11 Full-Size SUVs That Score Highest In Long-Term Durability Tests

Full-size SUVs are built to take on years of heavy use, but only a few truly excel in long-term durability tests. These 11 models stand out for their rugged engineering, dependable drivetrains, and proven longevity making them the strongest long-term choices on the market.

Chevrolet Suburban

Okay, the Suburban’s like the granddaddy of ’em all, this massive 8-9 seater with a V8 that just laughs at 300k miles. It’s got that body-on-frame toughness, towing up to 8k pounds easy, and the Duramax diesel option? Not gonna lie, that’s a longevity cheat code for trucks like this. Random thought it’s huge, parking’s a nightmare sometimes, but compared to newer crossovers, it’s way more durable in crash tests and long hauls. Mechanics swear by the 5.3L or 6.2L V8s holding up forever with oil changes. Used ones from recent years? Around 40k-60k bucks, which feels fair for something that’ll outlast your kids’ college tuition payments.

GMC Yukon

The Yukon’s basically the Suburban in a fancier suit same bones, same Chevy V8 power, but with nicer leather and dash that doesn’t feel like a rental van. Durability-wise, it scores nuts in long-term tests ’cause GM nailed the chassis rust protection lately, and those independent rears handle better than old solid axles. I mean, it’s comfy for road trips, tows heavy, and owners hit 400k no sweat if you flush the trans fluid regular. Side note, the Denali trim’s overkill pricey, but standard? Solid. Expect 45k-65k used, yeah, premium but you get that bulletproof vibe.

Ford Expedition

Ford’s Expedition is sneaky good full-size family hauler with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that sips less than old V8s but still tows 9k pounds like a champ. Long-term tests love it for frame strength and fewer electrical gremlins than competitors. Uh, it’s quieter inside than a Tahoe, rides smoother too, though some say the 10-speed auto needs watching past 150k. Personal take? Better than Chevy for daily driving without feeling truckish. Used 2018-up models go for 35k-55k, steal if you find low miles.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Tahoe’s the sweet spot not as ginormous as Suburban but still seats 8-9 with cargo room for days, powered by that trusty 5.3L V8 or diesel for eternal life. Durability kings in J.D. Power long-term stuff ’cause the magnetorheological shocks last forever and rust resistance improved big time. Like, compared to Jeep, this thing’s a reliability god—tows 8k, comfy seats, Apple CarPlay even in older ones. Honest opinion, it’s the one I’d grab for family hauls. Prices? 40k-60k used, worth every penny.

Toyota Sequoia

Toyota’s Sequoia, man it’s the quiet Japanese tank in a sea of American trucks, with that 5.7L V8 (or new hybrid V6) built so over-engineered it hits 500k miles routine. Long-term tests rave about zero frame rot and hybrid battery warranties that laugh at 10 years. Not as plush as GMC but way more reliable than Land Cruiser for daily abuse. Joke’s on us, it’s thirstier on gas, but who cares when it never breaks? Used older ones 30k-50k, newish hybrids push 60k+, but holds value like gold.

Nissan Armada

Armada’s underrated big boy with a 5.6L V8 endurance engine, tows 8.5k, and scores high in durability ’cause Nissan’s beefed up the frame and CVT-free trans. Feels luxury inside with heated everything, smoother than Tahoe on highways. Random observation: better rust protection than older Infiniti QX80 siblings. Drawback? Parts ain’t as cheap as Chevy. Still, for 35k-50k used, it’s a sleeper pick that surprises in million-mile club stories.

Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln takes the Expedition, slaps on massaging seats and wood trim, and boom luxury full-sizer that still crushes durability tests with Ford’s tough underpinnings. The twin-turbo V6 pulls like crazy, tows 8k, and long-term data shows fewer breakdowns than German rivals. Like, it’s baller for long trips, quieter than Yukon, though repairs cost more. Personal vibe? Splurge if you want fancy without fragility. Used 40k-70k, yeah pricey but resells strong.

Infiniti QX80

Infiniti’s QX80 is the Armada all dressed up same V8 guts, same towing muscle, but with insane rear entertainment screens and quilted leather. Durability shines in tests for that overbuilt drivetrain, hits 300k easy if you change fluids religious. Compared to Cadillac Escalade, less bling but way fewer electronics to fail. Uh, gas mileage sucks, but whatever. Around 40k-60k used, feels like a deal for near-luxury that lasts.

Cadillac Escalade

Escalade’s the boss—V8 or diesel power, massive screens, tows 8k, but surprisingly durable in long-term GM tests thanks to shared Tahoe bones with upgrades. Owners push ’em to 400k ’cause the Super Cruise holds up and rust-proofing’s solid now. Side thought: flashier than Navigator, but thirstier too. Love the vibe, hate the attention sometimes. Used 50k-80k, oof, but if you’re flexing, it endures.

Jeep Wagoneer

Jeep’s Wagoneer went full-size luxury lately 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane engine, tows 10k (!), and early durability tests show frame strength rivaling GM. Air suspension’s improved, rides like a cloud, seats third row adults fine. Not gonna lie, reliability’s a question mark vs Toyota, but McIntosh audio slaps. Fresh used ones 50k-70k, gamble but promising for long hauls.

GMC Yukon XL

Yukon’s long brother, the XL extra cargo like Suburban but slightly less boat-like, same V8 reliability scoring tops in endurance. Perfect for contractors or big families, tows heavy, and long-term data loves the independent suspension lasting forever. Basically Tahoe on steroids. Prices mirror Suburban, 45k-65k used, solid if you need max space without max regret.