When it comes to choosing a new SUV or crossover, the options can be overwhelming. With so many models vying for your attention, how do you decide which one offers the best value, especially when it comes to leasing? In this article, we take a close look at five popular SUV/crossovers on the market today: the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Preferred AWD with the Trend Package, the 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line AWD, the 2024 Nissan Rogue SV Moonroof AWD CVT, the 2025 Honda CR-V LX AWD, and the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline 4Motion.
These vehicles are not only fierce competitors in terms of features, technology, and performance but are also battling it out for a larger share of the market. However, one of the most interesting aspects of their rivalry lies in the leasing options available for each. Despite their similarities, there’s a significant difference in the monthly lease payments for these models. In the following paragraphs, we’ll dive into the details of these payments, all based on a 48-month lease term with no money down and before tax, to help you make the most informed decision for your next lease.
As I’ve discussed in previous articles, the lease’s residual value—also known as the buyback or end value of the lease—is an extremely important variable in the calculation of the lease. The higher the residual, the lower the monthly lease payment because one of the key components of a lease payment is the spread between the sale price (or capitalized cost) and the residual amount. If the residual is higher, the spread is lower, resulting in a more affordable monthly payment.
What’s interesting is that some OEM websites disclose the residual value on their lease quotes, while others do not. In most cases, the residual amount is somewhat irrelevant for most lessees since they typically do not intend to exercise the buyback option at the end of the lease. However, for the purpose of this article, research, and OEM confidence in the future value of their product, full residual disclosure would be invaluable. By understanding the residuals, we can gain insight into how much these manufacturers believe their vehicles will retain their value, which directly influences the lease payments you’ll see on the showroom floor.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
- Sale Price: $41,131
- Monthly Lease Payment: $526.11 plus tax
- Interest Rate: 7.99%
Assessment:
The Hyundai Tucson offers a competitive lease payment given its higher interest rate of 7.99%, which is notably higher than the other vehicles in this comparison. Despite this, the monthly payment is relatively moderate compared to some of the others on this list. This suggests that Hyundai might be offering a strong residual value to keep the lease payments in check. However, the high interest rate makes this deal less attractive overall, as you’re paying more in finance charges.
2024 Ford Escape
- Sale Price: $40,076
- Monthly Lease Payment: $552.00 plus tax
- Interest Rate: 4.99%
Assessment:
The Ford Escape comes with a reasonable interest rate of 4.99% but still has one of the higher monthly payments at $552.00. This suggests that the residual value might not be as strong, or that the initial sale price is slightly inflated. While the interest rate is favorable compared to the Hyundai Tucson, the higher monthly payment may indicate less value in the long run, especially if you’re focused on keeping monthly costs low.
2024 Nissan Rogue
- Sale Price: $40,385
- Monthly Lease Payment: $504.00 plus tax
- Interest Rate: 3.49%
Assessment:
The Nissan Rogue appears to offer the best deal in terms of monthly payments, with a $504.00 lease payment and a low interest rate of 3.49%. This low interest rate, combined with a reasonable sale price, suggests a favorable residual value and a strong lease offer overall. If you’re looking for the best value in terms of monthly payments, the Rogue stands out as a top contender.
2025 Honda CR-V
- Sale Price: $39,161
- Monthly Lease Payment: $543.00 plus tax
- Interest Rate: 4.99%
Assessment:
The Honda CR-V offers a good balance with a lower sale price and a moderate interest rate of 4.99%. The monthly payment of $543.00 is competitive, though slightly higher than the Rogue. Given the CR-V’s reputation for reliability and resale value, this could be a solid deal for those who value a well-rounded vehicle and are willing to pay a bit more each month for it.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Sale Price: $41,228
- Monthly Lease Payment: $563.00 plus tax
- Interest Rate: 4.99%
Assessment:
The VW Tiguan has the highest monthly payment at $563.00, despite a sale price and interest rate that are similar to the others. This suggests that the residual value might be lower, or the initial pricing is slightly higher. While Volkswagen typically offers a premium experience, this lease deal seems less attractive from a purely financial perspective, especially if you’re prioritizing a lower monthly payment.
Overall Value Ranking:
- Nissan Rogue – Best value in terms of monthly payment and low interest rate.
- Honda CR-V – Strong balance of sale price, interest rate, and monthly payment.
- Hyundai Tucson – Competitive monthly payment despite a high interest rate.
- Ford Escape – Decent deal but with a higher monthly payment.
- Volkswagen Tiguan – Least attractive in terms of monthly payment relative to its sale price and interest rate.
If monthly payment is your top priority, the Nissan Rogue offers the best value. However, if you’re considering other factors like brand reputation or features, the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson may also be worth considering.
James Matthews is the President, General Manager and Co-Founder of LeaseBusters. James launched LeaseBusters in 1990 and is considered one of Canada’s leading experts on new vehicle leases, lease-take-overs and vehicle lease (re)marketing. James can be reached directly at jmatthews at leasebusters.com