For over a decade, car buyers looking for vehicles built to go the distance have consistently turned to Toyota. The latest 2024 Longest Lasting Cars study from automotive research site iSeeCars.com confirms this trend, revealing that Toyota vehicles not only populate the top of the list but dominate it. In fact, modern automotive engineering has advanced so much that iSeeCars has raised its benchmark for a “long lasting car” from 200,000 miles to an impressive 250,000 miles. According to their data, the average vehicle has an 8.6 percent chance of reaching this quarter-million mile mark, but certain models significantly surpass this average.
Toyota’s Unrivaled Longevity: Top 5 and Beyond
Toyota’s reputation for reliability is clearly reflected in the iSeeCars study. For the past 11 years, Toyota has consistently held the top position, and this year is no different. Remarkably, Toyota models occupy the entire top 5 slots and seven out of the top 10 when including Lexus (part of the Toyota family). Leading the pack is the Toyota Tundra, a full-size pickup truck with an exceptional 36.6 percent chance of reaching 250,000 miles. Following closely behind in the rankings are other stalwarts of the Toyota lineup: the Sequoia SUV, 4Runner SUV, Tacoma mid-size pickup, and Highlander Hybrid SUV, all boasting a better than 25 percent likelihood of achieving this impressive mileage milestone.
Toyota’s dominance extends beyond just the top positions. The brand secures an impressive 30 percent of the top 30 slots with a total of 10 Toyota and Lexus models making the list. Honda and its Acura brand follow in second place with 7 models recognized for their longevity. General Motors (Chevrolet and GMC) and Nissan tie for third, each contributing three models to the list. Ford and Ram each have two models, while Mazda and Ram each feature one vehicle, showcasing a broader range of automakers known for producing durable vehicles. Interestingly, SUVs constitute the majority of the list with 16 slots, followed by 8 trucks, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and a single minivan, highlighting the enduring nature of SUVs and trucks.
Trucks and SUVs Lead, But Sedans Still Shine
The prevalence of trucks and SUVs on the longest-lasting cars list underscores their robust construction and versatile nature. These vehicle types are often used more extensively and subjected to tougher conditions, leading to higher odometer readings. Therefore, it’s particularly noteworthy when sedans and hatchbacks demonstrate exceptional longevity. The Toyota Avalon, Camry, and Prius, along with the Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid, prove that traditional car models can also achieve remarkable mileage. These models demonstrate that while trucks and SUVs are built for durability, efficient engineering in cars like sedans can also contribute to a long lifespan.
Analyzing brand performance further solidifies Toyota and Honda’s leading positions in long-term reliability. Following these two Japanese automakers, Ram, GMC, Chevrolet, Lexus, and Ford all demonstrate an above-average probability of their vehicles reaching 250,000 miles. A common thread among these brands is their strong representation in the truck and SUV segments, which, as noted earlier, tend to accumulate higher mileage.
Heavy-Duty Trucks: A Different Breed of Long-Lasting
It’s important to note that the main iSeeCars study excludes heavy-duty trucks. These vehicles, engineered for demanding tasks and extended lifespans, often serve in commercial fleets and may not accurately reflect typical consumer usage. However, iSeeCars does conduct a separate ranking for the longest-lasting trucks, including heavy-duty models in this specific analysis. Unsurprisingly, heavy-duty trucks dominate the top ranks in this category. Yet, even in the truck-focused list, Toyota’s Tundra and Tacoma, not classified as heavy-duty, still secure spots within the top 10, with the Honda Ridgeline close behind. Light-duty trucks, such as the Ford F-150 and other 1500 series models, appear in the latter half of this truck-specific ranking.
Modern car headlight, illustrating the durability of contemporary vehicles featured in the longest lasting cars study.
Beyond the overall rankings, the iSeeCars study also provides lists of the top 20 longest-lasting SUVs and top 11 longest-lasting sedans, with all models on these lists exceeding the average chance of reaching 250,000 miles. For a comprehensive look at all the rankings and the full methodology, you can visit the complete study at iSeeCars.com. This study reinforces the increasing durability of modern vehicles and highlights the brands and models leading the way in long-term reliability.
