The Cheapest SUVs to Lease: A U.S. Guide for September 2025

Leasing an SUV is an increasingly popular choice for U.S. drivers who want the versatility and space of a sport-utility vehicle without the long-term commitment and high monthly payments of a traditional auto loan. A great lease deal allows you to drive a brand-new, reliable vehicle, covered by the factory warranty, for a low, predictable monthly cost. The key to securing these deals lies in identifying models that combine a low price with a high residual value. Automakers often offer special subsidized deals with low interest rates and attractive terms to move inventory, creating fantastic opportunities for savvy shoppers. This guide breaks down how to find these deals and highlights some of the cheapest SUVs to lease on the market right now.

How to Find the Best SUV Lease Deals

Finding a great lease deal requires looking beyond the advertised monthly payment. A cheap lease is the result of a specific formula: a low capitalized cost (the negotiated price of the car), a high residual value (the predicted value of the car at the end of the lease), and a low money factor (the interest rate). Your first step should always be to research national and regional lease incentives offered by the manufacturer. These are often found on their official websites. You should also understand that the best deals are typically reserved for lessees with excellent credit (a score of 720 or higher). Before you start shopping, it's wise to know your credit score to see if you'll qualify for the top-tier offers.

Leasing Term What It Means How It Affects Your Payment
Capitalized Cost The negotiated price of the vehicle. This is the single biggest factor you can control. A lower capitalized cost directly translates to a lower monthly payment. Always negotiate the price as if you were buying.
Residual Value The predicted value of the SUV at the end of the lease term, expressed as a percentage of the MSRP. A higher residual value means lower monthly payments because you are financing less of the car's depreciation.
Money Factor The interest rate on the lease, expressed as a small decimal (e.g., .00250). A lower money factor means you pay less in financing charges. You can multiply it by 2400 to see the equivalent APR.
Cap Cost Reduction A down payment. It lowers your monthly payment but is not recommended. If the car is stolen or totaled, you will not get your down payment back. It's better to make no down payment.

Top Cheapest SUV Lease Deals for September 2025

Lease deals change monthly, but the following models consistently offer excellent value due to strong manufacturer support and high residual values. These are the vehicles where you are most likely to find the best deals this month.

2025 Hyundai Venue: The Venue is often a contender for the absolute cheapest lease on the market. While classified as an SUV, it's a compact, city-friendly crossover with a focus on value. Its low MSRP is the primary driver of its affordable lease payments. Hyundai frequently offers deals that require very little due at signing, making it an accessible option for those on a tight budget who need the practicality of a new, warrantied vehicle.

2025 Kia Soul: With its unmistakable boxy style, the Kia Soul provides a massive amount of interior and cargo space for its small footprint. This practicality, combined with a low starting price and Kia's aggressive lease incentives, makes it a perennial favorite for budget shoppers. Its high residual value, thanks to its popularity and reliability, helps keep the monthly payments exceptionally low.

2025 Chevrolet Trax: The redesigned Chevy Trax is a game-changer in the small SUV segment. It offers a much larger and more stylish package than its predecessor, with a roomy interior and sleek looks, all while maintaining a very low starting price. GM often promotes the Trax with highly competitive lease offers to attract new buyers to the brand, making it a top contender for the cheapest lease title.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek has a loyal following for a reason. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, boasts excellent safety scores, and has an exceptionally high residual value, which is a key ingredient for a cheap lease. While its monthly payment might be slightly higher than some front-wheel-drive rivals, the value of getting standard AWD for a minimal cost makes it a standout deal, especially for those in snowy climates.

2025 Honda HR-V: The HR-V benefits from Honda's reputation for reliability and strong resale values. This translates directly into favorable lease terms. It offers a comfortable, high-quality interior and a smooth, refined driving experience. Honda's lease deals are typically very competitive, especially on the base LX trim, providing an affordable entry point into the brand's well-regarded SUV lineup.

Don't Forget About Insurance Costs

One crucial aspect of leasing that many people overlook is the insurance requirement. A lease agreement is not the same as owning a car outright. Because the leasing company (the lessor) technically owns the vehicle, they will contractually require you to carry higher levels of insurance than your state's legal minimum. Typically, you will be required to have liability limits of at least 100/300/50 ($100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage). You will also be required to carry both collision and comprehensive coverage with a deductible of no more than $1,000. Before you sign any lease, you must get an insurance quote for the specific vehicle with these higher limits, as the cost will be a significant part of your total monthly transportation expense.

Key Takeaways