The crossover is now the default choice of vehicle for thousands of Americans. These car-based, SUV-style vehicles have almost singlehandedly contributed to scores of wagons and sedans being discontinued in the United States. Practicality and comfort are two key reasons to consider a crossover, but what about longevity? For buyers in the used market, there are countless crossover options to choose from, but not all of them age well as the miles pile up. A recent longevity study has revealed the longest-lasting crossover that has the best chance of reaching 250,000 miles and beyond. While the brand may not be a surprise, the powertrain might.
America’s Longest-Lasting Crossover Is A Lexus
Kristen Brown
The study was run by iSeeCars and ranks models by how likely they are to reach 250,000 miles. Only two crossovers made it into the top 10, and the one with the highest chance of reaching that mileage milestone is the Lexus RX Hybrid. The only other crossover to rank in the top 10 is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (9th), while the Honda HR-V is just outside the top 10 (11th) among all vehicle types. Here’s a look at the five longest-lasting crossovers in the study:
| Longest-Lasting Crossovers 2026 | ||
| Rank | Model | % Chance of Lasting 250,000 Miles |
| 1 | Lexus RX Hybrid | 28.9% |
| 2 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 20.7% |
| 3 | Honda HR-V | 17.6% |
| 4 | Honda Pilot | 14.3% |
| 5 | Acura MDX | 13.1% |
The RX Hybrid has been a staple in the luxury crossover segment for decades, and is one of the best-selling vehicles in that segment. Lexus has a near-perfect reliability reputation, so the RX Hybrid’s top ranking among crossovers isn’t a shocker. However, it’s impressive that a sophisticated luxury model with an electrified powertrain ranks well above seemingly simpler crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Kristen Brown
Now in its fifth generation, the RX Hybrid rides on a version of Toyota’s widely used TNGA platform. The base four-cylinder hybrid powertrain has been in use for years. This 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit is also used in hybrid versions of Toyota’s RAV4, Highlander, and Camry, so its dependability is proven. It produces 246 horsepower, but Lexus also sells a plug-in hybrid version with 304 hp. There’s also a 2.4-liter turbo-four hybrid RX with 366 hp; the study does not distinguish between these powertrain types.
Efficiency is a highlight of this powertrain. The RX 350h is capable of 37/34/36 mpg city/highway/combined, while the plug-in hybrid version gets 83 MPGe and can be driven for up to 37 miles on electric power alone. We appreciated this model’s suitability as a comfortable highway cruiser.
Proven powertrains and rock-solid build quality have served the RX well, and the number of older RX crossovers still on the road underline this nameplate’s quality.
Hybrids and EVs Outlast Gas Cars
Kristen Brown
Researchers found that hybrids and EVs combined have an 8.2% chance of lasting until 250,000 miles or beyond. However, as only three EVs sold enough units to be included in this category, it’s primarily hybrids that have displayed impressive longevity. The average chance that all cars in the study will last until 250,000 miles or more is 5.4%.
Besides the RX Hybrid, hybrid versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Highlander all have a higher chance of reaching the milestone than their non-hybrid equivalents. That should reassure buyers who were uncertain when Toyota switched to a hybrid-only powertrain for the latest Camry sedan.
Toyota
“A hybrid’s higher fuel efficiency means a lower operating cost, which – based on the segment’s high average chance of reaching 250,000 miles – clearly inspires their owners to drive them,” said Karl Brauer, iSeeCars Executive Analyst. “It also points to the reliability and durability of these models, possibly easing some consumer fear of mechanical failure due to the advanced drivetrains.”
According to an analysis we did on ownership costs by powertrain, hybrids have lower overall costs than EVs and ICE vehicles. While the electrified components and hybrid battery may put some buyers off, these are often covered by extensive warranties, providing peace of mind for anyone transitioning from an ICE vehicle.
As an example of this, Lexus hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. This warranty covers the hybrid battery control module, hybrid control module, and the inverter with converter. The hybrid battery warranty itself runs for ten years or 150,000 miles on 2020 and newer models, whichever comes first.
Final Thoughts
Lexus
For anyone looking for a luxury crossover on a tight budget, a well-maintained Lexus RX Hybrid has to be on your shortlist. Not only was it ranked as the longest-lasting crossover in this study, but CarEdge gave the RX 350h an ‘A’ rating for five-year ownership costs. From fuel costs to maintenance and depreciation, it’s generally a better bet than rivals in the same segment.
Beyond the RX Hybrid, the study also supports data that high-mileage hybrids are not to be feared. These powertrains—especially from Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda—have every chance of lasting for many years and thousands of miles with proper maintenance.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog