The best offers for leasing SUVs for September 2021 (2023)

Continuously missingnew cars and trucksmeans that just finding the right car or truck can be just as challenging as finding an attractive leasing deal. Still, it's worth knowing what the best deals are for leasing SUVs and crossovers in September 2021.

September marks the beginning of the traditional change of model year. This is the time of year when many car brands would normally increase their discounts on last year's models, in September and October. This year would be 2021 to make way for 2022.

Model year changes are underway, but discounts are missing on average due to a lack of inventory, analysts say. Nick Woolard, senior director of manufacturer and partner analysis at TrueCar, estimates that inventory of new vehicles for sale will be around 78% in 2021 and 20% in 2022. However, he said overall inventory is about a third of what it was in 2019. , before Covid.

Computerwithout chipsit spared no car brand and seems to have hit domestic brands harder. Because of the temporaryproduction stoppage, many domestic models are missing.

There are no domestics on this month's list of the best rental deals, with the exception of 2021.Chevrolet Trax. This was also the only exception last month. With their biggerSmall SUVssupply and high demand, there is no reason for Ford, General Motors and Stellantis to lease with them.

Another list:

1.Hyundai Kona EV iz 2021

Average grade:

• Average Suggested Retail Sales $42,783.33;
• Average best monthly rental payment $303.21 (captured)

Why we chose it:

Market Scan lists three versions of the Hyundai Kona in its top 20 rental deals for this month, led by the Hyundai Kona Electric (EV) no. rent payment of about $300. Others not in the top 10 are the 2022 Hyundai Kia Electric and the 2021 Hyundai Kona combustion engine. Click here to read our reviewelectric Hyundai Kona.

advantages:

• Estimated range of 258 miles on a full charge, based on Hyundai's internal testing
• federaltax benefitsup to $7,500 plus possible additional government incentives.
• No scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first

Against:

• Available only at dealers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.
• The facelifted Hyundai Kona EV is now on sale for the 2022 model year, with a different front-end styling, making the 2021 models obsolete. On the other hand, according to Market Scan. the best average monthly rental price in 2022 is more than $100 higher than in 2021.

2. 2020 Kia Niro EV

Average grade:

• Average Suggested Retail Sales $42,960.00;
• Average Best Monthly Lease Payment $322.83 (Captured)

Why we chose it:

Between different model years and different powertrains, Market Scan lists five versions separatelyBudi niroamong the 10 best offers for rent. They are listed here together to save space. Besides that2021 Niro EV,ostali su Kia Niro EV 2022 i Kia Niro 2020, 2021 i 2022Hybryda plug-in. Similar to a fully equipped electric vehicle, the battery of a plug-in hybrid is charged by plugging it into an outlet. Unlike the "traditional" hybrid, which is charged with a gasoline engine and recovers part of the energy used during braking. Click here to read our reviewKia Niro EV.

advantages:

• The Kia Niro EV qualifies for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits, and many government incentives are available.
• Estimated EV range of 239 miles on a full charge, based on internal Hyundai testing. Across all model years, electric vehicle sales more than quadrupled to 967 units in August compared to August 2020, according to Motor Intelligence.
• TheKia Niro plug-in hibridit has an estimated range of 560 miles, with a fully charged battery and a full tank of fuel, and qualifies for a $4,543 federal tax credit, according to Kia. Plug-in hybrid sales totaled just 150 units in August, down 37% from August 2021. Year-to-date through August, sales rose 81% to 2,324 units, according to Motor Intelligence.

Against:

• Pure electric range for the plug-in hybrid is just 26 miles. Gasoline engine starts at high acceleration or when the battery is empty.
• If possible where you live, it is better to have a 240V charging station installed in your home to charge your electric car. The plug-in hybrid can be charged with ordinary electricity from the home network. It's slow, and a home charger speeds it up a lot, but it's potentially possible. For a fully equipped electric vehicle, ordinary household electricity would be too slow to be practical for most people who use their electric vehicle on a daily basis.
• Kia offers electric cars only at select dealers, with limited availability in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington.

3. Hybryda plug-in Mitsubishi Outlander 2020

Average grade:

• Average suggested retail sales of $40,190;
• Average best monthly lease payment $378.94 (captured)

Why we chose it:

Market Scan evaluates all threeMitsubishi Outlander model yearThe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is currently offered in the top 10 monthly lease deals with very little difference between the ratings, based on monthly fee versus sticker price. Although the 2020 model is the best rated, it is worth consideringnewer modelsfor a little more per month. In 2021, the average MSRP is $39,956.67 and the average best monthly lease payment is $381.46. In 2022, they amount to $40,356.67, or $392.05. Click here to read our reviewMitsubishi OutlanderPHEV.

advantages:

• $5,836 Federal Tax Credit (2020 model)
• New control panel with digital display.
• 4WD at the push of a button

Against:

• 2021 and 2022 models get a larger federal tax incentive of $6,587.
• The 2020 model has a shorter all-electric range of 22 miles, compared to 24 miles for your 2021.
• All three models become lame ducks when a new redesign arrives in the second half of 2022 with more power and range, likely as a 2023 model.

4. Chevrolet Trax 2022

average grade

• Average suggested retail sales of $23,805
• Average best monthly lease payment $238.83 (captured)

Why we chose it

The 2022 Chevy Trax will get a new, more powerful version of the four-cylinder turbo engine in the 2021 model year. Market research also identified the 2021 Chevy Trax as the best leasing deal — just below the 2022 model and just outside the top ten. Mathematically speaking, the offers are similar for both model years. That makes the 2022 model a better deal when it comes to upgrades. In 2021, the average suggested retail price is $24,045; average best monthly rental payment, $241.75. Click here to read our reviewChevrolet Trax.

advantages:

• Accessible
• Comfortable interior, at least in the front.
• An infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen is part of the standard equipment.

Against:

• The 2021 model lacks the 2022 model's 155 hp engine, down from the 2021 model year's 138.

5.2021 Honda HR-V

Average grade:

• Average suggested retail sales of $26,175
• Average best monthly lease payment $264.44 (captured)

Why we chose it:

The Honda HR-V is Honda's entry-level model for the American market. The 2022 model went on sale in July. That makes the 2021 model an "old" model, but the features and content are carried over from the 2021 model, so in that regard, leasing an older model isn't a big deal. HR-V sales were up 26% in August compared to August 2020, according to Honda of America. HR-V sales set a record in August for the seventh consecutive month, the company announced. Since the beginning of the year, HR-V sales have increased by 73% through August. Click here to read our reviewHonda HR-V.

advantages:

• Affordable. MSRP for the base model starts at $22,140, ​​including $1,120 destination, but this total does not include tax, licensing, registration, dealer fees and options, which are included in the market scan calculation.
• Higher trim levels (only) get a suite of safety features the company calls Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation with forward collision warning, a lane keeping system and more.
• Wide range of price, trim and equipment levels, including front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Against:

• Entry-level models lack some of the better, high-tech safety features, though the Honda brand scores well in terms of safety even without all the caveats.

6. Toyota Venza from 2021

Average grade:

• Average suggested retail sales of $37,265
• Average Best Monthly Lease Payment $381.06 (Captured)

Why we chose it:

2021toyota venzais more of a tall wagon than a crossover-slash-SUV, but Toyota considers it a crossover. It's all-new for the 2021 model year. TheThe Toyota Venza is equipped exclusively with a hybridpowertrain and Toyota's advanced electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, which uses electric motors to drive the rear wheels. It has a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and three electric motors. Click here to read our reviewtoyota venza.

advantages:

• Estimated mileage 40 mpg city / 37 mpg highway.
• Safety features include advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic braking to avoid pedestrians and bicycles as well as other vehicles.
• Styling, if you like your crossover combinations.

Against:

• Between the hybrid setup and four-wheel drive, the powertrain is really complex - although Toyota insists its hybrid technology is "proven". It certainly is, because the Toyota Prius is the leader in the category of hybrid vehicles.

7. Toyota Highlander from 2021

Average grade:

• Average suggested retail sales of $43,754
• Average best monthly lease payment $449.18 (captured)

Why we chose it:

TheToyota Highlander, now in its fourth generation, has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year, based on a new vehicle platform called the Toyota New Global Architecture. It is shared with the Toyota Sienna minivan, the Toyota Venza crossover (above), the Toyota RAV4 small crossoverutility vehicle(below) and the Toyota Avalon sedan. Click here to read our reviewToyota Highlander.

advantages:

• Toyota's new exterior design with a large grille
• Toyota calls the safety features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, while some other models still have version 2.0.
• A sportier (optional) trim and equipment package called XSE Grade with specially tuned electric power steering and tuned suspension.

Against:

• The huge front fascia - actually two giant grilles, upper and lower - won't appeal to everyone, but big grilles are all the rage, and not just at Toyota.

8. Toyota RAV4 Prime iz 2021

Average grade:

• Average suggested retail sales $40,937.50
• Average best monthly lease payment $419.40 (captured)

Why we chose it:

Toyota says the 2021 RAV4 Primehybryda plug-inis the fastest four-door model in Toyota's lineup from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. (Even faster: Supra with two doors.) Fifth generationToyota RAV4on sale December 2018 for petrol models. Traditional hybrids debuted in March 2019, followed by a plug-in hybrid last year. Market research also ranks the 2021 Toyota RAV4 gasoline engine among the top 20 leasing deals, placing it just belowToyota RAV4 Prime iz 2021.

advantages:

• Performance: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime generates a total of 302 hp between the 176 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and battery power. The only faster Toyota is the SupraA sports car.
• Toyota claims a segment-leading all-electric range of 42 miles on battery power.
• Standard four-wheel drive is engaged when the electric motor drives the rear wheels as needed, for example when accelerating from a standstill, in corners and on slippery surfaces.

Against:

• It's expensive for a RAV4 (before tax credit).
• * A "traditional" all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid starts under $30,000, but is also less powerful.
• Some dealers mark the RAV4 Prime up to several thousand dollars above retail price.

9. 2022 Kia Telluride

Average grade:

• Average suggested retail price $39,352.50;
• Average best monthly rental payment $408.96 (not for personal use)

Why we chose it:

Sales are growing to the greatest extent this yearWhat ever, what Telluride, although sales fell 3% in August compared to the previous year. This is probably due to a shortage in the industrynew cars, due to the lack of computer chips. Kia America says it sold 74% of its available inventory in August -- including all models, not just the Telluride. From the beginning of the year to August, Kia Telluride sales increased by 63%. The Kia Telluride first went on sale in February 2019. Click here for our reviewKia Telluride. It is a unique SUV.

advantages:

• New for 2021, the Nightfall Edition has an impressive and aggressive look.
• It looks bigger than it is.
• Cheap for its size and features.

Against:

• Because it's in such high demand, it can be difficult to find the exact model you want.

10. 2021 Mazda CX-9

Average grade:

• Average Suggested Retail Sales $41,062.78;
• Average best monthly lease payment $428.40 (captured)

Why we chose it:

Mazda CX-9 is a three-row,a mid-sized crossover SUV. The 2021 model gets a facelift with tech upgrades like a new standard 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. TheMazda CX-9is a strong seller for the brand, with year-on-year sales up around 50% through July, but Mazda is a relatively small brand, so you're unlikely to see yourself coming and going in one.

advantages:

• Mazda is a relatively small, unusual brand, so Mazda can stand out from the crowd.
• Newer Mazda models like the CX-9 come in eye-catching, bright colors (some of which come at extra cost).
• Updated interior and exterior styling including an optional blacked-out Carbon Edition.

Against:

• All-wheel drive is optional
• Some cool colors are charged extra and can only be ordered with exclusive finishes and features. That is not so unusual incar industry.
• The next-generation CX-9 is expected next year, which means you're hiring a near-orphan, though many enthusiasts say the sportiest midsize SUV doesn't have a name.BMW.

Methodology:

Market Scan Information Systems Inc., Camarillo, Calif., identifies the best rental deals by constantly scanning the current market and comparing the best average monthly rental payment it can find to the average suggested retail price for that model. Monthly payment for market scanning includes all options, taxes and trader fees. Therefore, it may not be as low as advertised rental specialsseller and manufacturerwebsites that typically do not include taxes or fees and may be designed for a simplified model that lacks popular options. All of these factors would be used to increase your actual monthly payment. The market scan also assumes: a 36-month lease period; cash contribution from buyers of 5% of proposed retail sales; and highest credit score of 720. Offers may vary by region and are subject to change without notice. Translation: Market scan numbers are higherandare closer to what customers actually pay.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Isn't leasing only for luxury cars?

Luxury cars— and trucks — are overrepresented, but no, leasing is also for mass brands. In absolute terms, Honda has the largest share of the US new vehicle leasing market at about 14%, and leasing accounts for approximately 39% of Honda's new vehicle volume, according to Experian Automotive. By contrast, leasing accounts for 62% of BMW's new vehicle volume, Experian said.

Why are luxury brands 'overrepresented'?

This makes sense because leasing allows you to finance more cars for the same money or the same car for less money. Leasing is also suitable for someone who wants a new vehicle every three years and doesn't mind making continuous car payments. Do not forget that with leasing, instead of borrowing the entire amount, as with a loan, the leasing client finances only the initial cost, minus the remaining value. This means the estimated value of the vehicle at the end of the lease. The downside is that the buyer is not the owner of the car. A permanent car allowance is charged. But "more cars for the same money" and "aa new car every three yearsHe also appeals to the poor.

Can clients with unstable credit history get leasing?

Definitely yes, but it's less common. That's partly because car lenders are picky about leasing approvals (more so than when the same vehicle is being sold and financed), and partly it's self-selection - the part about making constant car payments. According to Experian, in the second quarter of 2021, buyers with credit scores of 660 or lower accounted for approximately 17% of new leases. The vast majority of them were in the 601-660 range, which Experian calls the "non-prime" subcategory. Many other lenders refer to this as "almost prime".