How Many Miles Can A Car Last (2024)

It's difficult to determine which cars last the longest, as there aren't many available statistics, and it would be almost impossible for a study to control factors like routine maintenance and driving style. Therefore, we've taken a pragmatic approach and created the following list based on a study of the top 16 vehicles with more than 200,000 miles. This study by iSeeCars looked at more than 10 million vehicles to find those that vaulted past 200,000 miles with the greatest consistency.

1. Toyota Land Cruiser

Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 16.3%

MPG: 13 city | 17 highway

Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive

The Land Cruiser hasn't exactly been a darling in the U.S. auto market, but it's a beloved favorite in developing countries that lack good road systems. This is thanks to the high-grade steel used in manufacturing and precise, small-batch production techniques that Toyota puts into the vehicle. It's designed to last decades handling rugged off-road driving, and this shows in the number of Land Cruisers on the road with more than 200,000 miles.

2. Toyota Sequoia

Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 11.2%

MPG: 13 city | 17 highway

Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive

3. Chevrolet Suburban

Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 5.1%

MPG: 15 city | 19 highway

Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive

The Chevrolet Suburban is another reliable, full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV). Compared to the prior-listed Toyota SUVs, this vehicle makes it to 200,000 much less often, but 5.1% is still an incredible figure that is five times greater than the average for all cars. It's helped by a durable design that can prevent issues like rust and major repairs for 6 – 10 years, and a strict adherence to good maintenance can take it much further.

4. Ford Expedition

Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 4.9%

MPG: 17 city | 23 highway

Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive

5. Toyota 4Runner

Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 4.1%

MPG: 16 city | 19 highway

Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive

While the Toyota 4Runner doesn't have the same incredible longevity as the Sequoia and Land Cruiser, it still benefits from Toyota's conservative design philosophy and excellent manufacturing standards.

Honorable Mentions

The following vehicles deserve an honorable mention for their longevity and reliability. Interestingly, truck-based SUVs are the most consistently reliable vehicles and make up most of the list. The Prius stands out as a notable exception, as it's a hybrid car that boasts excellent longevity.

As a seasoned automotive expert, my extensive knowledge in the field is built upon years of researching, analyzing, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the automotive industry. I have a keen understanding of various vehicle models, their performance, and the factors that contribute to their longevity. This expertise is demonstrated through a comprehensive grasp of engineering principles, manufacturing techniques, and real-world performance metrics.

Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about cars that last the longest, based on a study of vehicles with over 200,000 miles:

Toyota Land Cruiser:
- Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 16.3%
- MPG: 13 city | 17 highway
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive
- The Toyota Land Cruiser, though not a mainstream favorite in the U.S., is renowned for its durability, especially in developing countries with challenging road conditions. The use of high-grade steel in manufacturing and precise small-batch production contributes to its longevity, making it a favorite for off-road driving.
Toyota Sequoia:
- Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 11.2%
- MPG: 13 city | 17 highway
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
- Similar to the Land Cruiser, the Toyota Sequoia is a truck-based, body-on-frame SUV with a separated chassis. This design enhances its durability, and the vehicle's reputation aligns with Toyota's commitment to producing rugged and reliable models.
Chevrolet Suburban:
- Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 5.1%
- MPG: 15 city | 19 highway
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
- The Chevrolet Suburban, a full-size SUV, exhibits reliability with 5.1% of vehicles reaching over 200,000 miles. Its durable design, capable of preventing issues like rust, coupled with strict maintenance adherence, contributes to its longevity.
Ford Expedition:
- Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 4.9%
- MPG: 17 city | 23 highway
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
- The Ford Expedition is highlighted for its sound and reliable design, capable of surpassing 150,000 miles with proper maintenance and driving practices. While wear may begin at 150,000 miles, routine care can extend its lifespan to the 200,000-mile mark.
Toyota 4Runner:
- Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 4.1%
- MPG: 16 city | 19 highway
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
- The Toyota 4Runner, while not matching the longevity of the Sequoia and Land Cruiser, benefits from Toyota's conservative design philosophy and high manufacturing standards, contributing to its reliability.

Honorable Mentions:

The article acknowledges truck-based SUVs as consistently reliable, with truck-based models dominating the list of long-lasting vehicles.
The Toyota Prius is recognized as an exception, being a hybrid car with excellent longevity, showcasing that reliability extends beyond traditional SUVs.

In summary, the study focuses on vehicles surpassing 200,000 miles, emphasizing their longevity and reliability. Key factors include robust design, quality manufacturing, and adherence to routine maintenance for extended vehicle life.