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Longest Lasting Trucks On The Road

Chad Green
29/12/2023

Pickup trucks, often considered as quintessentially American as apple pie and bald eagles, have secured a prominent place in driveways across the nation. If a pickup isn’t parked in your own driveway, it’s a safe bet that your neighbor has one. Alongside their popularity, the cost of pickups has steadily risen, with prices for half-ton trucks easily surpassing $60,000 and heavy-duty models reaching six-figure amounts. Consequently, individuals not only seek a truck that suits their immediate needs but also one that boasts durability over the long haul.

Table of Contents
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  • Longest-Lasting Midsize Trucks
    • Chevrolet Colorado – 0.8 Percent & GMC Canyon – 0.7 Percent
    • Nissan Frontier – 1.1 Percent
    • Toyota Tacoma – 2.8 Percent
    • Honda Ridgeline – 3.4 Percent
  • Longest-Lasting Half-Ton Trucks
    • Ram 1500 – 1.2 Percent
    • GMC Sierra 1500 – 1.8 Percent
    • Ford F-150 – 2.0 Percent
    • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 2.1 Percent
    • Nissan Titan – 2.3 Percent
    • Toyota Tundra – 3.7 Percent
  • Durable Heavy-Duty Trucks with Longevity
    • Ford F-450 Super Duty – 1.8 Percent
    • GMC Sierra 3500HD – 2.1 Percent
    • Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD – 3.8 Percent
    • GMC Sierra 2500HD – 4.5 Percent
    • Ram 2500 Heavy Duty – 4.9 Percent
    • Ford F-250 Super Duty – 5.2 Percent
    • Ford F-350 Super Duty – 5.8 Percent
    • Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – 6.7 Percent
    • Ram 3500 Heavy Duty – 8.4 Percent
  • Conclusion

In the quest for the longest lasting trucks, a recent study focused on pickups most likely to achieve the coveted 200,000-mile milestone, determined by the percentage of vehicles already sold that had reached or surpassed this impressive distance. The study excluded vehicles without a 2020 model year and those considered low volume.

Across all pickups examined, the average likelihood of any specific model reaching 200,000 miles was 2.6 percent. For light-duty trucks, this figure dipped to 1.9 percent, while heavy-duty pickups exhibited a higher average of 5.4 percent. For those pondering how many miles does a truck last, these statistics offer valuable insights.

Now, let’s explore the contenders for the title of the most reliable half-ton truck, the best truck of all time in terms of longevity. Which trucks can confidently claim the title of the longest truck? Do trucks last longer than cars on average? These are questions that many truck enthusiasts grapple with.

When considering trucks that last the longest, it’s essential to factor in various elements, including the best trucks for long distance driving. The focus is not just on immediate needs but on vehicles capable of enduring the test of time.

So, which trucks are the best for long distance driving or even living in? The quest for the best truck to live in often aligns with the search for trucks that last the longest. As the prices of pickups continue to rise, consumers are increasingly invested in finding the most durable and reliable options available in the market.

Given these findings and considerations, let’s delve into the pickups that stand out as the most probable candidates to reach the impressive milestone of 200,000 miles! The pursuit of the best truck, whether for immediate needs or long-term durability, is an enduring aspect of American automotive culture.

Longest-Lasting Midsize Trucks

The inception of the midsize truck class can be traced back to around 2004. During this period, conventional mini trucks like the Chevrolet S10 were phased out, paving the way for the evolution of renewed models such as the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, which grew in size. This transition marked the establishment of the midsize class.

Chevrolet Colorado – 0.8 Percent & GMC Canyon – 0.7 Percent

A puzzling anomaly emerges in the statistics for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, with a notably lower percentage that we can’t readily explain. It appears that owners of Colorado and Canyon trucks may not log as many miles as their counterparts with other midsize pickups. Despite GM outselling Honda’s Ridgeline—launched around the same time (2004 for Colorado and 2005 for Ridgeline)—the lower percentage remains a mystery. Speculation centers around the appeal of the first generation’s inline five-cylinder engine, but this remains speculative.

Nissan Frontier – 1.1 Percent

Nissan Frontier - 1.1 Percent

New to the list in 2020, the Nissan Frontier makes an appearance with a 1.1 percent likelihood of reaching significant mileage. With Nissan introducing a fresh Frontier to the market for the 2022 model year, there’s optimism that this model will continue its ascent in the rankings of longest-lasting trucks.

Toyota Tacoma – 2.8 Percent

Undisputedly reigning as the monarch of the midsize pickup class, the Toyota Tacoma consistently boasts higher annual sales than any other manufacturer. Given its popularity, it comes as no surprise that Tacomas frequently surpass the 200,000-mile mark, solidifying their reputation as the enduring champions in their category.

Honda Ridgeline – 3.4 Percent

In the context of this study, the Honda Ridgeline is classified as a truck. Notably, Honda outpaces all other auto manufacturers in terms of the percentage of vehicles reaching the 200,000-mile milestone in the year 2020.

Longest-Lasting Half-Ton Trucks

For over three decades, the half-ton truck has held the title of the best-selling vehicle in the United States. Given the enduring love for trucks among Americans and the increasing cost of these vehicles, it comes as no surprise that many are determined to keep these trucks in their families for as long as possible.

Ram 1500 – 1.2 Percent

The Ram 1500 presents a perplexing case in our research. Despite its heavier-duty counterparts, the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups, being most likely to achieve a million miles, the Ram 1500 surprisingly falls short of the 200,000-mile mark. The reasons behind this discrepancy remain speculative and warrant further exploration.

GMC Sierra 1500 – 1.8 Percent

In contrast, the GMC Sierra 1500 is often regarded as a luxury truck, standing out from the Silverado or F-150. This distinction results in fewer Sierra 1500s being utilized in fleets or on job sites, with owners primarily using them for recreational or lifestyle purposes, thereby accumulating fewer miles over their lifespan.

Ford F-150 – 2.0 Percent

The Ford F-150 has maintained its status as America’s best-selling pickup for over four decades. As a staple in service fleets nationwide, the F-150 consistently surpasses the 200,000-mile threshold, aligning with our theory regarding the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 2.1 Percent

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 outperforms its mechanically similar GMC Sierra 1500 counterpart by a significant margin. This difference is attributed to the prevalence of Silverado pickups on job sites and their frequent use by tradesmen who operate their trucks for extended periods.

Nissan Titan – 2.3 Percent

A newcomer to the list in 2020, the Nissan Titan emerges with a 2.3 percent likelihood of surpassing 200,000 miles. Introduced in 2004 and refreshed in 2016, these trucks are anticipated to see an increase in the percentage still on the road as they continue to age.

Toyota Tundra – 3.7 Percent

Toyota Tundra - 3.7 Percent

Leading the half-ton class, Toyota’s Tundra makes a notable leap with a 3.7 percent likelihood of enduring beyond 200,000 miles. Renowned for reliability, Toyota once again proves that its trucks, exemplified by the Tundra, stand out as lasting contenders in the pickup landscape.

Durable Heavy-Duty Trucks with Longevity

The backbone of the nation’s workforce, heavy-duty pickups are renowned for their robust construction, enduring the test of time and often surpassing a million miles before retirement. Although these trucks come with a hefty price tag, proper maintenance ensures a lifetime of service.

Ford F-450 Super Duty – 1.8 Percent

With presumably lower sales compared to other heavy-duty pickups, the Ford F-450 Super Duty sees fewer trades beyond 200,000 miles.

GMC Sierra 3500HD – 2.1 Percent

The lower position of the GMC Sierra 3500HD on the list is likely a consequence of its sales volume. While specific figures are unknown, it’s probable that GMC sells fewer Sierra 3500HD pickups than its 1-ton counterparts.

Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD – 3.8 Percent

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD experiences a notable drop in rankings, potentially influenced by either lower sales or owners holding onto these trucks for an extended period. Despite no reported reliability issues, the reason for this drop remains unclear.

GMC Sierra 2500HD – 4.5 Percent

The initial appearance of the GMC Sierra HD on the list is further down, possibly attributed to the trucks’ inclination towards luxury, leading to fewer fleet placements. It raises the question of whether these trucks fail to reach 200,000 miles or if owners simply prefer to retain them.

Ram 2500 Heavy Duty – 4.9 Percent

A significant descent from the top-ranking Ram 3500, the Ram 2500’s lower position may be attributed to owners retaining these trucks for more extended periods. Equipped with the same reliable Cummins diesel engines as their larger counterparts, the reason behind this trend remains a mystery.

Ford F-250 Super Duty – 5.2 Percent

Ford F-250 Super Duty

Expanding on our discussion about the F-350 Super Duty, we are intrigued by the future trajectory of these statistics. Initially, early Ford Super Duty pickups featuring the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine demonstrated remarkable reliability. However, the subsequent 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke engines fell short of expectations. The question remains: Will these percentages decrease with the dwindling sales of 7.3L trucks? Only time will provide an answer.

Ford F-350 Super Duty – 5.8 Percent

Ford dominates the pickup market with the F-150, and while Super Duty sales aren’t explicitly detailed, it’s reasonable to assume Ford leads in this category as well. Consequently, it’s unsurprising to witness a significant number of these trucks still operational after surpassing the 200,000-mile milestone.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – 6.7 Percent

This figure caught us off guard, not due to any specific reason, but simply because more half-ton versions of the Chevy Silverado HD have reached the 200,000-mile mark compared to their 1-ton counterparts.

Ram 3500 Heavy Duty – 8.4 Percent

The prominence of the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty at the pinnacle of this ranking doesn’t come as a shock. These trucks have consistently proven their durability, often surpassing a million miles, thanks primarily to their renowned Cummins diesel engines.

Conclusion

In the dynamic landscape of trucking and long-distance driving, the importance of efficient logistics cannot be overstated. This is where services like Logity Dispatch step in, offering a seamless solution to streamline the journey of these resilient trucks. As we celebrate the enduring legacy of pickup trucks and their ability to stand the test of time, Logity Dispatch complements this narrative by providing innovative dispatch solutions, ensuring that truck drivers have the best loads tailored for their needs. Contact us today to get the highest-rated loads and reliable document management!