High-mileage durability: which American and Japanese pickups and SUVs outlast the many miles
Researchers from iSeeCars analyzed the longevity of vehicles by examining the likelihood of reaching 400 thousand kilometers without major repairs. The study looked at a vast dataset, reviewing more than 260 million cars sold between 2012 and 2022 and calculated the probability of hitting that high-mileage milestone based on the average annual mileage of each model. The result shows that a notable share of vehicles can push beyond the 400k mark, with 11.8 percent of models expected to reach or exceed that threshold under typical use patterns. Some models perform better than others, confirming what many buyers have suspected about durability and total cost of ownership.
At the top of the list is the Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup. This model leads with a striking share of high-mileage reliability, signaling strong durability and a robust engineering approach suited for heavy loads and long service life. The Toyota Land Cruiser follows closely, reflecting its reputation for ruggedness and reliability in demanding conditions. The Toyota Tundra also ranks high, illustrating that modern pickup design continues to emphasize endurance and dependable performance over many years of service.
Other Toyota models appear prominently in the ranking. The Toyota Sequoia, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Toyota 4Runner each contribute to Toyota’s solid performance in the high-mileage category. Ford’s heavy-duty lineup remains well represented, with the F-250 Super Duty also posting a meaningful probability of lasting to 400k kilometers. Honda appears with the Pilot and the CR-V among the top performers, while GMC and Chevrolet provide strong results in their heavy-duty truck segments with the Sierra and Silverado lines respectively. The Toyota Avalon and several other Toyota trucks and SUVs round out the list, illustrating a broad spread of manufacturers achieving durable, long-life vehicles across different segments.
The results highlight the importance of design choices that support long-term reliability. Vehicles that balance engine durability, chassis robustness, and maintenance accessibility tend to show higher chances of reaching very high mileage without major repairs. The data underscore the role of regular maintenance, the impact of driving conditions, and the value of choosing models with proven track records for longevity. These findings are presented as part of a larger effort by iSeeCars to help buyers understand how long vehicles can remain dependable under typical ownership patterns. The methodology reviews the average annual mileage by model and translates that into a probability for reaching 400 thousand kilometers, offering a practical lens for buyers weighing long-term ownership costs and reliability.
In a broader market context, analysts have noted shifts in the sales of light commercial vehicles and passenger cars, with expectations of growth in the second quarter of 2023 compared with the same period a year earlier. This trend aligns with ongoing consumer demand for durable, capable vehicles that can handle frequent use and long service lives, reinforcing the market relevance of durability rankings across brands and segments. The overall message from the analysis remains clear: certain models consistently deliver high-mileage performance, providing long-term value through reliability and fewer major repairs over the lifespan of the vehicle. [Citation: iSeeCars durability analysis]