A new study by iSeeCars, analyzing data from over 395 million cars, evaluated 33 brands based on a vehicle's ability to reach at least 250,000 miles, equivalent to approximately 402,000 km. The findings indicate a clear dominance by Japanese brands at the top.

Toyota far outpaces the rest

Toyota maintains a significant lead over its competitors. Its vehicles have a 5,3 percentage point higher probability of reaching 250,000 miles compared to Lexus, and are 14,3 percentage points above the overall market average. In the mainstream segment, Toyota leads with a 19,7% rate, followed by Honda at 13,3%. GMC ranked third with 5,8%, while Mazda achieved 5,3%.

In the luxury segment, Lexus leads with 14,4%, followed by Acura at 9,5%. The gap between these two Japanese brands and their competitors is significant, with Lincoln ranking third at 4,7%, Cadillac at 3,9%, and Tesla at 3,3%.

Notably, only 5 of the 33 brands surveyed surpassed the average rate of 5,4%. These included Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, and GMC.

At the bottom of the list, Jaguar, MINI, and Maserati all registered a 0% probability of reaching 250,000 miles. BMW, Audi, Land Rover, and Porsche also only achieved between 0,3% and 0,5%.

However, iSeeCars noted that the ability to reach the 250,000-mile mark does not entirely equate to a vehicle's overall durability. Actual lifespan depends on the specific model, generation, production year, and how owners maintain and use their vehicles. A car from a brand with a low percentage can still far exceed this milestone.

Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 version in foreign markets. Photo: Toyota

The 250,000-mile mark is significantly higher than a car's typical usage. Therefore, the study primarily indicates a trend in vehicles' long-term durability, rather than asserting that every car from a particular brand will achieve this mileage.

Ho Tan (according to Road and Track)