Buy Smart: 11 Crossovers Proven to Last Over 15 Years

Looking for a crossover that’s built to go the distance? These 10 models combine solid engineering, proven reliability, and everyday comfort the kind of vehicles that stay strong for 15 years or more. Whether you’re after low maintenance or long-term value, these crossovers have you covered.

Honda CR-V

I mean, come on… the CR-V is like the ultimate “buy it and forget about it” vehicle. My neighbor has a 2008 that looks and runs like it’s maybe 5 years old, which is just insane when you think about it. Honda just knows how to build these things to last, you know? The engines are bulletproof – that naturally aspirated four-cylinder just keeps going and going. My friend’s got 250,000 miles on his 2009 and it still starts every morning like clockwork.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota’s reputation for reliability isn’t just marketing fluff – these things genuinely last forever. The new ones start around $30,000, and yeah, they’re not the most exciting to drive, but who cares when you’re still driving the same car in 2040, right? The all-wheel drive system is solid, not fancy but it works when you need it. I’ve seen RAV4s from the early 2000s still cruising around with original engines and transmissions, which is just… that’s incredible when you think about modern complexity. The only downside is they hold their value so well that even used ones aren’t cheap, but honestly, that’s kind of a good problem to have.

Subaru Outback

So the Outback is technically a wagon, but whatever, it sits high enough and has all-wheel drive standard, so I’m counting it. And honestly? This might be the best long-term value on the whole list because Subaru owners are… they’re like a cult, but a good cult. They keep these things forever. The boxer engine is weird but reliable, and that symmetrical all-wheel drive is genuinely excellent in snow. Around $28,500 new, and the thing is, you see 15-year-old Outbacks everywhere still looking decent.The head gasket thing was an issue on older models, but they’ve mostly sorted that out.

Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is interesting because Mazda went through this whole transformation in the 2010s where they decided to make actually reliable cars instead of… well, whatever they were doing before. And it worked! The newer CX-5s, like 2013 and up, are genuinely solid. Not as proven as Honda or Toyota yet, but the early signs are really good. Plus, they’re actually fun to drive, which is rare in this segment. I mean, most crossovers drive like appliances, but the CX-5 has some personality. The interior is nice too, feels more upscale than the price suggests. I’m cautiously optimistic about these aging well, but honestly, we need another 5-10 years to be totally sure.

Honda Pilot

The Pilot is like the CR-V’s bigger, more responsible sibling who went to college and got a real job.The V6 engine is smooth and reliable, and the transmission issues that plagued some mid-2010s models seem to be resolved. My coworker has a 2012 with over 200,000 miles and it still hauls his whole family around without complaint. The second-generation ones especially seem bulletproof.

Toyota Highlander

Oh, the Highlander… this is like the sensible choice that you never regret making. It’s not flashy, it’s not the cheapest, but man, it just works. And keeps working. And keeps working some more. Around $37,000 new, and honestly, that hybrid version gets incredible fuel economy for something this size. I’ve seen first-generation Highlanders from the early 2000s still running strong, which is pretty impressive considering how much automotive technology has changed. The thing about Toyota is they don’t reinvent the wheel every year – they just make the same proven stuff better, and that philosophy really pays off in longevity. Plus, parts are everywhere and relatively cheap when you do need them.

Subaru Forester

The Forester is like… it’s the practical choice that outdoor people make, and those folks tend to really use their vehicles, you know? So when they last 15+ years under that kind of treatment, that says something. Standard all-wheel drive, decent ground clearance, and that Subaru reliability that’s gotten really solid over the years.The boxy shape isn’t for everyone, but it’s super practical, and honestly, function over form when we’re talking about longevity. I know like three people with 2009-2011 Foresters and they’re all still running fine. One guy’s got 220,000 miles and counting.

Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline is weird-looking, let’s be honest, but Honda’s approach to truck building is just different. They prioritized ride quality and reliability over looking tough, and you know what? It works. Around $37,000, and these things just don’t break down. The unibody construction might not be “truck-like,” but it’s durable and the bed is actually really useful. My brother-in-law has had his since 2017 and it’s been completely trouble-free. Plus, that in-bed audio system is actually pretty cool for tailgating.

Lexus RX

Now we’re talking luxury that lasts… the RX is basically a fancy Toyota Highlander underneath, which means you get that legendary Toyota reliability wrapped in a much nicer package. Starts around $50,000, so yeah, it’s expensive, but man, these things hold up incredibly well. I’ve seen 2010 RX models that still look and feel almost new, which is pretty remarkable. The interior materials age well, the ride stays smooth, and mechanically, they’re just rock solid. My aunt’s got a 2012 RX350 with 150,000 miles and it still drives like the day she bought it. If you can afford the initial price, the long-term ownership experience is fantastic.

Acura MDX

The MDX is Honda’s luxury three-row, and honestly, it’s gotten a bit overlooked lately but it’s really solid. That J-series V6 engine is basically bulletproof – same one that goes in the Pilot and Ridgeline. Around $48,000 new, and while that’s not cheap, you’re getting genuine luxury that’ll last. The SH-AWD system is excellent, better than most crossover all-wheel drive setups. I know a guy with a 2007 MDX that’s still his daily driver with like 190,000 miles. The only issues he’s had were minor stuff like door handles and cup holders – the important mechanical bits are still solid.

Toyota 4Runner

Okay, so this is technically a truck-based SUV, not a crossover, but… everyone cross-shops these with crossovers, and honestly, if you want something that’ll outlast everything else on this list, the 4Runner is it. That V6 and that frame are just indestructible. Around $40,000 new, and yeah, the fuel economy sucks and it rides like a truck, but when the apocalypse comes, you’ll still be driving your 4Runner. I’ve seen ones from the 1990s that look like they could go another 200,000 miles. It’s not for everyone – it’s loud, thirsty, and not particularly refined – but for pure longevity, nothing beats it.