Longest Lasting Cars
The Longest Lasting Cars: Comparing Apples to Apples
Which cars are the most durable? This question can be answered in many ways. Nearly all cars are designed to last for 100,000 miles. The reliable cars that can last more than 200,000 miles are what distinguishes the trustworthy from the unstable. This industry-standard, 200,000 miles, is used to gauge the vehicle's durability. Because so few vehicles ever reach 300,000 miles, it becomes pointless to discuss. Move Car Auto Transport draws the line at 200,000 miles.
When comparing the lifespan of different types of vehicles, it is important to consider the differences. According to Iseecars 2019, it's not cars that last the longest, but SUVs, Pickup Trucks, that do. Isn't this surprising? These vehicles are larger and heavier, and last longer. This makes sense because SUVs, as well as Pickup Trucks, can take a beating. They do exactly that. Some cars can go up to 200,000 miles, which is more than the 5 longest-lasting cars.
SUVs are the longest lasting cars
All SUVs are the top seven vehicles that last more than 200,000 miles. Let's take an in-depth look at these winners and the percentages that have lasted that long.
RankModel% Cars with More Than 200k Miles
- Toyota Sequoia 7.4%
- Chevrolet Suburban 5.0%
- Ford Expedition 5.0%
- GMC Yukon XL 4.0%
- Toyota 4Runner 3.9%
- Chevrolet Tahoe 3.8%
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid 3.1%
Large SUVs are built on a pickup truck platform. They share many of the same parts and are the most durable. This gives larger SUVs an advantage over sedans in durability.
Larger SUVs have a downside: they are often less fuel-efficient and more conscious of their carbon footprint. It doesn't make sense to believe that climate change is happening. Look at the changing weather patterns and melting glaciers over the past few decades. Hurricanes are more frequent and more severe. Floods are devastating towns and farms. Every politician who claims otherwise is a threat to us all. Vote for him/her! No time for nonsense. These SUVs are durable and large, so at first glance, they seem like a smart investment. However, we encourage you to reevaluate these numbers as alarming.
Only the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most smile-worthy of the seven vehicles that made this list. The Highlander Hybrid's gas mileage is 29/27 mpg on the highway. The Toyota Sequoia's gas mileage is 13 MPG city/17 MPG highway. It lasts longer, with 7.4% making it to 200,000. Compare this to the 3.1% for Highlander Hybrids. We wish that it was reversed, as good as it is.
The Best Passenger Vehicles (Minivans and Cars) that Last the Longest
The Toyota Avalon is the longest-lasting passenger vehicle, with 200,000 miles. It does not make the top ten overall. The Toyota Sequoia (7.4%), has a nearly three-fold chance of reaching that distance than the Toyota Avalon (2.5%).
RankModel% Cars with More Than 200k Miles
- Toyota Avalon 2.5%
- Honda Odyssey 2.5%
- Honda Accord 1.9%
- Toyota Sienna 1.8%
- Toyota Prius 1.7%
- Chevrolet Impala 1.7%
- Ford Taurus 1.6%
The Japanese are the leaders in passenger cars and minivans.
Pickup trucks that last
The seven best-performing light-duty pickup trucks with a maximum mileage of 200,000 miles are not as durable as the SUV. The top three pickup trucks of this category are still among the top ten for all makes, which is quite impressive. Let's take another look.
RankModel% Cars with More Than 200k Miles
- Honda Ridgeline 3.0%
- Toyota Tacoma 2.6%
- Toyota Tundra 2.6%
- Chevy Silverado 1500 1.9%
- Ford F-150 1.8%
- Nissan Titan 1.7%
- GMC Sierra 1500 1.7%
This section presents the Japanese pickup trucks Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tundra with their awards. American manufacturers Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC did not fare as well. There is very little difference in mileage between 2% and 3%. You might be more impressed if 3/100 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks can last for 200,000 miles, whereas only 2/100 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's can. You're not. I'm not sure how many Ridgeline buyers will jump to purchase one based on this.
Which Car Make Lasts the Longest?
Aside from specific models, there is a common thread that identifies which car makes the most lasting. Two particular manufacturers shine. Honda and Toyota, both Japanese car manufacturers, are shining. If you are looking for the longest-lasting cars, look for one of these two. It is concerning to note that large SUVs and Pickup Trucks are more efficient than fuel-efficient passenger cars when it comes to carbon emissions. All makes and models have an average of 0.8% to reach 200,000 miles, which is less than 1/100. We want to give a tip to the car manufacturers who have built such high-quality vehicles that they easily beat the 1/100. We only ask for greater fuel efficiency.