Some SUVs are built to go the distance—literally.
Whether it’s a rock-solid engine, a proven transmission, or minimal electronic failures, these SUVs have earned reputations for surviving decades of use. Here’s a look at 25 of the most reliable SUVs on the road today.
#25 – Subaru Outback
Powered by a 2.5L flat-four (182 hp) or 2.4L turbo (260 hp), the Outback is known for balanced performance and low maintenance costs. Its symmetrical AWD system and durable CVT tuning make it a long-distance champion. Owners often see 300K miles with regular oil changes and minimal drivetrain wear.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#24 – Honda Pilot
The Pilot’s 3.5L V6 engine (280 hp) is famous for reliability, sharing components with the Accord and Ridgeline. Its transmission and cooling systems hold up under long-term use, and maintenance costs are low. It’s a family hauler that’s proven to run strong well past 250K, with many crossing 300K.
#23 – Ford Expedition
The 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 (375–400 hp) gives the Expedition modern muscle without sacrificing longevity. With a strong frame, advanced transmission cooling, and durable 10-speed gearbox, this full-size SUV can tow heavy loads for years. Proper care easily gets owners beyond 300K miles.
#22 – GMC Yukon XL
Equipped with GM’s 5.3L or 6.2L V8, the Yukon XL uses proven powertrains shared with the Silverado and Sierra. It’s built on a truck chassis with exceptional towing ability and robust parts availability. Long-term maintenance is simple, helping many Yukons clear 300K with ease.
#21 – Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner’s 4.0L V6 (270 hp, 278 lb-ft) is a living legend in reliability. Its body-on-frame design and simple mechanical systems give it the longevity that off-road enthusiasts crave. Many 4Runners exceed 300K miles even after years of trail use and daily commuting.
OWS Photography, Wikimedia Commons
#20 – Chevrolet Tahoe
Built tough with GM’s 5.3L V8 (355 hp), the Tahoe’s powertrain is virtually indestructible with consistent maintenance. Its heavy-duty transmission and simple mechanical layout mean fewer surprises as it ages. Many examples easily hit 300K miles—especially those maintained by fleet services or police departments.
Ethan Llamas, Wikimedia Commons
#19 – Lexus RX 350
Powered by a 3.5L V6 (295 hp), the RX 350 combines Toyota reliability with Lexus refinement. Its engine and 8-speed transmission are bulletproof, and many owners reach 300K with routine service. The RX’s smooth, stress-free drivetrain ensures minimal wear over decades of driving.
Ethan Llamas, Wikimedia Commons
#18 – Toyota RAV4
The RAV4’s 2.5L four-cylinder engine is one of Toyota’s most durable. With simple components, dependable CVT tuning, and low repair costs, this compact SUV keeps running for decades. Thousands of RAV4s on the road have surpassed 300K miles thanks to conservative design and excellent parts reliability.
Matti Blume, Wikimedia Commons
#17 – Acura MDX
The MDX’s 3.5L i-VTEC V6 (290 hp) and 9-speed automatic are refined yet durable. Built on Honda’s most proven architecture, it resists common long-term failures. Owners report smooth running well beyond 300K miles, especially when serviced regularly. It’s luxury longevity done right.
Navigator84, Wikimedia Commons
#16 – Nissan Armada
The Armada’s 5.6L Endurance V8 (400 hp) is a tank of an engine, capable of hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues. Its body-on-frame construction and proven seven-speed automatic make it one of Nissan’s toughest offerings. Towing, hauling, or cruising—this SUV just keeps going.
AJM STUDIOS, Wikimedia Commons
#15 – Honda CR-V
Honda’s 1.5L turbo-four or 2.4L NA engine options are simple and robust. The CR-V has earned legendary status for reliability, with many first- and second-gen examples still on the road past 300K. Its efficient, low-stress powertrain and bulletproof transmission are key to its longevity.
Alexander-93, Wikimedia Commons
#14 – Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban is America’s longest-running nameplate for a reason. With a 5.3L or 6.2L V8, it’s engineered for continuous use. Heavy-duty components, straightforward maintenance, and truck-level durability make this massive SUV a 300K-mile champion among full-sizers.
#13 – Lexus GX 460
The GX’s 4.6L V8 (301 hp) and body-on-frame design give it nearly unmatched durability. Built in Japan with Toyota Land Cruiser DNA, the GX can survive harsh off-roading or long highway miles. Owners often see 300K miles with little more than oil, fluids, and timing belt changes.
#12 – Toyota Sequoia
The Sequoia’s 5.7L i-Force V8 (381 hp) has powered it for years with minimal changes. Known for its longevity, smooth power delivery, and Toyota engineering, it’s not uncommon to find examples with 300K miles still running strong. Simple, overbuilt, and reliable.
#11 – Ford Explorer (V6)
The Explorer’s 3.5L or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engines deliver longevity when serviced correctly. Its strong frame, proven AWD system, and widely available parts make upkeep affordable. Many Explorers from the early 2010s still rack up huge mileage numbers.
JustAnotherCarDesigner, Wikimedia Commons
#10 – Lexus LX 570
Sharing its platform with the Land Cruiser, the LX 570’s 5.7L V8 (383 hp) is a masterpiece in endurance. Built to survive global conditions, these SUVs are known to exceed 400K miles. The combination of Toyota reliability and Lexus luxury makes it virtually unstoppable.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#9 – Toyota Highlander
The Highlander’s 3.5L V6 (295 hp) is a long-running, low-stress workhorse. Owners praise it for consistent reliability, smooth power, and minimal issues. Its automatic transmission and AWD system have proven themselves over decades—many easily pass the 300K mark.
Dietmar Rabich, Wikimedia Commons
#8 – Acura RDX
The RDX’s 2.0L turbo engine and 10-speed automatic balance performance and durability. Honda engineering ensures tight build quality and dependable electronics. Owners report few issues even after 250K miles, making it a dependable compact-luxury SUV that outlasts its rivals.
OWS Photography, Wikimedia Commons
#7 – Toyota Land Cruiser
With a 5.7L V8 (381 hp), the Land Cruiser is built for decades, not years. Its global reputation for reliability comes from overengineered components and bulletproof construction. Many easily surpass 400K miles, earning it legendary status in the SUV world.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#6 – Lexus LX 470
An older sibling to the LX 570, the LX 470 uses a 4.7L V8 (235–268 hp) mated to an indestructible transmission. The hydraulic suspension and drivetrain were built to last, and hundreds of these are still running strong past 350K miles.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#5 – Toyota FJ Cruiser
Powered by a 4.0L V6 (260 hp), the FJ Cruiser’s rugged simplicity keeps it running forever. Its drivetrain and axles are shared with the 4Runner, both renowned for toughness. Even discontinued, it’s a cult favorite for longevity, with countless 300K+ examples on the road.
Stefan Krause, Germany, Wikimedia Commons
#4 – Honda Element
Honda’s quirky 2.4L i-VTEC engine (160 hp) and bulletproof 5-speed automatic make the Element a high-mileage hero. Owners routinely push them past 300K miles thanks to minimal mechanical complexity and rust-resistant body design. It’s weird, but it lasts.
Dennis Elzinga, Wikimedia Commons
#3 – Lexus RX 400h / 450h
Lexus hybrids like the RX 400h and 450h pair the durable 3.5L V6 with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The electric motors and batteries are famously reliable, and even hybrid components last beyond 250K miles. These SUVs regularly hit 300K with basic care.
Alexander-93, Wikimedia Commons
#2 – Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
A global version of Toyota’s bulletproof platform, the Prado runs a 2.8L turbo-diesel or 4.0L V6 depending on region. It’s beloved for toughness, parts availability, and simplicity. These SUVs handle punishing terrain for decades, often hitting half a million miles.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
#1 – Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series
The gold standard of longevity. Its 5.7L V8 (381 hp) and overbuilt drivetrain are famous worldwide. Built for war zones, deserts, and everything between, the Land Cruiser routinely exceeds 400K–500K miles. Its body-on-frame structure and engineering perfection make it the SUV longevity king.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
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