There are all kinds of reasons for needing a car over a shorter term, especially at a time when the auto industry is still experiencing supply chain woes. Buying a car outright and then selling it in a couple of years involves tying up a bunch of capital and then taking a hit on depreciation. Instead, an 18- or 24-month lease provides the stop-gap filler you need to get around right now with reduced financial exposure.
This month, we have a host of two-year lease deals across the full spectrum, from family-friendly crossovers to luxury EVs. There’s something here to fill nearly every need or to try out a new type of vehicle or brand to see if it fits your lifestyle. Have you always wanted to drive a sporty pickup? Or see whether EV ownership is worth the potential charging hassles?
Check our Leasing Guide
First, make sure you first read our leasing guide. We’ve covered everything that could get glossed over in the showroom: advertising fees, money factors, residuals, legal implications, and all the other fine prints that could cost you thousands more than you’d expect. When comparing similar cars, be aware that a lower monthly price often demands more money up front. As with any national lease special, enter your ZIP code on an automaker’s website to check if these deals apply to your area. Prices do not include taxes or fees and may be higher or lower depending on your location. Research is always your friend.
$423 per month/$3941 at signing
24 months/20,000 miles
The just-released Mazda CX-90 impressed us with its upscale aspirations, including a stylish interior and a silky-smooth turbocharged inline-six engine. Mazda’s main rivals here are mainstream three-row crossovers such as the Toyota Highlander, but the CX-90 feels just that little bit more special and drives with the typical Mazda verve. This deal is for the base 280-hp Select trim; monthly payments for mid-trim versions of the CX-90 rose sharply.
$339 per month/$3129 at signing
24 months/20,000 miles
The Nissan Murano is aging relatively gracefully, and while it’s not the most athletic crossover option out there, it’s still very comfortable. The best lease here is on the base S model, which has a comprehensive list of standard features that includes a full complement of driver-assist items, including blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning.
$509 per month/$4809 at signing
24 months/20,000 miles
The three-row Cadillac XT6 provides a bit of Escalade glam on a much more maneuverable platform and at a more reasonable price. This special 24-month lease is for current Cadillac owners and the above figures apply specifically to the entry-level front-wheel-drive model. That said, General Motors is providing $2250 toward the lease of any XT6.
$269 per month/$1949 at signing
24 months/20,000 miles
Chevrolet’s Equinox deal applies to current GM lessees looking for something new. And if you’re a GM employee or eligible family member, you can shave off a further $10 per month and $170 off the downstroke. The Equinox isn’t terribly exciting, but it is fuel-efficient, easy to drive, and a competent luggage hauler. This deal applies specifically to the well-equipped—but not loaded—Equinox LT with front-wheel drive.
$649 per month/$5623 at signing
24 months/20,000 miles
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is the ideal crossover for those looking to dip their toe into EV ownership. With a boxy shape, it’s a practical family hauler. It’s even available with a third-row jump seat that is useless for adults but handy if you’re carpooling home part of the soccer team. This deal applies to the EQB250+, which offers an estimated driving range of 250 miles of range. That’s an adequate sum for most shoppers. Plus, if you discover that an EV is not ideally suited to your lifestyle, you’ll be glad to know you’re only committed to this electric SUV for just 24 months.
$396 per month/$4398 at signing
24 months/20,000 miles
With a 20.0-kWh battery pack, the plug-in-hybrid variant of the Mitsubishi Outlander can save you fuel on short trips thanks to its estimated battery-electric driving range of 38 miles. Then, on longer journeys, it’s a useful three-row crossover that can be topped up at any gas station without much route planning. Mitsubishi’s deal is on the mid-level SE model, which includes all-wheel-drive, 20-inch wheels, and navigation.
$309 per month/$3339 at signing
18 months/15,000 miles
Thank the Nissan Frontier’s strong residuals for the affordable monthly payment on this mid-size pickup. This deal nets you a four-wheel-drive Frontier SV crew cab with the Technology package, which includes the likes of adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights.
Contributing Editor
Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels.