Vehicles That Last So Long Your Grandkids Can Drive Them

Vehicles That Last So Long Your Grandkids Can Drive Them


February 24, 2026 | J. Clarke

Vehicles That Last So Long Your Grandkids Can Drive Them


Built For The Long Haul (And Then Some)

Some cars are flings. Others are forever. If you’re tired of vehicles that age like milk, you’re in the right place. The models below have a reputation for sticking around—racking up 250,000 miles or more without turning into driveway décor.

These aren’t just commuters. They’re the kind of machines that survive family road trips, teenage drivers, questionable maintenance schedules, and still ask for more. Buy one, treat it reasonably well, and don’t be surprised if your grandkids learn to drive in it.

Novosibirsk, Russia - april 16 2014: private all-wheel drive black metallic color big frame SUV Toyota Sequoia,Car Spotter, Shutterstock.com

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Toyota Sequoia

If longevity had a mascot, it might be the Sequoia. This full-size SUV has built its reputation on brute durability and an engine that seems allergic to quitting. Owners routinely report eye-popping mileage, and the Sequoia’s body-on-frame construction gives it that old-school toughness people miss. It’s big, it’s comfortable, and it behaves like it plans to attend your retirement party.

File:24 Toyota Sequoia SR5.jpgHJUdall, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner doesn’t care about trends. It’s been doing its rugged, boxy thing for decades—and that’s exactly why it lasts. Built with off-road capability in its DNA, this SUV is engineered to take rough roads and shrug it off. It’s not flashy, but it’s stubborn in the best possible way.

File:25 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport.jpgHJUdall, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Practical meets patient. The Highlander Hybrid proves you can haul the family and still stretch a tank of gas like it’s 1999. Even better, modern hybrid systems have matured into quietly unstoppable workhorses. Owners love the combination of efficiency and long-term reliability—two traits that rarely argue.

File:Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70) 1X7A0197.jpgAlexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Tundra

Full-size trucks live hard lives, and the Tundra seems to thrive on it. Whether towing, hauling, or just flexing in the driveway, it’s built to endure. Toyota’s conservative engineering approach pays off in fewer headaches over time. This is the truck you buy when you’d rather drive than visit the service department.

File:2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 Pro Double Cab in Lunar Rock, front left.jpgMr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons

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Lexus IS

Sporty sedans don’t always age gracefully, but the Lexus IS makes a convincing case. It blends luxury and reliability in a way that feels almost unfair. Underneath the sleek styling is Toyota-level durability. So yes, you can enjoy sharp handling without sacrificing long-term peace of mind.

File:Lexus IS300 (29405134757).jpgFotoSleuth, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is practically folklore at this point. Mention “300,000 miles” in a conversation, and someone will inevitably say, “Was it a Tacoma?” Its size makes it practical, but its toughness makes it legendary. This pickup has earned its reputation one mile at a time—and there are a lot of those miles.

File:Toyota Tacoma (N300) TRD 1X7A2437.jpgAlexander-93, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Avalon

The Avalon has always been the quiet overachiever. Smooth ride, roomy interior, and a powertrain that just keeps humming. It’s the sedan equivalent of a dependable old friend who never flakes. Not flashy, not dramatic—just relentlessly consistent.

File:2020 Toyota Avalon TRD (United States) 02.pngGold Pony, Wikimedia Commons

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Lexus GX

Luxury meets ladder frame. The GX is essentially a dressed-up off-road bruiser, and that combination works beautifully for longevity. It’s equally comfortable at valet stands and on dirt trails. That rugged foundation underneath all the polish is the secret sauce.

File:16 Lexus GX 460 Base.jpgHJUdall, Wikimedia Commons

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Lexus RX Hybrid

The RX Hybrid helped redefine what a luxury SUV could be. Efficient, comfortable, and shockingly durable. Hybrid batteries aren’t the ticking time bombs some fear—in fact, many RX owners report astonishing long-term reliability. It’s refined and resilient at the same time.

File:Lexus RX 3456cc hybrid first reg Nov 2012 in Glasgow license changed.JPGCharles01, Wikimedia Commons

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Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline does things differently, and that’s part of its charm. With a unibody design instead of traditional truck construction, it rides smoother than most pickups. And despite breaking tradition, it doesn’t break down easily. Honda engineering has a way of sticking around.

File:23 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E.jpgHJUdall, Wikimedia Commons

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Honda Pilot

Three rows, endless errands, and years of family chaos—the Pilot handles it all. It’s the SUV equivalent of a seasoned parent. Solid V6 engines and thoughtful design help it age gracefully. This is the kind of vehicle that transitions seamlessly from car seats to college move-ins.

File:Honda Pilot (third generation) DSC 6080.jpgAlexander-93, Wikimedia Commons

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Honda Odyssey

Minivans don’t get enough credit. The Odyssey, in particular, has been quietly clocking high mileage for decades. Its practicality is matched by a reputation for marathon-level endurance. Soccer practices may come and go, but the Odyssey tends to stick around.

Image of Black Honda Odyssey Rb3 AbsoluteToyotacoronaexsaloon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Chevrolet Silverado 1500

American trucks have their loyalists, and the Silverado earns that loyalty. Properly maintained, it’s more than capable of crossing the 250,000-mile mark. It’s tough, widely supported, and built to work. For many families, it’s less a vehicle and more a permanent fixture.

File:20 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss.jpgHJUdall, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Highlander

The non-hybrid Highlander deserves its flowers too. It’s one of the most balanced SUVs on the market—comfortable, efficient, and sturdy. It doesn’t scream for attention. It just shows up, every day, ready to go again.

File:2021 Toyota Highlander XSE (United States) front view (cropped).jpgAJM STUDIOS, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Prius

The Prius changed the game when it debuted. What’s more impressive is how many early models are still buzzing around today. Hybrid anxiety has largely faded thanks to decades of real-world proof. The Prius isn’t just efficient—it’s persistent.

File:2024 Toyota Prius XLE AWD, front right, 06-01-2024.jpgMercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons

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Chevrolet Suburban

Few nameplates have the history of the Suburban. It’s been hauling people and cargo since before most of us were born. Its size isn’t just for show—it’s built on a robust platform designed to last. When properly cared for, a Suburban can feel almost generational.

File:2021 Chevrolet Suburban High Country Front View (United States).pngGold Pony, Wikimedia Commons

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Honda Civic

Affordable doesn’t mean disposable. The Civic has long been a favorite for drivers who want something simple and strong. It’s efficient, easy to maintain, and remarkably durable. There’s a reason you still see Civics from the early 2000s confidently cruising around.

A Blue Honda Civic Type RAlexandre Prevot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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GMC Sierra 1500

Closely related to the Silverado, the Sierra offers a slightly more upscale vibe without sacrificing toughness. It’s a workhorse in a nicer jacket.Under the surface, it’s built for the long grind. And many owners are more than happy to put it through one.

File:17 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE.jpgHJUdall, Wikimedia Commons

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Lexus RX

The standard RX carries the same DNA as its hybrid sibling—minus the electric assist. It’s comfortable, refined, and engineered to last. It has become a benchmark for luxury SUV durability, blending plush interiors with powertrains that rarely cause drama.

File:Lexus RX 450h+ (AALH16) 1X7A1930.jpgAlexander-93, Wikimedia Commons

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Honda CR-V

Compact SUVs don’t always scream “quarter-million miles,” but the CR-V does. It’s one of the most popular vehicles in its class for good reason. Reliable engines, practical interiors, and sensible engineering help it go the distance. It’s small, yes—but mighty in longevity.

File:Honda CR-V (6th generation) hybrid DSC 7915.jpgAlexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons

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Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry has always been a symbol of sensible car buying. Add hybrid technology to the mix, and you get impressive fuel savings with staying power. It’s comfortable enough for daily commuting and durable enough for the long haul. For drivers who want efficiency without compromise, this sedan quietly delivers.

File:Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ribnitz-Damgarten (LRM 20200504 165212).jpgMatti Blume, Wikimedia Commons

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