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As of March 15, 2025, shoppers hunting for an SUV that can log 250,000 miles without a parade of pricey repairs have a clear set of winners. New data from iSeeCars (tracking vehicles that reach 250k+ miles) and RepairPal (measuring average annual repair costs) reveals that the most durable models are not the flashiest, but they are the ones that keep your budget intact. Here’s a breakdown of 10 SUVs that pass the twin test of longevity and affordability, plus exclusive insights on how to lock in savings.
A car that lasts forever but costs a fortune to maintain is a financial trap. Conversely, a cheap-to-fix vehicle that falls apart at 100,000 miles is no bargain. The sweet spot — where high mileage meets low ownership costs — is where the following 10 SUVs live. According to Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars, drivers who stick with one of these long-lasting models can save tens of thousands of dollars over a decade, provided they keep up with routine maintenance.
Durability: 7.3% chance of 250,000+ miles | Repair cost: $429/year
America’s best-selling SUV earns its crown with a proven 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT that rarely causes headaches. Parts are ubiquitous, and labor rates stay low because independent shops know this platform inside out. The 2025 RAV4 continues to offer a hybrid option that pushes fuel economy past 40 mpg, further reducing total cost of ownership.
Durability: 9.1% chance of 250,000+ miles | Repair cost: $571/year (vs. $807 for luxury midsize SUVs)
Honda’s premium brand delivers roughly double the lifetime miles of an average luxury SUV. The MDX’s 3.5-liter V6 and smooth 10-speed automatic are bulletproof when serviced on schedule. The 2025 model adds a refreshed infotainment system, but the core drivetrain remains unchanged — a good sign for long-term reliability.
Durability: 10.6% chance of 250,000+ miles | Repair cost: $407/year
Ranked second out of 26 compact SUVs by RepairPal, the CR-V benefits from Honda’s famously simple engineering and an enormous aftermarket parts supply. The 2025 CR-V hybrid now accounts for half of all sales, and its e-CVT has no belts to snap, reducing major repair risks. Owners report that a well-maintained CR-V easily hits 200k miles with only oil changes, brake pads, and the occasional spark plug replacement.
Durability: 12.7% chance of 250,000+ miles | Repair cost: $489/year (vs. $573 for midsize SUVs)
The Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 (or
