Top 10 Longest-Lasting Midsize SUVs That Easily Cross 280,000 Miles

When it comes to long-term reliability, only a few midsize SUVs truly stand the test of time. These machines are engineered to handle tough roads, heavy use, and hundreds of thousands of miles without breaking a sweat. In this guide, we break down the SUVs that consistently cross 280,000 miles and beyond, revealing what makes them so durable from their engines to their build quality. If you’re looking for a ride that’s not just powerful today but dependable for years to come, this list is your roadmap.

Toyota 4Runner

Okay, not gonna lie, if there’s one midsize SUV that just screams “I’m never dying,” it’s the Toyota 4Runner. It’s old-school body-on-frame, proper 4×4 hardware, that 4.0L V6 that’s like, “oil and gas and I’m good, thanks.” People beat these things off-road and they still roll up to 250k, 280k, 300k like it’s just a warm-up. The interior isn’t fancy, feels a bit like a time capsule, but in a good way, ‘cause fewer fragile gadgets means fewer headaches later. New ones sit around $42,000 to $50,000 depending on trim, and yeah, that’s not cheap, but you’re kind of buying a 10–15 year relationship, not a fling.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is that boring friend who never cancels plans, you know? At first you’re like, “eh, it’s just a family SUV,” but then you realize people keep them for a decade and rack insane mileage with mostly just routine maintenance. The 3.5L V6 is super proven, smooth, and not crazy on fuel for the size, and the ride is comfy enough that kids and grandparents don’t complain too much. It’s more soft-roader than hardcore 4×4, but that’s fine for most people who just do school runs and road trips. A new Pilot is usually in the $40,000 to $50,000 range, and if you actually maintain it, 280,000 miles isn’t some wild fantasy, it’s like the natural endgame.

Subaru Outback

I know, I know, some people will say “that’s a wagon,” but c’mon, everyone treats the Subaru Outback like a midsize SUV anyway. Standard all-wheel drive, good ride height, that “let’s go camping for no reason” energy. Subaru owners are wild, they’ll throw on a roof box, two bikes, a kayak, a dog, and just disappear into the mountains. The engines, when you keep up on fluids and don’t overheat them, can easily go long distance, and the CVTs have gotten better over time, even if people like to complain. Price-wise, new Outbacks sit roughly in the $30,000 to $42,000 zone, and they feel like that car you forget to sell because it’s still working fine 15 years later.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is like the more civilized sibling of the 4Runner, the one with a stable job and good credit. It’s unibody, more car-like, more refined, but it still has that Toyota long-game reliability baked in, especially with the V6 in older models and the newer four-cylinder/hybrid setups being super efficient. Families absolutely love these because they do everything “pretty well” with no drama: road trips, school, Costco, all of it. A new Highlander is usually somewhere around $39,000 to $50,000 depending on trim and hybrid options, and if you keep the maintenance boring and on time, 280,000 miles is more about patience than luck.

Honda CR-V

Yeah, it’s technically on the smaller end of midsize or kind of a compact, but the CR‑V feels big enough for most people’s lives, so it sneaks in here. This thing is like the default answer when someone asks “what SUV should I buy if I don’t want problems?” The engines are efficient, the interior space is super clever, and they just kinda… never die if you treat them halfway decently. Turbos plus good maintenance can still live long, and older naturally aspirated ones are already famous for going stupid-high mileage. New CR‑Vs usually land around $30,000 to $38,000, and it’s absolutely the type of SUV you can see living at 280,000 miles still doing grocery duty.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX‑5 is like that friend who dresses well, seems delicate, but is secretly tough as nails. It drives more like a car than an SUV, steering’s sharp, interior feels kind of premium for the price, and Mazda has a solid reputation for engines that just clock miles without big scandals. It’s not the biggest in the class, but for someone who wants something that doesn’t feel like a boring appliance, this hits a sweet spot. A new CX‑5 usually sits around $30,000 to $38,000 depending on engine and trim, and if you’re the type who actually does oil changes on time, it can easily be a 200k-plus, maybe 280k type of companion without turning into a money pit.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Now, if you’re thinking long-term and fuel bills, the Highlander Hybrid is kinda genius. It takes the already-reliable Highlander platform and throws Toyota’s hybrid magic on top, which has, like, years and millions of miles of real-world proof behind it. These systems are weirdly durable; the battery packs and electric motors are generally quiet heroes if you don’t abuse them. You get great fuel economy for a three-row SUV and still that long-haul Toyota vibe. New ones hover around $42,000 to $52,000 depending on spec, but over 10–15 years and 250k–280k miles, the fuel savings plus low drama can actually make it feel like a smart, not just “green,” choice.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Okay, this one’s interesting ‘cause it’s more of a mixed-bag reputation wise, but when you get a good one and you maintain it, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can absolutely go the distance. It’s more upscale inside than a lot of rivals, proper off-road potential in some trims, and the V6 Pentastar engine especially has proven it can rack up serious mileage when not neglected. It’s got that cool-factor too, doesn’t feel like a pure appliance, which is nice if you actually care about how your SUV looks and feels. New Grand Cherokees usually float around $38,000 to $55,000 depending on how fancy and off-roady you go, and yeah, if you’re sensible and skip the sketchy neglect, 280k is not insane.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai’s glow-up has been wild, honestly. The Santa Fe used to be kind of whatever, but the recent ones look tough, drive nicely, and have way better build and materials than people expect. The powertrains have matured a lot too, especially if you stick with the more common engines and avoid abusing the turbos. What makes it a good long-haul bet is that combo of a long original warranty and hardware that doesn’t feel overcomplicated for the sake of it. New Santa Fe models generally sit around $30,000 to $42,000, and while 280,000 miles used to sound crazy for older Hyundais, newer-gen ones are genuinely starting to earn that long-life respect.

Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse is like the big, friendly couch of midsize SUVs lots of space, easy manners, not trying to be edgy. Underneath, though, the V6 and the platform, when cared for, can absolutely take on long miles, especially for people who do a mix of highway and family stuff. It’s not the most “enthusiast” choice, but if the goal is to just quietly stack 20–25k miles a year for a decade, this thing kind of makes sense. The third row is actually useable, which means families tend to hold onto them longer instead of upgrading every few years. New Traverses usually land around $36,000 to $50,000 depending on trim, and with sane maintenance, seeing one at 250k–280k on the odometer isn’t shocking at all.