Reliable SUVs That Just Keep Going
SUVs are often seen as bulky, gas-guzzling hulks that won’t outlive your extended warranty, but the truth is, some of them are surprisingly resilient. Whether you’re shopping used or planning to keep one for the long haul, these SUVs prove they’ve got staying power!
Toyota 4Runner
Thanks to its truck frame construction and old-school durability, the 4Runner is a legend when it comes to longevity; it’s not uncommon to see these beasts rack up 300,000 miles! Sure, it’s thirsty, but if you want an SUV that laughs in the face of time, this is the one to go for.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V is a crossover that just won’t quit. With a reputation for low maintenance costs, efficient engines, and reliable transmissions, these little SUVs easily breeze past 200,000 miles with basic care. It’s the quiet achiever of the compact SUV world.
Toyota Highlander
Family-friendly and famously dependable, the Highlander balances comfort, space, and is as long-lasting as its pop culture counterparts. The V6 models in particular are known for lasting upwards of 250,000 miles, making it a solid investment for anyone who wants room without sacrificing reliability.
Lexus GX 460
Luxury meets longevity with the GX 460. Sharing bones with the Land Cruiser Prado, this SUV mixes premium comfort with off-road-ready toughness. Owners regularly report sky-high mileage without drama, making it one of the most underrated long-haulers on the luxury market.
Subaru Forester
AWD, solid safety scores, and a reputation for more loyalty than a mechanical golden retriever make the Forester a great buy. It’s not flashy, but its flat-four engines and simple design help it endure. With regular maintenance, it’ll hang in there well past the 200K mark.
Ford Expedition
Full-size and full of life, the Expedition has proven it can take a licking and keep on ticking! It’s a go-to for big families, road trips, and towing - and with a durable frame and proven EcoBoost engines, it’s surprisingly long-lived if properly cared for, so it won’t leave you in the lurch mid-expedition (so to speak).
Chevrolet Tahoe
This classic American SUV is built to last, and often does. Thanks to its strong workhorse V8 engine, body-on-frame design, and abundant parts availability, the Tahoe is a go-to for longevity. You can find plenty in the wild with 250,000 miles on the clock - providing they benefit from regular oil changes and some mechanical TLC.
Acura MDX
Combining classic Honda reliability with luxury features, the MDX is a three-row SUV that can raise eyebrows with its lastability. Many early models are still going strong with over 200K miles on the meter, so if you want comfort and consistency, you could do a lot worse.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
While some Jeeps have mixed reputations, the Grand Cherokee - especially models with the 4.0L inline-six or HEMI V8 - can go the distance. When it comes to everyday utility, it’s as rugged and reliable as its bulky charm suggests, and when treated well it can punch above its expected lifespan.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Early Hyundai models weren’t known for their lifespan, but the Santa Fe turned the tide. Modern versions offer stalwart engines, good warranties, and impressive long-term performance, so it’s not uncommon to see them hitting 200,000 miles (especially among post-2013 models).
Kia Sorento
Kia’s transformation from punchline to powerhouse shows in the Sorento, especially with models from 2016 onward; they offer solid build quality and reliable engines. With proper care, these midsize SUVs can quietly reach 200,000 miles without much fuss.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 blends fun-to-drive dynamics with surprisingly strong reliability. Owners often report low maintenance needs and solid longevity past the 200K mark. It’s not a rugged off-roader, but as a daily driver, it’s a refined and dependable choice.
GMC Yukon
Mechanically similar to the Chevy Tahoe, the Yukon offers the same body-on-frame durability (and as a result, the same long life). Thanks to its towing chops it’s a favorite among those who travel often, and if you keep up with its maintenance it’ll outlast several lesser crossovers with ease.
Nissan Xterra
The Xterra is now gone from new showrooms, but if you shop around on the used car market you’ll find models that are still going strong. With a rugged frame, simple V6 engine, and off-road capability, it’s a sleeper SUV that’s built to last - many surpass 200K miles with minimal drama.
Toyota Sequoia
A full-size SUV with the build and reliability of a tank, the Sequoia can log huge mileage without losing its cool. It’s based on the Tundra platform, so it features the same bulletproof V8 engine and cavernous interior. Owners praise its longevity, with some reporting over 300K miles (and counting).
Buick Enclave
Buick isn’t the first brand name you think of when it comes to durability, but the Enclave is a surprisingly long-lasting three-row SUV. Post-2014 models in particular show improvement on that score, and many owners enjoy smooth performance past 150,000 miles with routine care.
Mitsubishi Outlander
It doesn’t get the love it deserves, but the Outlander can be incredibly reliable - especially with its naturally aspirated engines. It’s not glamorous and won’t drop any jaws on the road, but if you want affordable longevity and a 10-year warranty on used models, it delivers the goods.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 isn’t just known for its comfort and safety; it also boasts impressive durability, particularly with its earlier, simpler powertrains. Keep up with maintenance, and it’s not unusual for these Swedish stalwarts to push past 200,000 miles with dignity and grace.
Chevrolet Suburban
Bigger brother to the Tahoe, the Suburban is a road-trip king with vampire-like longevity. From airport shuttles to family haulers, it’s built to run through the apocalypse. The V8 powertrain and space that incites jealousy in a TARDIS make it a favorite for those who need big and dependable.
Toyota RAV4
This one shouldn’t be a surprise - it’s the best-selling compact SUV, and it lives up to the hype with excellent long-term reliability. Efficient, versatile, and easy to maintain, the RAV4 often reaches 200K miles without breaking a sweat, so it’s one of the safest bets in the crossover world.
Honda Pilot
A dependable workhorse in a family-friendly wrapper, the Honda Pilot earns high marks for lifespan. V6-powered and well-engineered, it's known to hit 250K miles with ease. It offers three-row comfort, Honda’s signature low-maintenance design, and a reputation for aging as gracefully as George “Silver Fox” Clooney.
Ford Explorer
While older Explorers were hit or miss, modern models (especially those from 2016 onward) have knocked their durability game up a notch. Choose a well-maintained specimen, and the Explorer can keep exploring well beyond 200K miles. It’s a strong all-arounder, so it’s not surprising it has a loyal fanbase.
Infiniti QX60
The upscale cousin of the Nissan Pathfinder combines luxury (a plush ride, plenty of tech) with long-haul reliability in the form of a V6 that, when cared for, can rack up serious mileage. The QX60 is a smart used buy that will take you to future years in comfort.
Nissan Pathfinder
Once built like a tank, newer Pathfinders have leaned toward family duty… but they’re still impressively durable. Models with the V6 engine and regular upkeep can hit 200K-plus miles. It’s a roomy, road-trip-ready SUV with serious staying power.
Audi Q5
Luxury and longevity don’t always mix, but the Q5 bucks the trend, especially when serviced on schedule. This compact luxury SUV is known for its solid engineering and refined ride that can go the distance (if you're vigilant with maintenance, of course).
Dodge Durango
Built on a muscular platform with a range of powerful engines, the Durango has quietly earned a name for longevity that’s attributed to the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L HEMI engines. Treat it right, and this SUV can be a high-mileage highway bruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser has a reputation for a reason: it's known to conquer harsh terrain around the world, and clock 300K+ miles like it’s nothing. It’s expensive up front, but if you value bulletproof engineering, it earns every cent.
Genesis GV80
The GV80 is still a newcomer but it’s backed by Hyundai’s commitment to quality and a stellar 10-year warranty. Early signs point to excellent build quality and long-term promise, and while it won’t turn many heads, this luxury SUV feels built to last.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Discontinued but not forgotten, the Grand Vitara is a small SUV with surprising resilience. Simple mechanics, strong off-road flex, and decent reliability mean many are still going strong well past 150,000 miles. It’s a hidden gem on the used vehicle market.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (formerly ML-Class)
Despite the luxury label, the GLE-Class (and its ML predecessor) has shown good longevity if you treat it right. Stick to the V6 models and service it religiously, and you’ll find it’s a comfortable, capable SUV with more life than you'd expect.
Chrysler Pacifica (AWD)
Okay, it’s technically a minivan, but the AWD version rides like a crossover and offers surprising longevity. Post-2017 models with the revised powertrain have proven capable of high mileage with family-friendly features to match. It’s a Clark Kent vehicle - a practical pick with hidden strength.
GMC Acadia
The Acadia might not be the flashiest SUV, but it delivers in the durability department - especially the first-gen models. Owners frequently report crossing the 200K threshold with consistent care, revealing a workhorse that quietly outperforms expectations.
BMW X5 (xDrive40i)
German luxury with grit, the X5 (particularly the xDrive40i with the B58 engine) has developed a reputation for durability. Treat it well, and you’ll enjoy sporty driving and upscale comfort for years. Maintenance matters, but the payoff can be premium.
Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator’s full-size luxury hides a surprisingly robust powertrain. Beneath the chrome and plush interior lies a dependable SUV that’s capable of handling hundreds of thousands of miles with ease. Big, bold, and like Disney’s Hercules, it can go the distance.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
This retro-styled off-roader is literally built to last! Sharing DNA with the 4Runner and Land Cruiser, the FJ Cruiser is as tough as it is quirky. Owners regularly report mileage north of 300K, and used prices reflect its reputation for indestructibility.
