When it comes to vehicles, longevity is the ultimate flex. Who needs a car that merely gets you from Point A to Point B when you can easily have one that does 300,000 miles? Here’s a deep dive into 22 vehicles that consistently rank as mileage masters, backed by data, facts, and humor.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is the gold standard for vehicles that last forever. Introduced in 1951, this SUV has evolved into a global icon, with models regularly surpassing 300,000 miles—and often more. Built with robust body-on-frame construction, it boasts powerful engines like the 4.5L V8 diesel or 5.7L gas V8 (depending on the market), paired with advanced off-road tech such as locking differentials and crawl control. Plus, it’s a favorite among overlanders and professionals operating in rugged environments, from deserts to mountains.
Honda Accord
A staple in driveways across America, the Honda Accord is the “no-drama llama” of sedans. Introduced in 1976, the Accord has become one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide, thanks to its practicality, efficiency, and comfort blend. The Accord’s durability stems from Honda’s meticulous engineering and quality control. Reliable, efficient, and practically begging to hit the 300,000-mile mark, the Accord proves that boring doesn’t have to mean bad.
Toyota Camry
The Camry’s robust engineering includes fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and powerful V6 engine options, with transmissions designed to endure the test of time. The Camry also excels in safety, consistently earning top ratings from agencies like the IIHS and NHTSA. In 2022, the Camry was among the top-selling cars in the US, a testament to its universal appeal. Plus, owners often brag about Camrys outlasting their will to drive.
Ford F-150
America’s favorite truck also happens to be one of the most durable. It has various powerful engines built for toughness and versatility, including the high-mileage 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and the reliable 5.0L Coyote V8. Designed for work and play, the F-150 boasts a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds in recent models. Whether hauling equipment or tackling off-road trails, the F-150 is synonymous with endurance and capability.
Subaru Outback
For those who believe every road leads to adventure, the Subaru Outback is your soulmate. Longevity is a hallmark of the Outback, with many owners reporting over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Its spacious interior, up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and solid fuel efficiency (26–33 mpg, depending on the model) make it a practical daily driver. Consistently high marks also bolster the Outback’s reputation in reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book, cementing its status as a high-mileage champion.
Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is a scrappy underdog that punches above its weight. Its rugged body-on-frame construction and tried-and-true powertrains, like the 4.0L V6 (pre-2015) and the 3.5L V6 (2016+), ensure long-lasting performance. The Tacoma excels off-road with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, making it a favorite among adventurers.
Honda Civic
The Civic is the quintessential “do-it-all” car. Need a commuter? Civic. First car? Civic. A reliable high-mileage machine? You guessed it—Civic. Introduced in 1972, the Civic has evolved through 11 generations, maintaining its reputation as a dependable daily driver. A hallmark of Honda’s design, the Civic offers low-cost maintenance, excellent fuel economy (up to 42 mpg highway for newer models), and a solid resale value. Further, its reputation for durability is so solid that you’ll likely see Civics still puttering around from the early 2000s.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban is like the family member who shows up to every gathering and always stays late. The Suburban has various engine options, including V8s, providing ample power for any driving scenario. Advanced safety features, such as lane-keeping assist and forward collision alert, are now available in newer models, enhancing its appeal to modern drivers. Also, regularly updated with the latest technology and amenities, the Suburban delivers comfort and a substantial resale value, making it a solid choice for those seeking a long-lasting and capable SUV.
Toyota 4Runner
Another Toyota? Of course. The 4Runner is practically synonymous with durability. The 4Runner’s 4WD system and high ground clearance enable it to tackle challenging terrains, while its spacious interior ensures comfort for long trips. JD Power and Consumer Reports regularly rank the 4Runner highly for reliability. Designed to conquer highways and trails, this SUV is often found to surpass 300,000 miles with ease, especially when in the hands of meticulous owners.
Lexus LS
Luxury and longevity don’t always go hand-in-hand, but the Lexus LS proves otherwise. Introduced in 1989, it pioneered new standards for luxury and durability in the automotive industry. Built on a reputation for smooth, quiet performance and advanced technology, the LS features a range of sophisticated powertrains, including V6 and V8 engines and optional hybrid versions. This is it if you want a high-mileage vehicle that pampers you along the way.
Nissan Frontier
The Frontier is like the quiet kid in class who aces every test. It doesn’t make a big deal of itself but consistently delivers. First introduced in 1997, the Frontier has become a favorite among truck enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. It features a rugged design with a sturdy frame and reliable drivetrain options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 4.0-liter V6 engine, both capable of handling harsh conditions. Plus, the Frontier’s compact size makes it ideal for off-road adventures and urban driving alike.
Volvo 240
An icon of safety and longevity, the Volvo 240 is a relic of a bygone era—but a durable one. Introduced in 1974, it became one of Volvo’s most iconic models. The 240 series was renowned for its robust construction, with a unibody design reinforced with high-strength steel, contributing to its legendary safety reputation. Not to mention, powered by a range of reliable engines, including a 2.3-liter inline-four and a 2.3-liter turbocharged variant, the 240 offered both performance and efficiency.
Toyota Prius
You might think hybrid technology complicates durability, but the Toyota Prius says otherwise. With a design that whispers “aerodynamics” and sometimes screams “quirky,” it’s become a symbol of fuel-efficient driving and occasional smugness. The latest 2024 model boasts up to 57 mpg, making gas stations feel like distant acquaintances. Additionally, its hybrid system combines a 2.0L engine with an electric motor for a peppy 194-220 horsepower—enough to dust off its “slow” reputation.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Tahoe is like the Suburban’s slightly smaller sibling but with the same incredible staying power. The Tahoe comes in trims like the practical LS, luxurious Premier, and the rugged Z71, which loves off-road adventures as much as a dog loves belly rubs. Tech-savvy too, it flaunts a 10.2-inch touchscreen and optional Super Cruise hands-free driving. Yet, with an EPA-estimated 15-21 mpg, it guzzles gas like it’s running a marathon. Durable, versatile, and slightly thirsty, the Tahoe remains an iconic choice for families and adventurers.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
You don’t need a massive SUV to hit the 300,000-mile mark. The Miata boasts a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, making it as balanced as a tightrope walker with laser focus. It’s a manual lover’s dream, but don’t worry—there’s an automatic for the footwork-averse. And, with the retractable roof, the Miata turns every drive into a Vitamin D festival. Oh, and the best part? It’s one of the most affordable ways to feel like a million bucks on the road.
Ford Crown Victoria
The Crown Vic is the king of cop cars and taxis, so you know it’s durable. Produced from 1992 to 2011, this full-size sedan earned its fame (and infamy) as the darling of police forces, taxi fleets, and grandpas with a need for speed. Under the hood, it packed a 4.6L V8 engine, offering surprisingly zippy performance for a car the size of a studio apartment. This sedan has served cities and civilians with 300,000+ miles of faithful service. And, while its production ended in 2011, the Crown Vic lives on in retirement as a favorite for demolition derbies and Hollywood car chases.
GMC Yukon
Sharing its DNA with the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Yukon is another SUV that scoffs at high mileage. With its V8 engine options (or a smooth inline-six diesel), the Yukon delivers power for all your adventures, whether hauling a boat, a small village, or groceries. Inside is a rolling luxury lounge with features like massaging seats, a 13.4-inch touchscreen, and enough USB ports to charge a tech convention. Whether hauling a boat or the whole family, the Yukon is built to last and impress.
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee XJ is a cult classic for off-road enthusiasts and commuters. Its unibody construction—unheard of at the time for an SUV—made it lighter, nimbler, and as rugged as a lumberjack at a yoga retreat. Available with legendary engines like the 4.0L inline-six, known for reliability so stubborn it’s probably still running somewhere, it was offered in both 2WD and 4WD variants. Compact yet spacious, the SUV proved you could fit rugged capability and practicality into a shoebox-shaped package.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W123)
Old-school Mercedes sedans, particularly the W123 E-Class, are legendary for their durability. The W123’s OM617 5-cylinder diesel engine is a legend, capable of racking up odometer-defying mileage. There are stories (and owners’ testimonies) of these cars surpassing 500,000 miles, with some examples nearing 1 million! Routine maintenance and proper care are key, but these beasts were designed for taxi fleets, meaning durability came baked in.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a mileage maestro, blending luxury with reasonable fuel-sipping. For gas-only versions, expect about 19-20 mpg in the city and 26-27 mpg on the highway, depending on whether you choose the front-wheel drive (FWD) or the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The hybrid variant, aptly named the Sport Hybrid, steps it up with 26 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Toyota Sienna
Minivans might not be glamorous, but the Toyota Sienna doesn’t care. Its 18-gallon gas tank ranges up to 648 miles per fill-up in hybrid trims, which is excellent for avoiding gas station snack-aisle temptations. The hybrid setup pairs a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering 245 horsepower, proving that eco-friendly can still pack some punch. Longevity? Toyota’s reputation for reliability means many Sienna’s clock 200,000+ miles with regular maintenance.
Honda Pilot
Rounding out the list is the Honda Pilot, an equal parts practical and dependable SUV. Though it won’t win any green car awards, the Pilot’s fuel efficiency is decent for a three-row SUV to haul kids, gear, and dreams. It boasts a 20.4-gallon gas tank, giving you over 400 highway miles per fill-up. And though it’s not high-level sipping, with 285 horsepower, it moves like it means business. Pro tip: Skip jackrabbit starts and embrace cruise control—it’s kinder to your wallet and the planet.
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