SUVs That Last the Longest

SUVs are often valued for reliability, convenience, and adaptability. Auto manufacturers have continued to introduce new quality crossovers and SUVs, but not all are created equal. Over the years, brands like Chevy have released several SUVs that maintain their condition and value better than the competition.

A modern SUV from #1 Cochran in Youngstown might have all your preferred features in a model with better reliability ratings than the competition. Here’s our list of recommendations for SUVs that last the longest, starting with an explanation of how these SUVs have proven their dependability.

Features of a Long-Lasting SUV

Image via Unsplash by Trac Vu

The best metric for how long an SUV lasts is its mileage.  The more models of high-mileage vehicles still in use, the better sign of their staying power.

The most common threshold for high-mileage vehicles is roughly 200,000 miles. If drivers keep a vehicle past the 200,000-mile mark rather than trade it for something else, this suggests the vehicle is reliable and convenient to own.

Some features that make SUVs last longer include:

• Manufacturer: You can trust a used Chevy, GMC, or Buick, as these automakers have very good track records for reliable, quality SUVs.
• Ground clearance: Bigger SUVs with a higher clearance can drive through deeper water and are less likely to get splashed with mud or road salt. This can lead to a well-maintained underside.
• Four-wheel drive: SUVs that use an active four-wheel-drive system can provide different levels of traction while you driving, improving the car’s safety and helping all major components last longer. This can be especially important if you intend to take your SUV off-roading regularly.
• Safety features: The more advanced safety features that are available, like parking sensors or a rearview camera, the lower the chance of an accident.

Which SUVs Last the Longest?

Chevy Suburban

According to a recent study, the nine-seater Suburban is the Chevy SUV with the most models still in use past 200,000 miles. From the affordable LS to the fully loaded High Country, there’s a Chevy Suburban with everything you need in one of six trims. The 2022 model’s 41.5-cubic-foot cargo area can store everybody’s luggage, and advanced Chevy driver assistance features like front pedestrian braking come standard. As for new color options, the Suburban offers auburn, Dark Ash, and Evergreen Gray metallic tones.

The optional 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 420 horsepower is now available on the Suburban RST, Z71, and Premier, while every trim but the starting LS gets a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a Google-app-compatible infotainment system. The new optional 13-view camera system makes towing a trailer even safer, and the Buckle to Drive feature was added standard to ensure front passengers and the driver wear their seat belts.

Buick Encore

Looking for an affordably priced subcompact SUV for the city? The Encore received excellent crash safety test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  and has a starting MSRP of $24,600  — making it one of the most affordable subcompact SUVs you could own. Average repair costs are also low, and the Encore comes with a 155-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, plus either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The latest Encore’s fuel economy is competitive at 24 city mpg and 32 highway mpg, with a combined 27 mpg.

GMC Yukon XL

Capable of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the 2022 Yukon got some notable upgrades, including an all-new infotainment system with a 12-inch screen. The new GMC Yukon XL is very similar to the Yukon, only built using the same frame as the Suburban and with nine seats total. Both the full-size SUV and the standard Yukon have above-average value retention, however, the Yukon XL especially.

Though you can expect just as convenient and capable an SUV as the Suburban, the Yukon XL distinguishes itself with the Denali trim. Upgrading to the top-level Denali unlocks many luxuries, like standard premium leather for every seat and an available Super Cruise hands-free driving system.

No matter what trim you pick, you’ll get the same massive cargo area found in the Suburban, as well as a convenient power-sliding center console. Two V-8 engine options are standard on the 2022 Yukon: a 355 horsepower 5.3-liter engine and a 420 horsepower 6.2-liter engine, both with a towing capacity of 8,400 pounds if you purchase the Max Trailering package. 

Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevy Tahoe is another all-American full-size SUV with a history of high-reliability ratings. Many Tahoe models on the road today are running just fine past the 200,000-mile mark. Front parking sensors, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist are now standard for 2022, along with the Buckle to Drive safety feature.

Three engine options are available for the 2022 Tahoe, including two strong V-8 engines and a turbo-diesel inline-six. With the right configuration, this hefty and powerful SUV gets up to 21 city mph and 28 highway mpg, with a combined 24 mpg. Towing capacity ranges from 7,600 pounds to 7,900 pounds.  With bold options to stand out, the Chevy Tahoe colors offered only adds to the excitement of this vehicle.

Buick Enclave

You may have noticed a theme that many of the biggest SUVs by Chevy, Buick, and GMC end up being the SUVs that last the longest. The Buick Enclave midsize SUV is a smaller version: a seven-seater packed with technology and amenities at a mainstream price.

All versions of the 2022 Enclave come with a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This Enclave is expected to get 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Towing capacity is equally impressive: 5,000 pounds across every trim level.

The 2022 Buick Enclave is a family-friendly vehicle with plenty of power, a smooth ride, and a quiet cabin with better seat room than similar vehicles. It boasts a new exterior style for 2022, and the center console is restyled to fit the new button-based shifter. Previously optional safety features are now standard on every model, including pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and automatic emergency braking.

Don’t settle for just any SUV, especially if you like to own your vehicles for a while. Several SUVs from Chevy, Buick, and GMC appear near the top of the charts for dependability, reliability, and safety scores. Browse our inventory of dependable SUVs today and contact our team at #1 Cochran with any questions.