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Longevity is an important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle. If an SUV model isn’t dependable, it may not be worth owning because of repair fees and tedious issues. SUV brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have been producing reliable SUVs for decades. What automaker produces the most reliable SUV models?

Which SUV brand lasts the longest?

Toyota SUV models tend to outlast competitors. Toyota produces more long-lasting SUVs than any other automaker.

Toyota logo seen on a Toyota car parked in downtown Edmonton.
Toyota logo seen on a Toyota car parked in downtown Edmonton | Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Japanese automaker Toyota produces three of the five longest-lasting SUV models: the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Sequoia, and Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner is the most affordable of the longest-lasting Toyota SUVs.

Toyota’s longest-lasting SUV models are all midsize and full-size SUV models. They also all happen to have off-roading prowess and poor fuel economy. The newest Sequoia model year is a standard hybrid that achieves better gas mileage than previous model years. Toyota knows how to produce an SUV that can stand the test of time. Other Toyota SUVs like the RAV4 and Highlander are also known for their longevity. Why is longevity important?

Buying a vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases a consumer will ever make. Many consumers want to purchase a vehicle that can endure a long period of ownership, so they don’t have to shell out thousands of dollars on a new vehicle soon after such a large purchase. Many Toyota SUVs can easily last for over 200,000 miles when well-maintained. This equates to over 14 years of ownership based on the average annual driving distance. Drivers only keep new vehicles for an average of 8.4 years.

What SUV keeps its value the most?

A red Jeep Wrangler is driving on the road.
The Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

MotorTrend claims that the Jeep Wrangler has an extremely high resale value. The Wrangler is known for its off-road capabilities. That being said, the Jeep Wrangler had its fair share of issues in recent years. The 2014 Jeep Wrangler had engine issues including oil housing leaks. The 2008 Jeep Wrangler had electric problems and suspension problems.

Ultimately, the Wrangler has a high resale value, but consumers who purchase it should prepare for reliability issues. The Jeep Wrangler has plenty of complaints listed against it on CarComplaints.com.

What is the average lifespan of an SUV?

A red Toyota 4Runner is driving off-road.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The average SUV can last from 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Reliable SUVs can last for over 200,000 miles. Some models can last over 300,000 miles when well-maintained. Toyota SUVs tend to last much longer than the average SUV lifespan.

If you’re in the market for a long-lasting SUV, Toyota is one of the best brands in the business (in terms of reliability). The Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, and Chevrolet Tahoe also last exceptionally long. The real question is, do drivers want to keep a new vehicle for over a decade anymore?

Read more about SUVs in the next article below.

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