The Most Expensive American Car to Maintain

The most expensive American vehicle to maintain in real-world ownership is typically a heavy-duty pickup—most notably the Ram 3500 (especially with the Cummins diesel). If you limit the field to mainstream passenger vehicles, luxury full-size SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator generally lead the pack in maintenance and repair costs. Below is a deeper look at why these models top the lists and how the data is assessed.

How “Most Expensive to Maintain” Is Determined

Maintenance cost rankings combine scheduled service (fluids, filters, tires, brakes) and unscheduled repairs (failures outside routine service), usually measured across a long horizon—five to ten years—and adjusted for mileage. Independent trackers such as CarEdge, RepairPal, Edmunds TCO, and fleet service histories inform these comparisons, alongside parts pricing and labor-hour estimates.

Why Heavy-Duty Trucks and Luxury SUVs Dominate

The reasons are part mechanical, part behavioral: heavy-duty trucks are engineered for towing and hauling—stresses that accelerate wear—while luxury SUVs layer on complex technology and larger, pricier components. The combination drives up both routine and unexpected costs over time.

Below are the key factors that push certain American models to the top of the maintenance-cost charts.

• Component size and weight: Larger rotors, calipers, tires, and driveline parts cost more to replace and wear faster under load.
• Diesel-specific service: High-pressure fuel systems, emissions aftertreatment (DEF, DPF, SCR), and additional filters raise parts and labor bills on heavy-duty diesels.
• Towing and payload: Frequent heavy use shortens service intervals for brakes, tires, fluids, and suspension bushings.
• Advanced tech and luxury features: Air suspension, magnetic dampers, power running boards, massaging seats, and complex infotainment add failure points and diagnostic time.
• 4WD/AWD complexity: Transfer cases, front differentials, and additional half-shafts introduce more maintenance items and potential repairs.

Taken together, these factors explain why a Ram 3500 used for work or an Escalade loaded with tech can outstrip the upkeep of smaller sedans or crossovers—often by a wide margin.

The Leaders: Models Most Likely to Cost You More

While exact rankings vary by source and configuration, the following American vehicles consistently appear at or near the top for total maintenance and repair costs over a long ownership horizon.

1. Ram 3500 (especially Cummins diesel): The poster child for high upkeep thanks to diesel emissions systems, heavy-duty brakes and tires, and severe-use service cycles.
2. Ram 2500 (gas and diesel): Similar story to the 3500, with slightly lower payloads and costs but still among the highest in the American market.
3. Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV: Luxury tech density, large wheel/tire packages, air suspensions on many trims, and premium parts pricing elevate lifetime costs.
4. Lincoln Navigator: Comparable to the Escalade, with intricate electronics, large brakes, and expensive suspension components.
5. Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL (High trims): Lower than Escalade/Navigator on average, but still high due to size, towing, and optional magnetic ride/air systems.

Exotics and ultra–low-volume models (e.g., Ford GT) can exceed these costs on a per-service basis, but due to scarce public data and low annual mileage, most ownership-cost trackers focus on mainstream vehicles; within that universe, heavy-duty trucks and luxury SUVs lead.

Context From Major Trackers

What the Data Shows

Brand and model-level estimates from CarEdge and RepairPal consistently place Ram’s heavy-duty lineup at the top of American maintenance and repair costs over 10 years, owing to both parts prices and use cases. Among passenger vehicles, Cadillac’s Escalade and Lincoln’s Navigator routinely rank highest for total cost of ownership, with large brake jobs, premium tires, and complex suspension/electronics frequently cited as big-ticket items.

Caveats and Variables

Maintenance costs vary widely with mileage, use (towing vs. commuting), drivetrain (diesel vs. gas), trim (air suspension vs. conventional), climate, and adherence to service schedules. A lightly used gas-powered 2500 could cost less than a heavily worked diesel 1500; likewise, an Escalade without air suspension may be cheaper to maintain than a fully optioned twin.

Ownership Tips to Mitigate Costs

If you own—or plan to own—one of these high-cost models, targeted choices can significantly reduce your long-term outlays.

• Spec wisely: Gas engines and simpler suspensions reduce future parts and labor bills; smaller wheel diameters cut tire costs.
• Stick to severe-duty schedules when towing: Timely fluid changes (transmission, diffs, transfer case) prevent costly failures.
• Shop parts strategically: OEM is best for certain components, but reputable aftermarket options can trim costs on brakes and suspension.
• Monitor tires and alignment: These vehicles are hard on rubber; regular rotations and alignments extend life and protect steering/suspension.
• Consider extended coverage selectively: For air suspensions or complex electronics, a well-priced, transparent warranty can pay for itself.

None of these steps eliminates the inherent cost of running big, complex vehicles, but they help keep expenses predictable and avoid preventable repairs.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the single most expensive American “car” to maintain in everyday ownership, it’s usually a heavy-duty pickup like the Ram 3500—especially in diesel form. Among traditional passenger vehicles, the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator most often claim the top spots. Your specific costs will hinge on configuration, usage, and maintenance discipline, but the hierarchy remains consistent across major cost trackers.

Summary

Heavy-duty American pickups—led by the Ram 3500—are generally the most expensive to maintain due to diesel emissions systems, heavy components, and severe-duty use. Among passenger vehicles, luxury full-size SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator typically incur the highest maintenance and repair bills, driven by size, premium parts, and complex technology.

What is the hardest car to maintain?

If you have one of the cars below, we recommend either spending thousands on repairs with specialty mechanics or getting rid of it entirely!

• The MINI Cooper.
• Renault Le Car.
• Toyota MR2.
• Nissan 300ZX.
• Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser.

Which luxury car is the cheapest to maintain?

The Tesla Model Y and models from Lexus and Acura are among the least expensive luxury cars to maintain over the first 10 years. While luxury brands like Tesla offer lower repair costs, the initial purchase price and the long-term cost of electric vehicle-specific components like batteries should also be considered. 
Brands with Low Maintenance Costs

• Tesla: Opens in new tabAccording to CarEdge data from 2025, Tesla has the lowest maintenance costs among luxury brands. 
• Lexus: Opens in new tabThe luxury division of Toyota, Lexus has a reputation for durability, making its models like the ES series a strong contender for affordable long-term ownership. 
• Acura: Opens in new tabAnother brand with a reputation for reliability, Acura models, like the TLX, are known for their low maintenance and repair costs. 
• Genesis: Opens in new tabGenesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, is also recognized for offering lower maintenance expenses compared to other luxury brands. 

Specific Models to Consider

• Tesla Model Y: Opens in new tabThis electric SUV rounds out the top three luxury vehicles with low repair costs, according to Yahoo Finance. 
• Lexus ES: Opens in new tabThe Lexus ES, especially hybrid models like the ES 300h, offers exceptional value with high fuel economy and low maintenance expenses over its lifespan, says Yahoo Finance. 
• Acura TLX: Opens in new tabWith a base of Honda’s highly reliable Accord, the TLX is known for its sturdy build and lower costs compared to other luxury sedans, reports Top Speed. 

Factors to Consider

• Brand Reputation: Brands with a strong reputation for durability and reliability, like Lexus and Acura, often have lower maintenance costs. 
• Shared Platforms: Some luxury brands, such as Lexus and Acura, utilize platforms from their mainstream counterparts (Toyota and Honda, respectively), which contributes to their reliability and lower repair bills. 
• EV Components: While Tesla’s overall maintenance costs are low, the long-term cost of electric vehicle-specific components, such as battery replacements, should be factored into the total cost of ownership. 

Which car has the highest maintenance?

20 Most Expensive Cars to Maintain

• BMW X3.
• Ram 1500. 10-Year Cost: $17,677.
• BMW X2. 10-Year Cost: $17,602.
• BMW X1. 10-Year Cost: $17,516.
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport. 10-Year Cost: $16,989.
• Land Rover Range Rover Velar. 10-Year Cost: $16,755.
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class. 10-Year Cost: $16,561.
• Porsche Panamera. 10-Year Cost: $16,531.

What is the most expensive car to maintain?

The Bentley Bentayga is the most expensive car to maintain, with projected 10-year costs of over $27,000, followed closely by other luxury European brands like Porsche and Land Rover, which also appear frequently on lists of high-cost maintenance. These costs are driven by complex engineering, the premium pricing of specialized parts, and the labor rates at authorized dealerships for these high-performance vehicles.
 
Factors contributing to high maintenance costs:

• Complex Engineering: Luxury and performance vehicles often feature intricate technology and high-performance components that are expensive to repair or replace. 
• Premium Parts: Parts for these specialized cars are not mass-produced and come with a premium price tag, making repairs costly. 
• Labor Costs: High-end vehicles require specialized technicians, leading to higher labor rates at authorized service centers. 
• Brand Reputation: German and British luxury brands, in particular, have a reputation for requiring significant maintenance over their lifespan. 

Examples of high-maintenance vehicles:

• Bentley Bentayga: Opens in new tabListed as the most expensive luxury car to maintain over a decade. 
• Porsche: Opens in new tabThe brand as a whole is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive to maintain due to the high costs associated with its high-performance engines and specialized components. 
• Land Rover: Opens in new tabKnown for its complex luxury SUVs and a reputation for reliability issues, making parts and labor expensive. 
• Mercedes-Benz: Opens in new tabA high-end luxury brand where even routine repairs like brakes or sensors can cost double that of a mainstream vehicle. 
• BMW: Opens in new tabProne to electrical issues and oil leaks, which, combined with high part costs, contribute to its high long-term ownership expenses. 

How to avoid high maintenance costs:

• Research: Consider maintenance costs as part of the total ownership cost when buying a car, not just the purchase price. 
• Choose Wisely: For those on a budget, it’s best to avoid performance luxury brands and opt for more mainstream models known for lower maintenance costs.