These Toyota and Lexus Models Dominate 250,000-Mile Longevity Study

Only one model from a brand other than Toyota or Lexus cracked the top 10.

Senior Editor, Autoblog
2008 Toyota Sequoia

2008 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota
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In a recent longevity study of car brands most likely to reach 250,000 miles, Toyota and Lexus lived up to their durability reputations by occupying the top 2 spots. Toyota, particularly, led all other brands by a significant margin. Now, the same study has been expanded to reveal the specific models you can buy that are most likely to reach 250,000 miles or more. Drawing from data on millions of vehicles, the list is dominated by Toyota and Lexus, with only one other brand’s model making the top 10.

Toyota Sequoia Leads All Models

As in last year’s study, the Toyota Sequoia emerged as the single model with the best chance of reaching 250,000 miles. According to data compiled by iSeeCars, the sturdy body-on-frame SUV has a 42.3% chance of reaching the quarter-million mileage milestone, as opposed to the industry average of just 5.4%. The closest car to the Sequoia is the Lexus LS, long considered the most reliable full-size luxury sedan. Here’s a complete look at the top 10.

Longest-Lasting Cars 2026
RankModel% Chance of Lasting 250,000+ MilesCompared to Average
1Toyota Sequoia42.3%7.9x
2Lexus LS38.8%7.2x
3Toyota 4Runner33.1%6.2x
4Lexus RX Hybrid28.9%5.4x
5Toyota Tundra28.2%5.3x
6Toyota Tacoma25%4.6x
7Lexus GX23.3%4.3x
8Toyota Avalon23.2%4.3x
9Toyota Highlander Hybrid20.7%3.8x
10Honda Accord Hybrid18.5%3.4x

Toyota and Lexus almost completely shut out all other brands from the top 10, with only Honda’s Accord Hybrid sneaking in at tenth. The only non-Japanese vehicles to make the top 27 were the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 14th and Chevrolet Suburban at 24th.

“It’s clear Toyota and Honda have a corporate philosophy focused on durability and a long vehicle lifespan,”” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “This characteristic is reflected in these brands’ strong sales volume, top-ranked resale value, and consumer loyalty.”

Longest-Lasting Trucks, SUVs, Passenger Cars, and EVs

<p> 2011 Ram 3500 High Output</p>
2011 Ram 3500 High Output

Ram

The iSeeCarsStudy also breaks down the toughest cars in each category with the best chance of reaching 250,000 miles or more. 

Longest-Lasting Cars in Each Category

  • SUV: Toyota Sequoia
  • Truck: Ram 3500
  • Passenger car: Lexus LS
  • Hybrid: Lexus RX Hybrid
  • EV: Tesla Model X

Once again, Toyota and Lexus models dominate, but the Ram 3500 did just manage to edge the Toyota Tundra in the pickup truck segment. What’s interesting is the presence of multiple hybrids in the top 27. Combined, hybrids and EVs have a higher chance of reaching 250,000 miles than all cars combined.

“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 Brauer. “It also points to the reliability and durability of these models, possibly easing some consumer fear of mechanical failure due to the advanced drivetrains.”

Why It Matters

2008 Toyota Sequoia
2008 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota

Many Americans are keeping their cars for longer or buying used, since the prices of new cars have steadily increased in recent years. With this in mind, it’s wise to select a model with a history of durability. In this regard, Toyota and Lexus models are untouchable, and it’s not only robust trucks and body-on-frame SUVs that make the cut; many Toyota/Lexus sedans and crossovers also show an above-average chance of reaching a quarter-million miles. A Toyota or Lexus may not be as impressive as some rivals on the showroom floor, but their tight quality-control measures and proven powertrains make a huge difference as these vehicles age.

About the author

Karl Furlong

Senior Editor, Autoblog

Karl Furlong is a senior editor at Autoblog covering industry news, luxury cars, in-car technology, sales trends and model comparisons with more than nine years of experience as an automotive writer.