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

Buying a reliable ride qualifies as one of the ways to keep more cash in your wallet. The website, iSeeCars, recently 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.

The list leans heavily on Toyota and Honda nameplates, long known for holding their value and racking up high mileage, though a handful of Hyundai, Acura, Nissan, Subaru, and Lexus models also made the cut.

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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.

The current Highlander Hybrid seats up to eight across three rows and returns an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined, among the better figures for a three-row midsize SUV. 

Behind the third row, cargo space runs about 16 cubic feet, expanding past 84 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. 

The third row is best suited to kids rather than adults, but the smooth ride, quiet cabin, and Toyota's reputation for dependability help explain why so many owners hold onto theirs long-term.

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.

The gas-only Highlander seats up to eight passengers across three rows and offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, more than the hybrid version, which tops out at 3,500 pounds. 

RepairPal rates the Highlander's reliability at 4 out of 5, among the better scores for midsize SUVs. 

Fuel economy runs lower than the hybrid at around 21 to 24 mpg combined depending on drivetrain, but the tradeoff is a bit more towing muscle for owners who need it.

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.

Non-hybrid CR-V models return up to 30 mpg combined, while the hybrid version climbs to as much as 40 mpg. 

J.D. Power has rated CR-V reliability between 80 and 82 out of 100 in recent years, and the SUV has earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. 

Cargo space is generous for the compact class, and owners consistently report the CR-V holding up well past 200,000 miles with routine maintenance, which helps explain its long-term staying power.

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

The Ford Escape hybrid will be discontinued after the 2026 models. This is bad news, given how much owners seem to love it.

This five-passenger classic is fuel-efficient and has a spacious backseat.

The current Escape Hybrid returns an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined with standard all-wheel drive, among the better figures in the compact SUV class, and folding the rear seats opens up more than 60 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Ford first introduced a hybrid Escape back in 2005 before discontinuing it in 2011, only to bring it back for 2020, so this marks the second time the nameplate has been retired. 

Existing 2026 inventory is expected to remain on dealer lots even after production ends.

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).

The RAV4 is America's best-selling SUV, and the current generation has moved to an all-hybrid lineup, with a front-wheel-drive version sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds while still returning strong fuel economy. 

Cargo space runs up to 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to nearly 70 cubic feet when folded, and certain versions can tow up to 3,500 pounds. 

RepairPal rates the RAV4's reliability at 4.5 out of 5, reinforcing Toyota's reputation for long-term durability.

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.

Every Forester comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and has earned either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 18 consecutive years, a streak no other automaker has matched since the award's creation. 

Fuel economy runs up to 29 mpg combined for gas models, with a newer hybrid version reaching 35 mpg city. 

Cargo space totals up to 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and properly equipped models can tow up to 3,000 pounds.

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.

The Venza's hybrid powertrain returns an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined with standard all-wheel drive, and its two-row, five-passenger layout is aimed at buyers who want a quieter, more premium-feeling ride than the RAV4 it's built alongside.

Cargo space runs about 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and the available Star Gaze panoramic roof, with glass that switches between clear and frosted, adds to the upscale cabin feel that reviewers frequently point to as a highlight.

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.

Every Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower, with fuel economy ranging from about 20 to 22 mpg combined depending on trim and drivetrain. 

RepairPal has rated the Pilot's reliability at 3.5 out of 5, describing it as above average for the midsize SUV class. 

Properly equipped models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and the TrailSport trim adds standard all-wheel drive along with off-road-oriented touches like all-terrain tires and skid plates.

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.

The current generation uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an available hybrid version adding more power and torque for serious off-roading. 

Every 4Runner can tow up to 6,000 pounds and offers up to 10.1 inches of ground clearance, well above what most car-based crossovers provide. 

Consumer Reports rates the 4Runner's predicted reliability well above average, calling it the most reliable model in Toyota's current lineup, even though its truck-based ride can feel firmer than a typical crossover on paved roads.

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.

Every 2026 Sequoia uses Toyota's i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, a twin-turbo V6 producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic. 

Properly equipped, the Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 pounds, a higher base rating than most rivals in the full-size SUV class, while still returning up to 22 mpg combined. 

The SUV seats up to eight and shares its body-on-frame platform with the Toyota Tundra pickup, giving it added structural strength for towing and hauling.

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.

The current Santa Fe seats up to seven and is available with a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter engine or a hybrid powertrain that returns up to 36 mpg combined, well above the roughly 24 mpg of the gas-only version. 

Properly equipped models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and the Santa Fe has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. 

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with junction-turning detection and full-speed adaptive cruise control.

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.

The Tucson Hybrid pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 231 combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 35 to 38 mpg combined, with standard HTRAC all-wheel drive. 

Cargo space runs up to 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.5 cubic feet with them folded, since the battery sits beneath the floor rather than eating into trunk space. 

Every Tucson also comes standard with Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite.

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.

Every RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 272 horsepower, though fuel economy trails newer hybrid rivals at around 22 mpg combined. 

The RDX has earned top scores in recent IIHS crash tests, and Acura's reputation for reliability and strong resale value has long been a selling point. 

Reviewers most often cite the touchpad-based infotainment system as the RDX's biggest weak point.

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.

The Outlander is one of the few compact SUVs sold with a standard third row, seating up to seven, though that third row is tight and best suited to kids on shorter trips. 

Fuel economy runs up to 28 mpg combined with the current mild-hybrid powertrain, and Mitsubishi backs the Outlander with one of the industry's longer warranties. 

Cargo space behind the third row is limited, but folding it flat opens up to 64.3 cubic feet of usable space.

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.

The MDX seats up to seven across three rows and uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower, with fuel economy around 19 to 22 mpg combined depending on drivetrain. 

It's available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system helps give the MDX sharper handling than many three-row rivals. 

A 2025 update replaced the previous touchpad interface with a more conventional 12.3-inch touchscreen, addressing one of the model's longtime criticisms.

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.

The Rogue's turbocharged three-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, beating rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson on fuel economy. 

Cargo space reaches up to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and Nissan's NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front seats are frequently praised for long-drive comfort. 

Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 bundles automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning across the lineup.

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.

Every Outback comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, more than several rivals marketed as off-road capable. 

Fuel economy reaches up to 31 mpg combined, and towing capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds. 

Subaru notes that 96% of Outbacks sold in the last decade are still on the road today, a higher retention rate than the RAV4, CR-V, Santa Fe, or 4Runner, which helps explain its strong showing on this list.

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.

RepairPal rates the RX 350's overall reliability at 4.5 out of 5, ranking it third among luxury midsize SUVs, and owners bring their vehicles in for unscheduled repairs less often than the segment average. 

J.D. Power has scored the RX 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability, tying it for the top spot in its class. 

Beyond the mechanical dependability, reviewers consistently praise the RX's quiet cabin and smooth ride quality.

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 justify full coverage.

Beyond insurance, keeping a reliable SUV longer also means spreading out its purchase price over more years of ownership, which can lower the effective cost per mile compared with trading in every few years. 

Since Toyota and Honda models dominate this list, it's worth noting that both brands are also known for holding their resale value, which can work in an owner's favor if circumstances eventually call for selling rather than keeping the vehicle for the long haul.