I’m in the market for a 7 passenger SUV. I currently lease a Mazda CX-9 that is going to be returned in a couple of months. I’m leasing in NY. My budget is $350 to $450 per month with taxes & fees paid up front ($0 cap cost reduction). I’m interested in interior features and gas mileage more so than big engines or exterior features. Here’s my short list so far:
Ford Explorer
Toyota Highlander
Honda Pilot
Dodge Durango
2 Questions:
What other models should I be considering in the price range? (Infinit QX60 and Volvo XC90 come to mind)
What are the best bang for your buck deals on 7 passenger SUVs right now that lease for under $450/month?
You wouldn’t be able to get a XC90 within your budget unless a unicorn loaner deal comes along.
Explorer’s residual value is pretty low so you couldn’t get a higher end model like a loaded XLT, Sport, or Limited in your budget.
Highlander may be a good choice… Touch base with @Jrouleau426… he’s local and has regular deals on Highlanders as they have strong RV and decent discounting/incentives. Could likely get a full-loaded one within your budget.
A lot with change with the new month especially with a few manufacturers fiscal years ending in March, so you’re probably best off working with an broker or regularly monitoring the board.
Test drove both MDX and Highlander from current generation. My personal preference, but the driving experience and interior felt superior in the MDX than on a similarly trimmed Highlander.
Wasn’t a lease. My friends dad wanted to buy a highlander. He went and got atrocious local offers (dealer in bklyn literally asking sticker). I texted Jim and within a couple hours locked down a deal on an XLE for over 15% off. Woulda been a bigger discount but my friends dad wanted virtually every add on (tow hitch, running boards, roof bars, protection pkg etc)
Was even gonna arrange delivery from Philadelphia at an discounted rate but buddy’s dad opted to go down to pick up.
For reference: I have a $47k msrp QX60 for $355 mo and just got my mom a 2019 one early January w msrp of $54k and all the extra safety features for $422 month (yes, I’m jealous).
There are other threads that talk about this, but I called Infiniti consumer affairs line for her and said she was trying to decide between the Infiniti or a competitor and they gave her a VPP discount code for $1500 off. She also qualified for the GM discount they were running at the time because they have an old GMC truck. Not sure though what incentives Infiniti has running right now though. We both used MSDs as well.
