10 Solid SUVs That Will Last a Long Time (And Not Drain Your Wallet)

Buying a reliable SUV is one of the best decisions you can make when you're shopping around for a new vehicle. However, not all SUVs are the same. The last thing you want to do is purchase a car that's unreliable and needs costly repairs.

That means finding cars that pass the twin test of durability and reliability so you can keep more cash in your wallet. The best value SUVs are ones that last well beyond 200,000 miles and need minimal major maintenance.

Here are 10 solid SUVs that will last a lifetime and won't drain your wallet.

Editor's note: All durability data sourced from iSeeCars, and all affordability data sourced from RepairPal.

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Durability: 7.3% chance of 250,000+ miles

Affordability: $429 average annual repair cost

This is the best-selling SUV in the country, and it's easy to see why. With legendary Toyota durability, the RAV4 is built to last. Throw in an efficient and compact engine that doesn't require expensive parts, and you have all the makings of a car that will last you decades. And American consumers agree, which is why they keep buying the RAV4 year after year.

Durability: 9.1% chance of 250,000+ miles

Affordability: $571 average annual repair cost, vs. $807 for luxury midsize SUVs

Honda's luxury brand hits all the right marks in terms of cost and reliability. The MDX gets you roughly double the lifetime miles of an average vehicle. If you're looking for a higher-end luxury SUV that has all the bells and whistles and will last you decades, the MDX is a great choice.

Durability: 10.6% chance of 250,000+ miles

Affordability: $407 average annual repair cost

Besides the RAV4, the CR-V is the best compact SUV, ranked 2nd out of the 26 vehicles looked at in RepairPal's rankings. Hondas are built to last and require less maintenance than other cars. Plus, Honda parts are plentiful and cheap, so you can expect to spend less overall on repairs.

Durability: 12.7% chance of 250,000+ miles


Affordability: $489 average annual repair cost

The Highlander is a perfect mid-sized SUV, and it won't break the bank when it comes time for repairs. With the average annual repair cost at $573 versus the Highlander's $489, you're saving a solid chunk of money. This car is built like a tank, so you can expect to get your money's worth over the life of the vehicle.

Durability: 13.1% chance of 250,000+ miles


Affordability: $542 average annual repair cost, vs. $573 for midsize SUVs

While the Pilot might not be the flashiest car, it's the perfect fit for someone looking for space, durability, and affordability. With three rows of seats along with plenty of extra space, the Pilot is the ideal family SUV. Plus, you get Honda reliability as the car is 3 times as likely to make it to 250,000 miles than the average SUV. Longevity wins over style every time.

Durability: 17.0% chance of 250,000+ miles 


Affordability: $540 average annual repair cost, vs. $807 for luxury midsize SUVs

If you're looking for a luxury SUV that has the upkeep costs of an economy car, the RX Hybrid is a great choice. Plus, the hybrid engine will help you save big on fuel costs and increase the overall lifespan of the car. With a more efficient motor and Toyota's superb build quality, you're setting yourself up for a comfortable ride to 250k miles. This car is 4 times as likely to hit the 250k milestone as the average SUV, so it's worth a look.

Durability: 18.3% chance of 250,000+ miles

Affordability: $770 average annual repair cost, vs. $807 for luxury midsize SUVs

While it's the priciest car on the list, you're getting your money's worth with the GX. With a rugged design based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, this luxury SUV doesn't have the same issues as similar offerings from Land Rover and Mercedes. It's 4.3 times more likely to last to the 250k mileage milestone than other luxury SUVs, and it's cheaper to maintain as well. It's that "quiet luxury" that won't give you a massive headache at the repair shop.

Durability: 31.0% chance of 250,000+ miles


Affordability: $489 average annual cost, vs. $573 for midsize SUVs

The longest-lasting hybrid SUV in the iSeeCars study is, unsurprisingly, the Highlander Hybrid. Toyota is known for having vehicles that can seemingly go forever, and the Highlander is no exception. You're getting a solid SUV and saving big on gas. At roughly 35 MPG, this car is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

Durability: 32.9% chance of 250,000+ miles

Affordability: $514 average annual repair cost

Body-on-frame construction is the 4Runner's secret weapon. Built more like a truck than a crossover, it shrugs off rough roads and high mileage. The previous generation ran for well over a decade, so used parts are cheap, and every mechanic knows the vehicle inside and out.

Durability: 39.1% chance of reaching 250,000+ miles

Affordability: $642 average annual repair and maintenance cost, vs. $784 for full-size SUVs

No vehicle in the entire iSeeCars study lasts longer, and it's 9 times more likely to make it to 250k than the average SUV. The Sequoia shares a platform with the Tundra pickup, which gives it truck-grade bones. It also costs less to maintain than the average full-size SUV, which is rare for something this big.

Durability and affordability only pay off together. Use this list as your shortlist, but check the specific model year you're eyeing, since reliability can swing hard between generations of the same nameplate. That way, you'll avoid one of the most surprising financial mistakes of buying a car that is expensive to maintain and doesn't last very long.

Karl Brauer, an executive analyst at iSeeCars, says drivers who stick with one long-lasting model can save tens of thousands of dollars over time. The savings depend entirely on upkeep, though. Buy used, and you want service records in hand before you sign anything, then keep up with the maintenance schedule yourself.