Top 6 Lease Vehicles Compared (2026 Analytics)
We evaluated 2026 models based on 36-month residual values, promotional money factors, and average effective monthly payments:
| Vehicle Model | Est. 36-Mo Residual % | Subsidized Money Factor | Equivalent APR | Est. Monthly Lease Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 (EV) | 64% | 0.00112 | 2.69% | $249 / month ($7.5k Rebate) |
| Honda Civic Sedan | 66% | 0.00165 | 3.96% | $239 / month |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 68% | 0.00195 | 4.68% | $289 / month |
| Lexus RX 350 | 62% | 0.00140 | 3.36% | $489 / month |
| Subaru Forester | 65% | 0.00170 | 4.08% | $269 / month |
| Nissan Leaf | 58% | 0.00085 | 2.04% | $199 / month ($7.5k Rebate) |
Run side-by-side lease vs purchase calculations using AutoLoanIQ's free lease vs buy calculator.
What Makes a Great Lease Deal in 2026?
A vehicle's monthly lease payment is governed by three primary numbers:
- High Residual Percentage (60%+): The higher the residual value, the less total depreciation you pay for over 36 months.
- Subsidized Money Factor: Captive finance companies (like Honda Financial or Toyota Financial) lower money factors to promote specific models.
- Commercial EV Tax Credit Pass-Through: Leasing companies can pass the $7,500 federal EV tax credit directly as a capitalized cost reduction.
Evaluating Lease End & Turn-In Costs
Before leasing, review foundational rules in what is a car lease, evaluate lease buyouts in should I buy my leased car, review lease payoff calculations, check lease vs buy total cost guide, review lease return fees explained, and read how to terminate a lease early.
Subprime Credit & Refinance Considerations
If you have bad credit, leasing can be restricted (most leasing companies require 680+ credit scores). Learn strategies in leasing a car with bad credit. Compare subprime purchase rates on our subprime auto loan calculator, read what is a subprime loan, check best subprime lenders of 2026, or follow our subprime checklist.
If trading in an underwater vehicle, calculate your gap with our negative equity calculator, read what is negative equity, check lender LTV limits, or review GAP insurance necessity.
If planning to lower loan payments in the future, test your numbers on our refinance calculator, check best refinance lenders of 2026, or read when to refinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
A great lease combines high 36-month residual value (60%+), low money factors, and factory rebates.
Leasing companies pass the $7,500 commercial EV tax credit as an instant cost reduction rebate.
Monthly Lease Payment = Monthly Depreciation + Monthly Rent Charge (Interest).
No. If the leased vehicle is totaled early, down payment cash is generally unrecoverable from insurance.