If there’s an auto financing tool that has shaped how Americans drive their cars, leasing stands near the top of the list. For years, leasing has offered a way to enjoy higher-end or newer vehicles for monthly payments that are often hundreds less than financing a purchase.
Whether you’re a savvy urban commuter, a growing family or a tech enthusiast who values having the latest features, leasing can hold distinct advantages.
The appeal lies in the flexibility: terms generally last two to three years, with the option to trade up at lease end or purchase the car for a preset amount.
This path offers a straightforward route to new-car reliability and included warranty coverage, all within a manageable budget.
However, the decision to lease versus buy is more than just about payments. Some vehicles are leased far more often than purchased, and the reasons often include brand loyalty programs, attractive residual values and the cachet of well-loved models.
Understanding which cars and SUVs top America’s lease charts is a window into modern preferences, from compact SUVs and sleek sedans to full-size pickups.
For shoppers torn between leasing and buying outright, it’s also crucial to weigh each car’s MSRP, typical monthly lease terms, end-of-lease buyout price and related incentives.
Here’s a closer look at the ten most-leased vehicles in America right now, as well as what it would cost to buy each one if you chose to keep it after your lease.
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1. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has consistently ranked as one of the best-selling and most-leased vehicles in America, bringing together practicality, comfort and stellar resale value.
American families and commuters gravitate toward the CR-V for its blend of efficiency, roominess and reliability that’s hard to match.
The 2025 CR-V continues the tradition, available with refined gasoline and efficient hybrid powertrains, offering buyers flexibility without sacrificing everyday functionality.
Leasing a Honda CR-V remains popular due to Honda’s historically high residual values, which keep payments competitive.
As of August 2025, typical lease deals for the Honda CR-V LX with front-wheel drive feature monthly payments around $339 with approximately $3,500 due at signing for a standard 36-month lease.
These terms can vary depending on your region, chosen trim, and dealer offers, but many lessees find that the CR-V fits comfortably within a modest budget considering its feature set and the backing of Honda’s three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
For those looking to purchase this crossover outright, the base sticker price for a 2025 Honda CR-V LX starts at $30,000, not including taxes or dealership fees. Popular trims with additional features, such as the CR-V EX-L or Sport Hybrid can rise into the mid-$30,000s.
If you lease and then choose to buy the car at lease-end, you’ll pay the predetermined residual value. For current CR-V leases, this figure hovers near $19,500 to $23,500 depending on lease length, annual mileage and the vehicle’s trim level.
This option can appeal to drivers who want to keep a car they already know and appreciate, especially when resale value trends for the CR-V remain strong.
Factor in Honda’s positive reputation for long-term ownership, and the CR-V stands tall as a leader on both lease agreements and outright purchases.
2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 continues its streak as not just a perennial best-seller, but also a vehicle that dominates leasing charts across the United States.
Lauded for its reliability, versatility and strong safety credentials, the 2025 RAV4 maintains a modern edge with the latest infotainment, advanced driver-assist systems and hybrid options. It’s the primary choice for eco-conscious suburban families, city dwellers and those who appreciate a hassle-free ownership experience.
Lease incentives for the Toyota RAV4 are among the most competitive in the midsize SUV segment. Depending on your credit score and local offers, a standard 2025 RAV4 LE lease comes in at around $359 per month with $2,999 due at signing for 36 months.
Toyota’s high residual values help keep these payments attractive, limiting depreciation over your lease period. Optional trims such as the XLE Premium or Hybrid can push monthly payments slightly higher, but special promotional offers sometimes mitigate the added cost.
For those considering purchase, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE carries an MSRP of $31,000, with well-equipped models reaching upwards of $38,000.
At lease-end, lessees can buy out their RAV4 for approximately $19,800 to $24,000, with the actual figure determined by terms agreed at lease signing.
This buyout price can sometimes be a smart financial maneuver, especially if market values have surged or if you’ve taken exceptional care of your leased RAV4.
Toyota’s sterling reputation for durability, coupled with the RAV4’s high demand in both the new and used market, makes this a sound decision for those who decide to keep the crossover after their lease expires.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Full-size pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are essential to American lifestyles, supporting work crews, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The Silverado 1500’s broad lineup, from efficient turbocharged four-cylinder models to burly V8s, ensures that drivers can match their needs exactly.
Historically, trucks haven’t always been top choices for leasing due to fluctuating resale values, but the Silverado 1500 has bucked that trend lately thanks to new incentive programs and robust demand.
A typical 2025 Silverado 1500 can be leased for around $399 per month with approximately $3,900 due at signing for a 36-month, 10,000 miles per year lease.
These offers apply to base trims such as the WT (Work Truck) or Custom, though popular mid-grade models like the LT often run a bit higher. One big plus: many regions offer additional loyalty bonuses and incentives for both current Chevy owners and lessees, further sweetening the deal.
If ownership is more appealing, the Silverado 1500’s starting price sits at about $36,000 for a base two-wheel-drive WT, with LT and higher trims quickly stretching to $43,000 or more.
When leasing with an option to buy, the end-of-lease purchase price (residual value) commonly lands between $27,000 and $31,000, based on contract terms, initial trim, mileage restrictions and current market trends.
Ongoing popularity in the used truck market means buying out your Silverado can be a wise move, especially if its condition remains pristine and you’ve grown attached to its workhorse qualities.
4. Nissan Rogue
Competing head-to-head with other compact SUVs, the Nissan Rogue earns its spot on the most-leased list by appealing to budget-sensitive consumers seeking practical features and efficient engines. Its refined interior, generous cargo space and available all-wheel-drive make it an excellent family hauler and commuter.
On the leasing front, the 2025 Nissan Rogue S is typically offered for $309 per month with $3,499 due at signing over a standard 36-month lease. Special deals may occasionally lower upfront or monthly costs, particularly for returning Nissan customers.
Higher trims, such as the SV or SL with Extra Comfort and technology features, may push payments into the $330–$370 bracket.
Should you decide to purchase a Rogue outright, the entry-level S model’s base price starts at $29,500, while the SL and Platinum can approach $36,000 depending on installed options.
At the conclusion of your lease, expect a buyout price in the range of $17,000 to $21,500, subject to lease agreement and regional supply and demand.
Given the Rogue’s steady popularity among used-car shoppers, choosing to purchase at lease-end can provide a hassle-free transition to long-term ownership with known maintenance history.
5. BMW 3 Series
Luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series have long been go-to options for those who prioritize an engaging ownership experience, sporty character and advanced technology.
The 2025 3 Series remains one of the most commonly leased vehicles in the luxury category, in part due to high residual values and BMW’s consistent promotional incentives.
Monthly payments for a leased 330i typically land around $469 with $4,599 due at signing for a standard 36-month, 10,000 miles per year lease.
BMW also offers lease specials and loyalty cash programs that can further lower your monthly obligations depending on your region and dealer inventory.
For renters, one of the appeals of leasing a luxury car is the ability to trade up frequently to newer models with the latest features or performance software.
The purchase price for a BMW 330i starts at approximately $45,000, stretching to over $55,000 for M Performance trims or models with premium packages.
At lease’s end, you can expect a buyout price ranging from $27,000 to $32,000, determined by mileage, options and residual value negotiated at signing.
For drivers who cherish their BMW’s handling and features, this option can beat used-car lots on price and confidence, with the bonus of a car they’ve maintained from day one.
6. Honda Civic
Every generation of the Honda Civic seems to become a staple on U.S. lease and sales lists. Compact, fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient and affordable, the Civic appeals to a wide-ranging audience from students and first-time car buyers to families looking for a reliable commuter or second car.
A 2025 Honda Civic LX can typically be leased for about $279 per month with $3,399 due at signing, locked in for 36 months. Monthly and upfront costs increase slightly for EX, Sport and Touring models.
Honda’s lease incentives, backed by strong projected resale value, help keep Civic leases among the lowest-cost options for dependable transportation with modern tech.
Civic pricing for a standard LX sedan starts around $25,000 in 2025, though upper trims with turbocharged engines or the hatchback layout can top $32,000.
If buying out your lease, expect a residual value in the $14,800 to $18,900 range, highly dependent on the initial lease structure and contract mileage cap.
Given the Civic’s enduring reputation for longevity and excellent used-car demand, keeping your Civic at lease-end can make good financial sense, especially if the buyout undercuts local used-car pricing.
7. Toyota Tacoma
The midsize pickup segment has grown sharply, and the Toyota Tacoma remains its sales and leasing superstar. Renowned for durability, strong resale values and off-road capability, the Tacoma is a favorite not only among adventure-seekers but also for urban dwellers who want truck utility without full-size dimensions.
A typical lease on a 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR Access Cab 4×2 comes with monthly payments around $349 and $3,999 due at signing for 36 months.
Lease offers on four-wheel-drive variants and higher trims reach into the $389 and up range, depending on features and regional demand. Toyota often supports its truck line with compelling incentives, especially for returning customers.
The buyout, or purchase price, of a leased Tacoma at lease end generally ranges from $22,000 to $28,000. For those considering a new Tacoma outright, MSRPs start at $30,500 for the base SR, with top trims breaking $46,000.
High dependability means Tacomas retain value well above their segment average, so many lessees find buying out their truck an attractive path, particularly if they appreciate its proven robustness and low-cost ownership profile.
8. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Rugged yet refined, the Jeep Grand Cherokee finds fans among those seeking off-road prowess married with family comfort and upscale touches.
Leasing volumes have risen because Jeep’s elevated resale values and affordable leases provide a lower-risk path to high-end SUVs typically associated with steeper monthly costs.
For 2025, the base Grand Cherokee Laredo is offered at $499 per month with about $4,699 due at signing for a 36-month lease. Technology-focused models and trims such as the Limited or Summit Reserve command higher monthly outlays.
Jeep’s loyalty programs and competitive residuals mean that the Grand Cherokee often appears on lists of most-leased midsize SUVs.
The starting price for a 2025 Grand Cherokee Laredo is $41,500, while top trims soar to $68,000. Residual values for leases tend to fall between $26,000 and $32,500 when you reach lease-end, based on how much car you opted for, your contract terms and used-market trends.
Choosing to buy out your Grand Cherokee can be especially prudent if you value the precise safety, driving and off-road features that are bundled into your personalized build.
9. Mercedes-Benz GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has solidified its appeal as one of the most-leased luxury compact SUVs on the American market, blending style, performance and technology in a compact yet premium package.
Lessees are attracted to the GLC for its reputation, but also for the ability to drive a luxury SUV for less than it would cost to purchase outright.
In 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV lease starts around $579 per month with $4,799 due at signing for 36 months. This entry-level rate applies to standard equipment and rear-wheel-drive variants.
Opting for 4MATIC all-wheel-drive or AMG trims increases costs, with monthly rates climbing above $650 depending on configuration and add-ons. Mercedes frequently refreshes special offers to keep the GLC competitive in both lease and ownership pricing.
MSRP on a 2025 GLC 300 SUV is approximately $49,500, while well-equipped models cost significantly more.
After your lease, you’re generally presented with a purchase option in the range of $28,500 to $35,000, contingent on your lease’s terms and condition of the vehicle.
Mercedes’ excellent leasing program and high resale value give lessees a favorable path to keep their GLC, particularly if you find that your well-kept SUV is worth more on the open market than your budgeted buyout.
10. Ford F-150
It’s impossible to ignore the sheer force of the Ford F-150’s presence across U.S. parking lots and job sites. It leads new vehicle sales year after year, with a large slice of those owners choosing to lease for the flexibility and potential tax advantages, especially for business use.
Ford’s wide range of trims and options lets lessees spec trucks for everything from family comfort to heavy hauling.
For 2025, a Ford F-150 XL 4×2 can typically be leased for $449 per month with $3,999 due at signing for a 36-month term. Popular XLT and Lariat models, with more advanced features, have higher monthly payments but may benefit from incentives and loyalty offers.
Ford works hard to maintain F-150’s popularity through robust promotional deals and flexible leasing terms tailored to both retail and commercial clients.
If you want to buy a new F-150, base model pricing starts at $37,500, with the ever-popular XLT climbing to around $46,000 and luxury trims like the Platinum or Limited exceeding $76,000. Lease-end residual values are broadly set from $27,500 to $36,000.
Thanks to the F-150’s position as a resale standout in the truck market, purchasing at lease end can guarantee value, especially if you’ve outfitted it for your unique needs or kept it in impressive condition.
The leasing market in America closely follows national preferences for utility, reliability and features. Each of these ten most-leased vehicles offers something distinct, whether it’s tech-savvy interiors, a bulletproof reputation, or versatile capability.
The difference in cost between leasing and buying outright isn’t just a matter of math it’s about how a driver envisions their relationship with a vehicle over the years, factoring in maintenance, flexibility and the security of a well-structured contract. For many, the leasing journey ends right where it began: by choosing to keep a car that fits just right.
Leasing has become a fundamental part of how Americans approach car ownership, offering modern drivers a flexible alternative to traditional purchasing.
Rather than tying up capital or committing to long-term financing, leasing enables users to drive the latest models for lower monthly payments and without worrying about long-term depreciation.
The conversation highlighted the top ten most-leased vehicles in the United States and provided context around current lease rates, typical terms, and the costs to buy each model outright or at the end of a lease.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 lead the leasing charts, both favored for their blend of reliability, practical features, and strong resale value.
These compact SUVs are popular with families and city dwellers alike, thanks to their reasonable base prices, competitive lease deals, and well-earned reputations for longevity.
Monthly lease payments for these models typically range between $339 and $359, with the option at lease end to purchase the vehicle at a residual price often significantly below market value. Their enduring popularity in both the new and used car markets makes buying out a lease a financially sound move for many consumers.
Pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 also rank highly for leases, reflecting America’s special relationship with utility vehicles. These models offer versatile options for both work and personal use.
Lease deals tend to be structured to accommodate both individual and commercial users, with monthly payments between $399 and $449 for base trims. Buying these trucks at the end of a lease offers notable savings, particularly since they retain impressive resale values.
Luxury vehicles, including the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz GLC, illustrate how leasing can make premium models more accessible.
High residual values and manufacturer incentives keep lease payments reasonable, allowing drivers to experience advanced technology and performance for less than an outright purchase. Monthly leases for these models land between $469 and $579, and buyout options post-lease can appeal to those who prefer a car they’ve maintained personally.
The Nissan Rogue and Honda Civic are staples among value-focused drivers, offering unbeatable reliability and affordable payments.
Lease terms on these vehicles are among the lowest on the market, making them a strong option for commuters, first-time buyers, and families looking for dependable transportation. Their enduring popularity is reflected in strong resale values and leasing incentives that benefit both new and returning customers.
The Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Grand Cherokee cater to those seeking capability and ruggedness. Both models offer competitive lease programs, making it easy for adventure seekers and families to experience the latest features. Their buyout prices and solid resale reputations provide further assurance for long-term value.
Across all categories, these ten vehicles underscore several critical factors when considering leasing: competitive monthly and upfront costs, strong residual values, robust manufacturer incentives, and the option to buy at the end of the lease.
For many, this path delivers new-car reliability, warranty coverage, and reduced financial risk, while still offering the flexibility to keep a well-loved vehicle.
The continued popularity of these models on the American lease market reflects broad national preferences for practicality, efficiency, comfort, and versatility.
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