The Longest-Lasting Cars In 2021
What cars last the longest? There are so many myriad ways to answer that question. Almost all vehicles are built to last 100,000 miles. Cars that last 200,000 miles are what separates the reliable from the unreliable. That has become the industry standard benchmark, 200,000 miles, to measure the durability of vehicles. That’s because so few ever make it to an almost unobtainable 300,000 miles, which becomes a pointless discussion. So it’s 200,000 miles where we at Direct Express Auto Transport draw the line, and why we are still shipping those vehicles so many years later.
It matters in any discussion of cars that last the longest to compare the same type of vehicles against one another. Because according to a 2021 iSeeCars study, it is not cars per se that last the longest but rather SUVs and Pickup Trucks that do. Now isn’t that surprising? Those vehicles are more extensive and heavier, and they are the ones that last the longest. It makes sense because SUVs and Pickup Trucks are built to take a beating. And that’s just what they do. Some reach 200,000 miles and beyond at a higher rate than the top 5 long-lasting cars.
SUVs Dominate The Longest-Lasting Cars
In 2021, the top eight longest-lasting vehicles reaching 200,000 miles were all SUVs. Let’s take a look at those winners and the respective percentages that last that long:
| Longest-Lasting Cars, SUVs, and Trucks to Reach 200k Miles – iSeeCars Study | ||
| Rank | Vehicle | % of Cars Over 200k Miles |
| 1 | Toyota Land Cruiser | 18.2% |
| 2 | Toyota Sequoia | 14.2% |
| 3 | Chevrolet Suburban | 6.6% |
| 4 | GMC Yukon XL | 5.2% |
| 5 | Toyota 4Runner | 4.6% |
| 6 | Ford Expedition | 4.5% |
| 7 | Chevrolet Tahoe | 4.4% |
| 8 | Toyota Tundra | 4.0% |
| 9 | Toyota Avalon | 3.9% |
| 10 | Toyota Prius | 3.9% |
| 11 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 3.8% |
| 12 | GMC Yukon | 3.7% |
| 13 | Honda Ridgeline | 3.7% |
| 14 | Honda Odyssey | 3.2% |
| 15 | Toyota Sienna | 3.2% |
| Average for All Vehicles | 1.2% |
Most of the longest-lasting vehicles are big SUV’s that are manufactured on a pickup truck platform and share many of the same parts. That gives the more prominent SUV’s a distinct durability advantage over most sedans.
The only real downside to larger SUV’s is that they typically have poor gas mileage, and consumers are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint. You don’t need to be among the 97% of scientists who think climate change is real. Just look at the melting glaciers and crazy dangerous weather patterns of the past few years. Hurricanes are becoming more frequent and ferocious. Floods are destroying towns and farmlands. So while at first glance, these large SUV’s that are so long-lasting appear to be a prudent investment, we urge you to reconsider and look at these statistics as actually alarming.
Pickup Trucks That Last Longest
In 2021, the top seven longest-lasting light-duty pickup trucks reaching 200,000 miles didn’t fare as well as the big SUVs. However, the top three pickup trucks in this category are among the top ten for all makes and models, which is very impressive. Let’s take a look.
| Longest-Lasting Light-Duty Pickup Trucks- iSeeCars Study | ||
| Rank | Pickup Truck | % of Cars Over 200k Miles |
| 1 | Toyota Tundra | 4.0% |
| 2 | Honda Ridgeline | 3.7% |
| 3 | Toyota Tacoma | 2.8% |
| 4 | Nissan Titan | 2.6% |
| 5 | Ford F-150 | 2.4% |
| 6 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2.3% |
| Pickup Truck Average | 2.2% | |
| 7 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 2.0% |
| 8 | Nissan Frontier | 1.8% |
| 9 | Ram Pickup 1500 | 1.4% |
| 10 | Chevrolet Colorado | 0.9% |
| 11 | GMC Canyon | 0.8% |
The Japanese pickup trucks Toyota Tundra, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma run away with the awards in this section. The American makes Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC fare nearly as well. Remember, there is very little difference between 2% and 3%. Put another way, are you much more impressed when saying 3/100 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks last 200,000 miles, whereas only 2/100 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s do? You’re not. Will more people rush to buy a Ridgeline based solely on that?
What Make Of Car Lasts The Longest?
Something stands out regarding which car makes last the longest. Two manufacturers in particular shine. You guessed it, Honda and Toyota are both Japanese car makers. Look for one of them when searching for the longest-lasting cars. From a carbon emissions standpoint, it isn’t reassuring to see that big SUVs and Pickup Trucks last longer than the more fuel-efficient passenger vehicles. The average for all makes and models reaching 200,000 miles is 1.2%, or less than 1/100. A tip of the cap to the manufacturers of the well-built vehicles that so clearly beat 1/100. Now we only ask that they do it with greater fuel efficiency.
Longest-Lasting Car Manufacturers
iSeeCars determined the brands of vehicles that are most likely to reach the 200,000 mile threshold.
| Longest-Lasting Car Brands to Reach 200,000 Miles- iSeeCars Study | ||
| Rank | Model | % of Cars Over 200k Miles |
| 1 | Toyota | 2.3% |
| 2 | Honda | 1.9% |
| 3 | GMC | 1.8% |
| 4 | Chevrolet | 1.6% |
| 5 | Ford | 1.5% |
| Average for All Brands | 1.2% |
Our Conclusion
It’s essential to remember that the “longest lasting” cars will vary based on many factors, including the make and model, driving habits, maintenance, and even geographical location. In general, however, vehicles from brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Subaru have a reputation for reliability and longevity.
If you’re considering purchasing a new car and want to choose one that is likely to last a long time, research the specific make and model you’re interested in. That might include reading reviews from reputable automotive websites, checking the car’s safety ratings, and consulting with a mechanic or trusted friend who has experience with that vehicle. Additionally, you can look at reliability ratings from organizations such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports to understand how different cars perform over time.
Another factor to consider when choosing a long-lasting car is the type of vehicle. For example, trucks and SUVs have a longer lifespan than sedans or sports cars due to their heavier construction and ability to handle more wear and tear. Additionally, cars made for commercial use, such as delivery trucks or taxis, are often built to be more durable and long-lasting due to the demands of their intended use.
Regular maintenance is also a crucial factor in the lifespan of a car. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and fixing any problems as soon as they arise can help extend the life of your vehicle and prevent more severe and costly issues from developing down the line.
It’s also worth mentioning that some cars are built better than others, with higher-quality materials and better engineering. While these cars may cost more upfront, they can often save you money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring fewer repairs.
In conclusion, choosing the longest-lasting car will depend on factors such as make and model, driving habits, maintenance, and geographical location. Doing your research, following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, and opting for higher-quality vehicles can help you find a car that will last for many years.
