models. Spending more on the upfront cost could save your wallet a lot in the long run by helping you avoid unnecessary pit stops in the repair shop every few months.
