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

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

2004 Lexus LS430

Lexus

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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
Rank	Model	% Chance of Lasting 250,000+ Miles	Compared to Average
1	Toyota Sequoia	42.3%	7.9x
2	Lexus LS	38.8%	7.2x
3	Toyota 4Runner	33.1%	6.2x
4	Lexus RX Hybrid	28.9%	5.4x
5	Toyota Tundra	28.2%	5.3x
6	Toyota Tacoma	25%	4.6x
7	Lexus GX	23.3%	4.3x
8	Toyota Avalon	23.2%	4.3x
9	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	20.7%	3.8x
10	Honda Accord Hybrid	18.5%	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

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

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.