These 10 SUVs Are Meant To See High Miles


SUVs and trucks are effectively the backbone of the U.S. auto market; we see more and more sold each year, and the rate at which they’re selling doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Among the luxury SUVs, gnarly off-road models, and the everyday compact SUVs and crossovers, we see some being driven to their absolute limit with hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock, and for those models, we take off our hats to them.

If there is something we can all appreciate in an SUV, it is its ability to just keep going. So, if you are looking for a model that can go for hundreds of thousands of miles (with proper maintenance) and boasts some reasonably up-to-date interiors and tech, then these 10 SUVs are worth taking a look at.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Repair Pal, Fueleconomy.gov, Federal Highway Administration, and JD Power.

2015 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability Score: 69/100


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Base Trim Engine

5.3L V8 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

355 hp

Base Trim Torque

383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Fuel Economy

16/23 MPG

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Suburban

Segment

Full-Size SUV

Infotainment & Features

10 /10



Each year, the FHWA estimates that drivers in the U.S.A. drive an average of 13,500 miles; over 10 years, that clocks up to 135,000 miles, which is a lot of miles any way you look at it. Despite not boasting the highest JD Power reliability score, the 2015 Chevy Suburban has been included in our list of high-mileage SUVs because the Suburban is currently the most reliable American SUV. Though, there is a catch.

There are more 200,000+ mile Suburban models still on our roads than any other American SUV. This is down to the fact that they are typically used as livery vehicles and big, comfortable taxis. This means they benefit from an ‘easier’ life than some of the more abused SUVs we see still limping around.

2015 Chevrolet Suburban in black
Rear 3/4 shot of 2015 Chevrolet Suburban in black
Credit: CarBuzz

If you find a ten-year-old Chevy Suburban with 100,000 miles on the clock, it is at the beginning of its life (if it has been properly maintained). Of course, it is worth finding out about each used example’s usage history, but if you find one that has been used as a livery vehicle, its usage won’t be as hardcore as finding a used Ford Bronco or Defender (typically).

The 2015 Suburban is available with three rows of seating, with generous legroom in each row (front 45.3 inches; second row 39.7 inches; third row 34.5 inches), 121.1 cubic feet of storage space with the second and third row seating folded down, and a solid 5.3-liter V8 good for 355 horsepower and 383 pound foot of torque under the hood.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Large and comfortable inside.
  • Decent power and torque from the engine.
  • Good cargo capacity.
  • Massive dimensions don’t make it the easiest for some to drive.
  • The MyLink infotainment system can be seen as outdated today.
  • It can only muster a combined mpg rating of 20 mpg.

2015 Toyota RAV4

Reliability Score: 82/100


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Base Trim Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

176 hp

Base Trim Torque

172 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Fuel Economy

24/31 MPG

Make

Toyota

Model

RAV4

Segment

Compact SUV

Infotainment & Features

9 /10



Models like the Toyota RAV4 are almost synonymous with reliability, and the 2015 iteration doesn’t disappoint, scoring a very respectable JD Power reliability rating of 82 out of 100. There is a reason why the RAV4 is one of the most popular vehicles here in the U.S.A.; even a decade-old example can offer decent loose-surface performance, respectable highway-joining acceleration (but don’t expect lightning speeds), and rock-hard dependability.

“The unit does provide adequate pick-up, though won’t be throwing anyone back in their seat… The RAV4 AWD shouldn’t be mistaken for a Jeep or Range Rover in terms of off-road prowess, but it does offer a respectable amount of traction in inclement weather and in slippery situations.”

Top Speed Driven Review of the 2015 Toyota RAV4

2015 Toyota RAV4 in red
Rear 3/4 shot of 2015 Toyota RAV4 in red
Credit: CarBuzz

The 2015 RAV4 is available in three gas-engined trims: the LE, the XLE, and the Limited. Prices are holding at Toyota-grade levels, with the starting average used price still above $12,000, but with some owners claiming to drive over 400,000 miles in their RAV4, it can be seen as very good value for money.

2015 Toyota RAV4 Average Used Prices

  • LE – $12,445
  • XLE – $12,936
  • Limited – $13,767

2015 saw the hybrid RAV4 revealed at the New York International Auto Show, but you’ll have to look at a 2016 MY if you want it. It still boasts a high reliability rating of 86 out of 100 and features a 176-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid mated to an E-CVT transmission, achieving a combined mpg rating of 33 (34 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in the city).

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • It can last a lifetime.
  • Hold their value well.
  • Bulletproof reliability.
  • Still expensive on the used market.
  • Not the best off-road.
  • Only one engine option.

2015 Ford Escape

Reliability Score: 83/100


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Base Trim Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

168 hp

Base Trim Torque

170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Economy

22/31 MPG

Make

Ford

Model

Escape

Segment

Compact SUV

Infotainment & Features

8 /10



With conservative estimates that the 2015 Ford Escape can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance, this compact SUV could see you good for a long time. There are three engine options available for the 2015 MY: a 2.5-liter inline-four, a 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four.

2015 Ford Escape Performance Specs

Engine

2.5-Liter Inline-Four

1.6-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

2.0-Liter Inline-Four

Transmission

Six-Speed Automatic

Six-Speed Automatic

Six-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

168 Horsepower

178 Horsepower

237 Horsepower

Torque

167 LB-FT

178 LB-FT

250 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive

Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive

Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

Unverified

9.4 Seconds

7 Seconds

Top Speed

121 MPH

121 MPH

121 MPH

Towing Capacity

1,500 LBS

2,000 LBS

3,500 LBS

2015 Ford Escape in black

The three available 2015 Escape trims are the S, the SE, and the Titanium, with the entry-level ‘S’ offering air conditioning, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and the SYNC voice command setup; the SE adds 17-inch alloys and a powered driver’s seat, and the Titanium is the most luxurious of the three. The 2015 Escape Titanium comes equipped with leather-trimmed seats, a Sony 10-speaker audio rig, a power liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Fairly nimble handling.
  • Comfortable cabin.
  • Decent features are included from the base trim up.
  • Pretty slow to 60 mph across the board.
  • The 2.0-liter EcoBoost mill can be expensive to maintain at high mileage,
  • It only boasts 67.7 cubic feet of storage space.

2015 Kia Sorento

Reliability Score: 83/100


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Base Trim Engine

2.4L Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

191 hp

Base Trim Torque

181 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Fuel Economy

20/27 MPG

Make

Kia

Model

Sorento

Segment

Midsize SUV



According to reviews left on JD Power, the ’15 Kia Sorento has a quality and reliability score of 83 out of 100 and an overall score of 82 out of 100. So, across the board, it is relatively highly regarded in the mid-sized SUV segment. There are two engines available for the ’15 MY: a 191-horsepower/181-pound-foot inline-four and a far more powerful 290-horsepower/252-pound-foot V6.

There are two standout claims from Sorento drivers; one owner has claimed to be the original owner of their V6-equipped 2015 Sorento and has driven just under 275,000 miles in it with no mechanical faults, while another owner claimed on Reddit to have racked up a whopping 600,000 miles in their Sorento. They didn’t mention what engine is under the hood, but either way, it is a huge mileage claim.

2015 Kia Sorento in red
Rear 3/4 shot of 2015 Kia Sorento in red parked next to lake
Credit: CarBuzz

Average used prices are respectfully low for what you can get from it. The base trim LX will cost you around $7,400 today; the EX trim will cost you around $20 more; the SX has an average used price of $8,141, and the top-trim Limited will set you back, on average, $13,142.

As the higher used price would suggest, the 2015 Sorento Limited is the most desirable model and gives you more luxe features like heated and ventilated front seats, push-button start, a navigation system, a rearview camera display, and a power tailgate.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • It can go on forever.
  • Cheap to buy.
  • Seven seats are available.
  • Feels heavier and bigger to drive than it is.
  • Owners have complained about the transmission being sluggish.
  • The interior is a bit dated today.

2015 Porsche Macan

Reliability Score: 83/100


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Base Trim Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

7-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

340 hp

Base Trim Torque

339 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm

Fuel Economy

17/23 MPG

Make

Porsche

Model

Macan

Segment

Compact Luxury SUV

Infotainment & Features

10 /10



Though both luxury SUVs and German brands have famously questionable reliability and maintenance reputations, the 2015 Porsche Macan lineup bucks the trend and proves you can have dependability and plushness in one well-rounded package. There are two grades available for the 2015 MY: the Macan S, which boasts a 3.0-liter bi-turbocharged V6, and the Macan Turbo, which gets a more powerful version of the same configuration. The Macan S’ mill is good for 340 horsepower, while the Macan Turbo’s powerplant can shift out 400 horsepower.

2015 Porsche Macan S in blue being driven on road
Rear 3/4 action shot of 2015 Porsche Macan S in blue being driven on road
Credit: CarBuzz

Down from original MSRPs of $52,000 and $74,000, the curse of luxury SUVs has served us well, with both grades now available for between $13,700 and $18,500, on average. Multiple owners have claimed to put over 100,000 miles on their Macan S models, while one owner said they’ve kept their Macan Turbo model going all the way to the 270,000-mile mark. While the 270,000-mile Macan may be a rarity, due to having to ensure the turbochargers keep going, the V6s utilized in the 2015 MY are sturdily built and benefit from years of Porsche high-horsepower expertise.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Powerful engines for both trims.
  • You get luxury, sportiness, and reliability.
  • Great handling for its size.
  • The infotainment system is dated.
  • Better for driving fast than slow.
  • High-mileage models can be expensive to fix.

2015 Toyota Venza

Reliability Score: 85/100


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Base Trim Engine

2.7L Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

181 hp

Base Trim Torque

182 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Economy

20/26 MPG

Make

Toyota

Model

Venza

Segment

Compact SUV

Infotainment & Features

9 /10



According to RepairPal, the Toyota Venza has a low annual maintenance cost of just $444, putting it way below the 2024 mid-sized SUV market average of $573 per year for maintenance. Toyota has one of the most bulletproof reputations out of any marque on the market, and in typical Toyota fashion, the Venza carries the torch in terms of both usability and dependability. It boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 70.2 cubic feet; you get 60/40 split rear seats; 40.2 inches of front legroom and 39.1 inches of rear legroom are available, and the most fuel-efficient variant can achieve a combined mpg rating of 23 mpg.

2015 Toyota Venza in black

There are three trims available for the 2015 Toyota Venza: the LE, the XLE, and the Limited, while two engine options are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. The 181-horsepower 2.7-liter inline-four, when paired with FWD, can achieve the best combined mpg ratings, while the available 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 adds a little more grunt, albeit at the slight expense of fuel consumption (19 mpg-22 mpg).

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Some owners have claimed to have driven their 2015 Venza 300,000+ miles.
  • Smooth drive feel in the cabin.
  • Decent legroom and cargo capacity.
  • The interior looks a little cheap.
  • The inline-four engine option is slow to accelerate (approx. 9.3 seconds to 60 mph).
  • Owners have complained that both the brakes and suspension can cause problems at high mileage.

2015 GMC Terrain

Reliability Score: 85/100


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Base Trim Engine

2.4L Inline-4 Flex-fuel (FFV)

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

182 hp

Base Trim Torque

172 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm

Fuel Economy

22/32 MPG

Make

GMC

Model

Terrain

Segment

Compact SUV

Infotainment & Features

8 /10



Available in five main trims and with an average used price starting at just over $6,500, the 10-year-old Terrain brings a lot in the way of everyday versatility, reasonable used prices, and available luxury. Luxury is especially found in the Terrain Denali trim, which comes equipped with the Pioneer premium audio setup, chrome exhaust tips, black leather seats with red stitching, acoustic laminated glass, and wood grain accents. The two powertrain options available for the Terrain are a standard-fit 182-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-four and a 301-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, both paired with FWD or AWD and a six-speed auto box.

2015 GMC Terrain Average Used Prices

  • SL – $6,968
  • SLE-1 – $6,509
  • SLE-2 – $7,824
  • SLT-1 – $7,334
  • SLT-2 – $8,503
  • Denali – $9,392
2015 GMC Terrain in black
Front 3/4 shot of 2015 GMC Terrain in black
Credit: CarBuzz

There have been multiple claims of 200,000–300,000-mile GMC Terrain models roaming the wild, but out of the two engines, owners have seen fewer problems with the V6. Owners have complained that the inline-four burns oil, especially at high miles, so you need to keep an eye out for that if you pick up an inline-four model.

The V6 under the hood of the Terrain, on the other hand, is a GM High Feature LFX. This mill is fairly well-known for its lightweight but strong aluminum block and heads, features like VVT, beefy cylinder head design, and strong connecting rods. Of course, though, proper maintenance is the key to keeping it going for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Decent power from the V6.
  • Higher trims have a nice interior.
  • Quiet cabin.
  • The inline-four engine option can be described as sluggish.
  • Owners have complained about imprecise handling.
  • Today, the infotainment system is dated, and owners have complained that it is finicky.

2015 Buick Enclave

Reliability Score: 85/100


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Base Trim Engine

3.6L V6 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

288 hp

Base Trim Torque

270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

Fuel Economy

17/24 MPG

Make

Buick

Model

Enclave

Segment

Midsize Luxury SUV

Infotainment & Features

7 /10



Offered in three main trims: the Convenience, the Leather, and the Premium, the 2015 Buick Enclave is a highly rated mid-sized SUV in terms of reliability. Owners have given it a reliability score of 85 out of 100, while RepairPal says that it will cost you just $542 a year on maintenance.

The ‘Convenience’ comes equipped with a good number of features for an entry-level model with a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, tri-zone climate control, and a power liftgate all fitted as standard. The ‘Leather’ trims boast upscale touches in the form of leather upholstery, heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power-adjustable passenger seat, while the ‘Premium’ trims bring the most comfort.

2015 Buick Enclave in red
Rear 3/4 shot of 2015 Buick Enclave in red parked
Credit: CarBuzz

You get ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bose audio system, and lane departure warning. All trims are available with three rows of seating and respectable legroom throughout the cabin, considering the Enclave’s dimensions of 201.9 inches (L) x 79 inches (W) x 71.7 inches (H).

2015 Buick Enclave Interior Dimensions

Front Legroom

Second Row Legroom

Third Row Legroom

41.1 Inches

36.8 Inches

33.2 Inches

There is just one engine option available, a 288-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that boasts direct injection and VVT, and can achieve a maximum combined mpg rating of 19 mpg. Low fuel economy aside, what is important about the Enclave is that it has been known to rack up mileage of over 250,000 miles on the original engine.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Comfortable interior.
  • Quiet in the cabin.
  • You get up to 67.5 cubic feet of storage space.
  • The V6 could be more powerful.
  • Low fuel economy.
  • Owners have complained about slow gear changes.

2015 Hyundai Tucson

Reliability Score: 86/100


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Base Trim Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

164 hp

Base Trim Torque

151 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Economy

23/29 MPG

Make

Hyundai

Model

Tucson

Segment

Compact SUV

Infotainment & Features

10 /10



Some of the highest mileage claims for a 2015 Hyundai Tucson include one owner saying they have driven around 200,000 miles on the original engine, and another claiming to have put over 250,000 miles on the clock. There are two engine options for the 2015 MY that could give you a lot of driving time. They are a 2.0-liter inline-four good for 164 horsepower and a 182-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-four. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic and can be found on the used market with either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive layout.

2015 Hyundai Tucson in blue
Profile action shot of 2015 Hyundai Tucson in blue being driven on road
Credit: CarBuzz

Both engines are from the Theta II engine family, which did see a recall back in 2021 for the 2015 MY, for knocking noises, sudden loss of power, and high oil consumption. But, if you find an example that has been given the Hyundai-sanctioned Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) upgrade and has been properly maintained by previous owners, some claim that they can see you for a long time.

There are just three trims available for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson: the GLS, the SE, and the Limited. Prices are relatively low, with the GLS costing you around $7,100, the SE costing you approximately $8,000, and the Limited setting you back around $7,700, while fuel consumption is also reasonable.

The 2.0-liter inline-four models can achieve a combined mpg rating of between 22 and 25 mpg, with the front-wheel drive models doing better than the all-wheel drive models, while the 2.4-liter models can achieve between 22 and 24 mpg, with the same story for the driveline configurations.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Two engine options.
  • Spacious interior.
  • Easy-to-use controls in the cabin.
  • Be wary of models that haven’t been looked after or maintained.
  • Neither engine is that powerful.
  • Boring drive.

2015 Chevrolet Traverse

Reliability Score: 88/100


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Base Trim Engine

3.6L V6 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

281 hp

Base Trim Torque

266 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

Fuel Economy

17/24 MPG

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Traverse

Segment

Large SUV

Infotainment & Features

9 /10



With a JD Power reliability rating of 88 out of 100, and with 73 percent of owners recommending buying one on Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the 2015 Chevy Traverse is highly respected by drivers and should serve you well for a fair few miles. Owners on KBB have given the Traverse a score of 4.2 out of 5 for quality and 4.3 out of 5 for reliability, while some owners have said they’ve driven over 200,000 miles in their models with simple maintenance.

“Plenty of features and power, this vehicle is sporty and luxurious while still providing a family experience. 150,000 miles and still as strong as when it came off the lot. Would recommend.”

– Owner review of their 2015 Chevrolet Traverse on Kelley Blue Book

2015 Chevrolet Traverse in white parked
Rear 3/4 shot of 2015 Chevrolet Traverse in white parked
Credit: CarBuzz

The only engine option for the ’15 Traverse is a 3.6-liter V6 that can kick out either 281 horsepower or 288 horsepower in models equipped with the dual exhaust system. Torque is dialed in at between 266 and 270 pound-feet, and in its quickest variation, the 2015 Traverse can hit 60 mph in around eight seconds.

The LS trim serves as the base model, and gives you 17-inch wheels, cruise control, the option for all-wheel drive, a rear vision camera, and single-zone manual air con. The LT trim is a step-up and features 20-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear parking sensors, and a spring-assisted tailgate. The LTZ is the top trim and showcases a Bose sound system, captain’s chairs in the second row, 20-inch aluminum wheels, two sunroofs, and heated and cooled seats.

Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Seating for up to eight people.
  • Smooth ride.
  • 116.3 cubic feet of storage space available.
  • Not the most direct steering.
  • The interior and controls are outdated.
  • The infotainment is not the most responsive.