18 SUVs Drivers Refuse To Give Up Even After a Decade of Ownership

Buying a reliable ride qualifies as one of the smart money moves if you own a car. Recently, iSeeCars released a list of the most-loved SUVs.

The website analyzed more than 929,000 vehicles from model years 1981-2009. The study looked at the percentage of 15-year-old SUVs still owned by their original buyers. It then compared this percentage against the average for all vehicles.

Based on those findings, these are the 18 SUVs drivers love to keep for at least 15 years.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 7%

It may be no wonder that drivers like to keep their Toyota SUVs: The manufacturer’s vehicles are known for their reliability and strong resale values.

Take the Highlander Hybrid for example: 7% of original owners keep their vehicles for more than 15 years, twice the industry average.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.6%

The non-hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander takes the spot on our list just behind its hybrid counterpart. It gets high marks for its fuel economy.

Reviewers have also praised the Highlander’s stylish looks and quiet cabin.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.3%

The Honda CR-V is a five-person SUV option that reviewers like for the roomy interior and excellent gas mileage. It’s also known for being a reliable ride.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.3%

Reports suggest that the Ford Escape hybrid might be discontinued soon. That would be bad news, given how much owners seem to love it.

This five-passenger classic is good on fuel efficiency and has a spacious backseat.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.2%

The Toyota RAV4 is a vehicle often compared to the Ford Escape. It is a practical SUV that comes with many safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert.

The vehicle is noted for the high safety ratings it has earned from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5.5%

The Subaru Forester has a reputation for responsive handling. This is also another vehicle that has been chosen many times as a top safety pick by the IIHS.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5.2%

Many drivers appreciate the styling that comes with the Toyota Venza. The interior design is said to be upmarket as well.

This is a solid vehicle known for its comfort, technology, and great fuel efficiency.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5%

The Honda Pilot is a family SUV that has gained a loyal fan base. This one has a practical cabin and an abundance of trims and drive configurations.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 4.8%

While reviewers can be harsh about the engine and some other aspects of the 4Runner, many drivers want to keep the vehicle around for as long as possible.

Perhaps that loyalty is a result of the 4Runner’s capability and utility.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 4.7%

Reviewers characterize the Toyota Sequoia as a burly SUV. The large vehicle has good technology and driver-assist features.

Drivers also enjoy a vehicle that combines capability and fuel efficiency.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 4.4%

Reviewers and loyal drivers alike have labeled the Hyundai Santa Fe as a great SUV. The vehicle can be a good choice for a family SUV, as it comes with a lot of room for people and cargo.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 4.4%

The Hyundai Tucson has earned raves for its value, and loyal drivers seem to agree. This one has a lot of standard perks, including driver assist and other tech features.

Drivers also like the smooth ride and roomy cargo area.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 4%

This Acura RDX is another SUV that’s probably more popular with loyal drivers than reviewers.

Some reviewers have said it lacks the splendor of competitors, but drivers clearly view it as a good value option in the premium compact crossover class.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 3.9%

Loyal drivers might like the Mitsubishi Outlander for its comfort and elegance. Reviewers say it offers a nice, smooth ride.

The vehicle comes with a third row of seats and has been praised for a plush interior.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 3.9%

The Acura MDX has been described as a fun-to-drive midsize crossover. It has earned praise for its ability to handle winding roads, and for the fact that it has an upgraded infotainment system.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 3.9%

According to reviewers, the Nissan Rogue stands out from the crowd due to upscale interior styling that pushes it ahead of rivals. The Rogue also offers a comfortable and smooth ride.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 3.6%

The Subaru Outback offers plenty of power and does well in off-road driving situations. It also gives you a comfortable ride and has a reputation for durability.

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 3.6%

The Lexus RX 350 is a popular and reliable SUV. RepairPal says the average annual repair cost of $550 is lower than average. Major issues are also uncommon.

Loyal drivers are keeping some of the most reliable SUVs for more than a decade. Doing so can help you save money.

You can also lower your car ownership costs by comparing quotes to make sure you save money on car insurance.

Another way to cut insurance costs on an older vehicle is to drop optional coverages once your ride’s value has fallen too low to make it worth fully insuring.