10 Longest-lasting Cars (Spoiler: 5 Are Toyotas)

The Toyota Tundra is the gold standard for durability in trucks. Multiple studies show a higher-than-average percentage of Tundras reaching 300,000 miles (about 483,000 kilometers).

Toyota over-engineered many components of the Tundra (from its fully boxed frame to heavy-duty cooling systems), giving it a wide durability margin and exceptional long-term reliability. Buyers who want a truck that simply refuses to die often start here.

The Toyota Sequoia takes the Tundra’s platform and turns it into a full-size SUV.

That shared DNA matters. Sequoias regularly log extreme mileage thanks to simple powertrains and conservative tuning.

Among full-size SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia ranks at the very top for longevity. It has the highest chance of exceeding 250,000 miles (402,000 km, over eight times the average vehicle’s odds) with routine maintenance.

This midsize truck combines manageable size with proven reliability, making it a favorite for people who actually drive their vehicles hard.

Tacomas hold their value exceptionally well, due to their proven longevity. In fact, the Toyota Tacoma leads its segment (and even ranks No. 1 overall) in five-year resale value, retaining about 64 percent of its original price.

The Toyota Avalon shows that sedans can be lasting cars too.

Built on a platform designed for comfort and durability, Avalons are known for smooth engines and low-stress drivetrains. Many Toyota Avalon owners easily surpass 200,000 miles (322,000 km) with basic upkeep.

The Avalon’s robust V6 and drivetrain often reach that milestone with only routine maintenance and minimal unscheduled repairs.

The Honda Accord is consistently rated among the most reliable midsize cars on the market. It holds a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking first out of 24 midsize car models.

Across generations, Accords have delivered consistent quality and low ownership costs (average annual repairs around $400, much lower than the norm), and they often last 200,000 to 300,000 miles (322,000 to 483,000 km) with proper maintenance.

It's a practical choice for buyers who want a long-lasting car without stepping into luxury pricing.

A hybrid powertrain doesn’t automatically shorten a car’s life. In fact, hybrids are proving very durable, with several hybrid models now ranking among the longest-lasting vehicles on the road.

The Accord Hybrid combines Honda’s well-known reliability with an electric drive system that has shown strong durability. Owner data indicate the Accord Hybrid has maintained an excellent reliability record with few component issues in recent years.

Hybrid owners often enjoy low running costs; besides saving fuel, hybrids use regenerative braking that greatly reduces brake wear, meaning brake pads last far longer than in conventional cars.

The Prius changed how people think about hybrids and longevity. Early concerns about hybrid battery lifespan proved overblown: Manufacturers have found that battery packs last well beyond 100,000 miles (161,000 km), and real-world taxi fleets have logged 200,000+ miles (322,000+ km) on original hybrid batteries without issue.

Many Prius cars have exceeded 200,000 miles in service. One extensive analysis found roughly 12 percent of all Priuses (Prii?) on the road have surpassed 250,000 miles (402,000 km), well above the average for vehicles.

This real-world durability helped prove that hybrids can rank among the longest-lasting cars.

The Highlander Hybrid combines family practicality with long-term reliability.

Toyota engineers prioritize longevity over sheer performance in their hybrid systems. For example, Toyota hybrids split the workload between the gas engine and electric motor to reduce strain on each, resulting in less wear over time.

This approach yields exceptional longevity. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has about a 31 percent chance of reaching 250,000 miles (over six times the typical vehicle’s lifespan odds), reflecting its above-and-beyond dependability.

Lexus brings Toyota reliability into the luxury space. The GX uses a body-on-frame design similar to Toyota trucks, making it unusually tough for a luxury SUV.

While the Lexus GX commands a higher upfront price, it rewards owners with outstanding longevity and top-tier resale value. It’s built on a rugged truck frame for durability, and it retains value better than any rival in its luxury SUV class.

Consumer Reports now ranks Mazda among the top brands for dependability (sixth for new-car reliability and third for used-car reliability), reflecting consistently above-average owner feedback.

The Mazda CX-5 exemplifies this solid engineering. It carries a 4.5/5.0 reliability rating (ranked first among compact SUVs) and owners report fewer problems and lower repair costs with the CX-5 compared to other SUVs in its class.

Even if the CX-5 doesn’t reach the extreme mileages of Toyota’s trucks, it still outperforms the average SUV in durability. Its maintenance costs (~$447 per year) and major repair likelihood are significantly lower than typical for its segment.

Long-lasting vehicles use proven engines, avoid overly complex features, and receive regular maintenance. Reliability is less about brand hype and more about conservative design choices made years before you ever buy the car.

Choosing from this list does not guarantee perfection, but it dramatically improves your odds of driving the same vehicle long after others have moved on.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.