Car Lease Calculator by Vehicle Type

How lease math changes across economy sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, EVs and luxury cars — with real example figures.

Lease payments are not one-size-fits-all. The same monthly price can put you in very different vehicles, because leasing companies set the residual value and the money factor based on how each model holds its value. This page groups the most common vehicle types and shows the typical lease assumptions for each, with a worked example you can compare against a real quote.

Economy and compact sedans

Mainstream sedans, such as a typical compact or midsize model, usually carry residual values around 52% to 58% of MSRP after a 36-month term. Money factors sit in a moderate band, often 0.0020 to 0.0028, which is roughly 4.8% to 6.7% expressed as an APR. As a worked example, a $26,000 sedan with a 55% residual and a 0.0024 money factor, $2,000 down and a 36-month term comes to about $360 per month before tax. Sedans suit commuters who want low running costs and are not worried about resale, because the leasing company takes that risk instead of the driver.

SUVs and crossovers

Crossovers hold value strongly, so residuals frequently land between 55% and 62%. Money factors are often a touch lower, around 0.0018 to 0.0026, because steady demand keeps the cars desirable at lease end. For instance, a $34,000 compact SUV at a 60% residual, 0.0022 money factor, $2,500 down and 36 months is roughly $420 a month before tax. Families and outdoor buyers like SUVs for the extra space, and the strong residuals mean you are not overpaying for depreciation during the term.

Pickup trucks

Pickup trucks are the residual champions. A popular half-ton can show a 60% to 68% residual after three years, and money factors run about 0.0022 to 0.0030. A $48,000 truck at a 64% residual, 0.0026 money factor, $4,000 down and 36 months is around $540 a month before tax. High residuals keep payments comparatively low for such expensive vehicles, which is exactly why truck leases are popular with both businesses and individuals who need capability without a large upfront cost.

Electric vehicles

EVs are a special case. Battery-technology risk makes some leasing companies cautious, so residuals range widely, roughly 45% to 58% depending on the brand and on incentives. Money factors are sometimes subsidized and can be as low as 0.0015 to 0.0025. A $42,000 EV at a 50% residual, 0.0020 money factor, $3,000 down and 36 months is about $510 a month before tax. Manufacturer and government support can improve these deals, so always check the current offer rather than assuming a fixed number.

Luxury cars

Luxury and performance models depreciate faster, so residuals are lower, often 42% to 52%, and money factors run higher at 0.0025 to 0.0035. A $60,000 luxury sedan at a 48% residual, 0.0030 money factor, $5,000 down and 36 months is roughly $820 a month before tax. Buyers who want the badge and the latest tech often lease precisely because the steep depreciation is borne by the leasing company, not by them, which protects them from a weak resale market.

Residual and money-factor comparison

These ranges are example figures for illustration only. Real residuals and money factors are set per model and change with market conditions. Enter the numbers from your own quote into the lease payment calculator for an accurate figure.