5 Japanese SUVs Most Likely To Reach 250,000 Miles

When shopping for an SUV that can go the distance, few markets deliver reliability like the Japanese automakers. Over the past three decades, brands such as Toyota, Lexus, and Honda have built a reputation for engineering vehicles that not only survive the daily grind but also thrive well beyond the mileage most drivers ever expect to achieve. For families, commuters, and adventurers alike, an SUV that can push past 250,000 miles represents far more than just durability—it’s peace of mind, lower ownership costs, and proof of engineering excellence.

Reaching such high mileage isn’t common in today’s automotive world, where many vehicles are burdened by turbocharged complexity, electronics that age poorly, and transmissions designed more for efficiency than longevity. The Japanese approach, however, has been consistently different. Simplicity, robust materials, and tried-and-true powertrains remain central to their design philosophy, giving their SUVs the endurance to stay on the road decades after leaving the showroom.

5

Toyota Sequoia

Base Trim Transmission

10-speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

437 hp

Base Trim Torque

583 lb-ft

Fuel Economy

21/24 MPG

When it comes to sheer longevity, the Toyota Sequoia sits at the top of the SUV food chain. Built on the same rugged underpinnings as the Tundra pickup, the Sequoia has always favored durability over gimmicks. Its body-on-frame construction, paired with a proven V8 powertrain, allows it to shrug off years of towing, hauling, and long family road trips. Owners often report their Sequoias crossing the 250,000-mile mark with ease, provided routine maintenance is kept up.

Another key factor in the Sequoia’s longevity is Toyota’s conservative approach to powertrain updates. While competitors frequently introduce turbocharged or downsized engines that may offer efficiency but compromise long-term durability, Toyota’s naturally aspirated V8 has proven nearly bulletproof. With fewer moving parts and a track record spanning decades, the Sequoia’s mechanical simplicity pays off in reliability. This is why older Sequoias, even from the early 2000s, are still highly sought after in the used market.

Additionally, the Sequoia’s robust suspension system and heavy-duty drivetrain are designed to handle not only highway cruising but also off-road terrain. Many owners who use them for camping, boat towing, or heavy family duty have found the SUV to be remarkably resistant to wear and tear. Factor in Toyota’s parts availability and widespread mechanic familiarity, and it becomes clear why this SUV is one of the safest bets for lasting beyond 250,000 miles.

4

Toyota 4Runner

Base Trim Engine

4.0L V6 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

270 hp

Base Trim Torque

278 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Few SUVs carry the reputation for reliability that the Toyota 4Runner does. Built on a truck-based chassis, the 4Runner has been a staple for those who demand off-road toughness combined with family practicality. Its 4.0-liter V6, found in recent generations, is one of the most durable engines Toyota has produced, designed to withstand high mileage without major issues. For owners who stick to regular oil changes and basic servicing, surpassing 250,000 miles is more of a milestone than a challenge.

The 4Runner’s appeal also lies in its mechanical straightforwardness. Unlike many modern SUVs that rely heavily on complex turbocharging, electrification, or dual-clutch transmissions, the 4Runner keeps things relatively simple with naturally aspirated engines and conventional automatic transmissions. This reduces the risk of catastrophic failures as the mileage racks up. For long-term ownership, fewer high-strain components equate to fewer headaches.

It’s also worth mentioning that the 4Runner is designed for environments that would punish less durable vehicles. From desert trails to snow-covered mountain passes, its suspension and drivetrain are engineered for punishment. This means that daily commuting and highway use barely strain its components in comparison. With a strong community of owners who regularly see their 4Runners reach 300,000 miles or more, this SUV’s reputation as a high-mileage warrior is well deserved.

3

Toyota Highlander

Base Trim Engine

2.4L I4 Turbo

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

265 HP @6000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

310 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM

While the Highlander may not be as rugged as its body-on-frame Toyota siblings, it excels in long-term dependability as a family-oriented crossover. First introduced in 2001, the Highlander has become one of Toyota’s best-selling SUVs, thanks to its balance of practicality, efficiency, and reliability. With a unibody design, it drives more like a car, making it a favorite for families, but Toyota hasn’t compromised durability in pursuit of comfort. Many Highlanders with V6 powertrains are still running strong well past 250,000 miles.

The Highlander’s strength lies in its well-proven engines. The 3.5-liter V6, in particular, is an engine that Toyota has refined across multiple models and platforms. With proper maintenance, it is known to handle high mileage without suffering from major mechanical issues. Even hybrid variants of the Highlander, thanks to Toyota’s early and refined hybrid technology, have shown an impressive ability to last the distance without expensive battery replacements.

What makes the Highlander especially attractive for long-term ownership is its reputation for lower maintenance costs compared to rivals. Repair frequency is low, and when issues do arise, they are typically minor and inexpensive to fix. Combine that with Toyota’s strong resale value, and the Highlander stands out as a crossover SUV that can easily pass the 250,000-mile mark without draining its owner’s wallet along the way.

2

Lexus GX

Base Trim Engine

3.4L V-6 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

10-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Four-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

349 HP @4800 RPM

Base Trim Torque

479 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM

Luxury and durability don’t often go hand in hand, but the Lexus GX proves to be an exception. Sharing much of its architecture with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the GX is a body-on-frame luxury SUV built with longevity in mind. Owners regularly praise its 4.6-liter V8 for being nearly indestructible, and it’s not uncommon to see GX models well beyond 250,000 miles that still drive with minimal issues. This makes it one of the rare luxury SUVs where reliability is as much a selling point as comfort.

One reason the GX is such a high-mileage standout is that Lexus, like Toyota, doesn’t chase unnecessary innovation for the sake of novelty. Instead, the GX has carried forward tried-and-true engineering that prioritizes long-term reliability. While competitors like Land Rover or BMW often introduce cutting-edge but failure-prone tech, the GX remains grounded in durable machinery and proven drivetrain components. This allows it to age gracefully without being burdened by costly breakdowns.

Additionally, the Lexus badge means GX owners benefit from premium build quality and interior materials. While many SUVs can still run at 250,000 miles, few can do so while maintaining a luxurious cabin experience. The GX proves that long-term durability doesn’t have to come at the expense of refinement. For those who want a high-mileage SUV with both toughness and comfort, the Lexus GX is one of the strongest contenders on the road.

1

Honda Pilot

Base Trim Engine

3.5L V6 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

285 hp

Base Trim Torque

262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Rounding out the list is the Honda Pilot, a family-friendly midsize SUV with an excellent reputation for long-term dependability. Introduced in 2003, the Pilot has consistently delivered a mix of spaciousness, comfort, and durability. While it may not have the rugged truck-based heritage of Toyota’s offerings, the Pilot’s strong V6 engines and well-engineered drivetrain allow it to easily last beyond 250,000 miles in the hands of attentive owners.

Honda’s engineering philosophy plays a big role in the Pilot’s longevity. Like Toyota, Honda has favored naturally aspirated engines and refined transmissions that are built to last. The 3.5-liter V6, found in most Pilot models, has proven to be a workhorse across Honda’s lineup, offering smooth power delivery and reliability over hundreds of thousands of miles. Many owners report Pilots that pass the 250,000-mile milestone without ever experiencing a major mechanical failure.

The Pilot also benefits from being a relatively low-stress vehicle in terms of its intended use. Designed primarily as a family hauler and commuter, it doesn’t endure the heavy towing and off-road demands that shorten the lives of other SUVs. Combined with Honda’s strong reputation for overall build quality and accessible maintenance, the Pilot stands out as one of the most reliable long-term midsize SUVs on the market.