Buying a new car can be stressful. Most drivers want a vehicle that meets daily needs, feels spacious rather than cramped, looks good, and — importantly — will last for many miles before they have to start shopping again. That makes data on the brands most likely to reach 250,000 miles especially valuable for people who plan to keep their cars for a long time.
A recent iSeeCars study analyzed more than 395 million vehicles and produced rankings that show which automakers have the best odds of delivering extremely high mileage. The findings highlight the brands and specific models that most often exceed the 250,000-mile mark and explain what those results mean for buyers of new and used vehicles.
Which Car Brands Are Most Likely to Reach 250,000 Miles?
According to the study, Toyota leads the list with an estimated 19.7% chance that a vehicle will reach 250,000 miles. Lexus follows at 14.4%, with Honda at 13.3% and Acura at 9.5%. GMC ranks fifth at 5.8% and is the only other brand above the study’s overall average of 5.4%.
“Consumers base their car-buying decisions on a range of vehicle attributes,” said iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer. “For buyers seeking the longest-lasting vehicles, it’s clear which brands they should focus on for their next new or used car purchase.”
The top 10 brands by estimated chance of reaching 250,000 miles are:
- Toyota: 19.7%
- Lexus: 14.4%
- Honda: 13.3%
- Acura: 9.5%
- GMC: 5.8%
- Mazda: 5.3%
- Lincoln: 4.7%
- Ram: 4.2%
- Ford: 4.1%
- Cadillac: 3.9%
These percentages are estimates based on odometer readings across vehicles of different ages, not guarantees that a fixed share of new cars will reach 250,000 miles. iSeeCars compared the distribution of miles across models and ages to estimate each model’s likelihood of surpassing that milestone, then aggregated those results to produce brand rankings.
“Reaching 250,000 miles is an exceptionally high bar for any vehicle, which makes the distinction among the four highest-ranked brands meaningful,” Brauer added. “Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura don’t just top the list — they noticeably outperform the average vehicle’s chances of reaching that high-mileage threshold.”
The model-level portion of the study helps explain why those four brands dominate the rankings. Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura account for 25 of the 27 highest-ranked individual models. The Toyota Sequoia tops the model list, followed by the Lexus LS. Other strong performers include the Toyota 4Runner, Tundra, Tacoma and Avalon, and Honda models such as the Accord Hybrid, HR-V, Civic and Pilot.
Notably, high-mileage potential is not confined to a single vehicle type. Trucks, SUVs, sedans, hybrids and smaller vehicles are represented among the models most likely to reach 250,000 miles, demonstrating that longevity can be achieved across different segments.
What the 250,000-Mile Car Brand Rankings Mean for Drivers
Brand rankings are a useful tool to narrow down choices, but the condition of an individual vehicle remains critical. Maintenance history, previous usage patterns, actual mileage, rust, accident damage and general mechanical condition all influence how long a used car is likely to last.
“For used-car shoppers, the longest-lasting brand rankings can provide valuable context when comparing used vehicles with higher odometer readings,” Brauer said. A strong brand-level reputation for longevity can make a higher-mileage example worth considering, but it doesn’t replace a thorough inspection and review of service records.
How much a vehicle was driven also affects longevity estimates. The study notes that some luxury models accumulate fewer miles on average than mainstream cars, which can lower their calculated odds of reaching 250,000 miles even if their components are durable. In short, luxury status does not automatically equal extreme longevity; average annual mileage and how the vehicle was used matter.
For buyers intending to keep a car for many years, these rankings add another factor to weigh alongside price, condition, expected ownership costs, and household needs. The 2026 ranking shows Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura leading the list, with GMC as the only other automaker above the study’s overall average. When combined with careful inspection and maintenance, choosing a brand with a strong track record for longevity can help drivers maximize the life of their next vehicle.
Sources
- iSeeCars — The Longest Lasting Car Brands Most Likely to Reach 250,000 Miles
- iSeeCars — The Longest Lasting Cars Most Likely To Reach 250,000 Miles