The Toyota Tacoma has a reputation for lasting approximately forever. But what other adventuremobiles are also regularly going the distance?
To find out, we mined the data looking for models that can handle dirt roads and that regularly make it past the 200,000-mile mark—a pretty clear indication of reliability. Our first batch of information came from the ' annual vehicle satisfaction survey. That survey reaches hundreds of thousands of members, and one question asks whether their vehicles have clocked more than 200,000 miles. We also went through annual data scrape of every vehicle sold in the U.S. last year. From there, we were able to determine which cars and trucks were most often purchased with more than 200,000 miles.
Three notes: we know that longevity depends on the owner. Those who take better care of their cars by sticking to maintenance schedules and replacing worn out parts get better results. Also, there are several newer cars on the market designed to go 200,000 miles that haven’t had the time to make it that far, so this list will change in five years. Finally, we know some vehicles that you might expect to see on this list, such as the Subaru Outback, are missing from the data. ;We also want to know what vehicles you’d add. Leave us your suggestions in the comments.
Honda CR-V (From $23,745, pictured above)
Consumer Reports listed the CR-V as one of the only two SUVs to make its list (the 4Runner was the other). From a daily-driver’s point of view, it’s the smoothest-riding, most car-like option on our list, with AWD, ground-clearance, and lots of room for gear.
Ford F-150 (From $26,540)
This truck comes in six different models, three different size configurations, and offers four different engines. Its new aluminum body (no rust!), introduced last year, will likely outlast the engine.
Ford Expedition (From $45,450)
It’s big and it hasn’t changed much in years, which means Ford has had time to perfect its construction.
Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL (From $47,000)
These SUVs use the same engines and underpinnings that go into Chevy/GMC’s best-selling pickups—the ones that are built to survive years of hard, no-nonsense commercial duty.
Toyota Tacoma (From $23,660)
Surprise! Light and nimble for a small pick-up, the Tacoma shares some DNA with its Toyota Hilux brother, the rough-around-the-edges and nearly indestructible version of the Tacoma sold everywhere but North America.
Toyota 4Runner (From $34,000)
The truck-frame based SUV has long sacrificed ride-quality and power for near-bombproof reliability.
Toyota Sequoia (From $45,325)
This is basically the SUV version of Toyota’s full-size pick-up, the Tundra, which was designed to compete against Ford and Chevy’s long-lasting full-size trucks.