20 SUVs that drive over 250,000 miles, the Subaru Outback is better than average

How far can you go?

Subaru vehicles are known for their durability, but which model is most likely to last 250,000 miles and beyond? A new report from iSeeCars shows that the Subaru Outback is among the top twenty most durable SUVs, which is better than average.

The average SUV has a 7.8% chance of lasting more than 250,000 miles. Some have as much as a 36% chance of reaching a quarter of a million miles. The Subaru Outback, ranked twentieth among the 20 most durable SUVs, exceeds the average and is a testament to its exceptional durability.

The Outback is regularly in the top 20 list of the most durable vehicles. Read my report here.

“Given the rising cost of new and used models, it’s encouraging to see so many vehicles make it to 250,000 miles,” said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars. “A consumer paying today’s higher purchase prices can still get a relatively low cost per mile by taking advantage of that long lifespan.”

The outback is better than average.

According to iSeeCars, SUVs can meet a wide range of needs, which is why they tend to get more miles than other types of vehicles. Most of the most durable SUVs are models with three rows of seats, which offer the most flexibility in terms of passenger transport, cargo hauling, and trailer towing. However, some midsize SUVs (like the Outback) and even some compact SUVs make the top 20 list because they have longer than average lifespans.

Here’s the list, and then I’ll explain why the Outback might be your best choice for a new model. They’re sorted so that the model with the highest percentage is listed first.

1. Toyota Sequoia
2. Toyota 4Runner
3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
4. Chevrolet Camaro
5. Lexus GS
6. GMC Yukon XL
7. Chevrolet Tahoe
8. Honda Pilot
9. Toyota Highlander
10. Mercedes-Benz GLC
11. Honda CR-V
12. Ford Expedition
13. Nissan Pathfinder
14. Nissan Armada
15. Mazda CX-9
16. Acura MDX
17. Cadillac Escalade ESV
18. Toyota RAV4
19. Dodge Durango
20. Subaru Outback

Here, the Subaru Outback joins the top group of non-luxury SUVs with two rows of seats.

1. Honda CR-V
2. Toyota RAV4
3. Subaru Outback

“We expected models like the Toyota Sequoia and 4Runner to top the list of longest-lasting SUVs,” Brauer said. “The fact that smaller SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback have longer-than-average lifespans attests to both their high-quality workmanship and the willingness of their owners to drive these vehicles for many years and many miles.”

Buy it and keep it.

The Outback is one of those timeless vehicles. Subaru doesn’t typically make major changes to the exterior design, so the Outback has remained current for many years. Even if you buy the 2025 model year Outback, the next-generation 2026 Outback won’t look drastically different.

However, if you look at the next-generation 2025 Forester, you’ll notice that it has received some pretty significant exterior improvements over the previous model.

Keep it in the family.

Regardless, the Outback offers exceptional resale value if you keep it for three years, and if you love it at the end of the lease or after you’ve paid it off, you can gift it to a family member or sell it for a good price.

Many families keep the Outback for their teenage son or daughter when they get their driver’s license. It receives the highest safety ratings, so parents can feel confident sending their teenage driver off in the Outback.

All Outback trims come with Subaru’s excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for all-weather capability. They also feature X-Mode for bad weather and dangerous roads. Some trims have dual-function X-Mode so you can have off-road fun on the weekend. These features make the Outback a versatile and reliable SUV for a variety of driving conditions.

What are the prices for the 2025 Outback?

That’s what you’ll get in 2025.

The 2025 Outback is available in nine trim levels: Base, Premium, new Onyx Edition with 2.5-liter engine, Limited Touring, Outback Wilderness, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT and Touring XT models.

What are the prices for the 2025 Outback?

The base version costs $30,290, Premium ($32,590), Onyx Edition ($37,500), Limited ($39,250), Touring ($41,740), Onyx Edition XT ($40,755), Wilderness ($41,355), Limited XT ($41,590) and Touring XT ($44,190). In addition, the above price ($1,395) includes shipping and delivery charges.

What are the best SUVs with two rows of seating this year? According to Kelley Blue Book, there are three standout picks. Check them out in my review here and see why they say the Subaru Outback is the best midsize SUV for families this year.

What if you are looking for a used Outback?

Those on a budget can also buy a well-maintained used Subaru Outback knowing that it will last long after many SUVs have given up the ghost. Buying a used Outback can be a cost-effective way to enjoy the vehicle’s longevity and reliability.

Which five-year-old SUVs are the most reliable for buyers this year?

According to a recently updated ranking from Consumer Reports (via subscription), there are reliable used SUVs you should put on your list. CR says the 2018 Subaru Outback is among the top nine, scoring better than two popular Toyota SUVs. For more information on buying a used Outback, check out my report here.

Should you wait for the next-generation Outback?

As I recently reported, Subaru of America has delayed the launch of the next-generation Outback to the 2026 model year, so I’d say it’s still a year away from hitting dealerships.

It will receive significant upgrades and improvements, and possibly a hefty price increase. Remember the price change for the 2025 Forester?

The next generation Outback Wilderness will arrive at a different time than the new model change. For more information, see my review here.

The next generation Outback Wilderness could be two years away as a 2027 model. Subaru has decided to wait another year to update the Forester Wilderness, which will now be released as a 2026 model year. They will likely do the same with the Outback Wilderness.

How about a new Outback Hybrid?

I’ve heard the Outback Hybrid is also in the pipeline. The seventh-generation Outback will get a new hybrid trim level, but like the Forester Hybrid, it will likely arrive a year after the next-generation Outback (2026). Although it hasn’t been confirmed by Subaru, the Outback Hybrid could be unveiled sometime in early 2027.

The Outback’s performance is not just good, it’s better than average.

Whatever you choose, the Subaru Outback midsize SUV is durable, safe and reliable. This model is expected to last 250,000 miles or more, making it a smart model choice for customers.

Do you own a Subaru model with more than 250,000 miles? If so, we’d love to hear about it. Click the red “Add New Comment” link below and let us know.

I’m Denis Flierl, a top reporter for Torque News since 2012. I have spent over 13 years in the automotive industry as a consultant and have worked with all the major auto brands. I am a veteran member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. My expert Subaru analysis can be found here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru