One of the yardsticks for a vehicle’s reliability is if it can reach 200,000 miles over its lifetime. While paying close attention to vehicle maintenance, recalls, and driving style can help a car last longer, some brands are more dependable than others. iSeeCars recently conducted a study to see which vehicles will surpass the 200,000-mile mark. In the end, Toyota and General Motors (GM) claimed all but one of the top 10 spots. 

How did iSeeCars determine its stats?

iSeeCars analyzed more than two million cars on the road between January and October 2022. The automotive search engine selected vehicles produced and sold for at least 10 of the past 20 years. All vehicles must have been in production as of the 2020 model year.

At least 2.5 percent of each of the 20 models achieved at least 200,000 miles, iSeeCars found. The top one percent, though, reached 230,000 miles. In the sedans and hatchbacks section, the top two were the Toyota Avalon and the Chevrolet Impala.

What’d the one serious advantage the Toyota Avalon has over the Chevrolet Impala?

Toyota had three models in the top-ten sedans that achieved over 200,000 miles. The Avalon beat out the ever-dependable Camry and Corolla. Japanese brands dominated not only the sedan and hatchback list—nine out of 10 entries—but everything else.

The Chevrolet Impala represented the lone non-Japanese brand sedan or hatchback that could be driven more than 200,000 miles. However, GM cleaned up well in the pickup trucks and SUVs sections.

Chevrolet’s Impala ranked second on iSeeCars’ list, with the top one percent of models achieving an average of 230,343 miles. While that is an impressive number of hard-earned miles, it couldn’t beat the top spot. With a potential lifespan of 245,710 miles, the Toyota Avalon is number one. An extra 15,000 miles is a big jump—enough for five trips across the United States.

What does the Toyota Avalon bring to the table?

Pitched as a slightly larger and upmarket Camry, the Toyota Avalon provides a Lexus-spec interior and comfort at a lower price point. The roomy, lavish interior is centered with a nine-inch user-friendly infotainment system and has an abundance of standard safety features.

The Avalon accelerates promptly with its 301-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, but it also nets decent gas mileage. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, but the optional hybrid gets much more. Edmunds says the hybrid version is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor providing a blended 215 hp. The large sedan’s EPA-estimated fuel economy is 43 mpg or 44 mpg combined, depending on the trim level.

Toyota killed off the Avalon in August 2022; unfortunately, the all-wheel drive and TRD models were dumped last year. But shoppers can pick up a base model for $36,375. Higher-priced trim levels will fetch a little over $43,000.

How does the Chevrolet Impala match up?

The Impala was cut from Chevrolet’s lineup in 2020 as the company focused more on sportscars, SUVs, and hybrids. U.S. News commented that the 2020 Impala “does most things well,” with a well-appointed cabin and comfortable ride. The base Impala LT trim came with a comparable kit to the Avalon, including a bevy of standard safety features.

Slightly besting the Avalon on performance figures, the Impala came with a powerful 3.6-liter V6. The engine provided 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Like the Avalon, the Impala came in front-wheel-drive only. However, the Impala didn’t give consumers great fuel economy. The EPA estimated 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. For those with E85-burning engines, the figure drops to 16 mpg combined. Chevrolet also didn’t offer a hybrid-powered Impala.

Edmunds shows that a good-condition 2020 Chevrolet Impala can be picked up starting at $21,000. The higher-priced Premier trim level can be had for just a few thousand more.

Is the Toyota Avalon a better buy than the Chevrolet Impala?

In its last year of production, Chevrolet dropped the base LS trim and optioned every Impala better than many large sedans. Although it has a comfortable feel inside and a strong engine, its lack of fuel efficiency is a big letdown.

The only negative with the Avalon is the limited headroom for the tallest drivers and passengers. However, it seems to be on the back burner for many as there’s no other reason to dislike the sedan. Given its Lexus feel for a Toyota price, upscale cabin, and excellent fuel economy, the Avalon stands out as the better pick.