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10 Leased Cars That Retain the Most Equity
Published 1/4/24
Updated 9/24/26
TL;DR (3-minute read): When it comes to leasing a car, the word "equity" might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, understanding the equity you can build in a leased car can be a game-changer, especially when it comes time to decide whether to buy out your lease.
At Lease End, we're all about helping you make the most of your leasing experience, including leveraging equity to your advantage.
What is Lease Equity?
Equity in a leased car refers to the difference between the car's current market value and the lease buyout amount. As you make lease payments, you gradually build equity in the vehicle.
This equity can be used to your advantage when it's time to buy out your lease.
Building equity in a leased car can provide you with financial flexibility at the end of your lease term. For example, if your car has higher equity than the buyout amount, you can choose to buy the car and potentially sell it for a profit.
On the other hand, if the car's value is lower than the buyout amount, you may decide to return the car at the end of the lease term, plenty of drivers do. Just price out the turn-in first: disposition, wear-and-tear and mileage-overage charges can add up to more than that gap, and all of them disappear if you buy the car instead. Monitoring your lease equity can help you make informed decisions about whether to buy out your lease or explore other options.
Equity isn't the only reason to buy out, either. Plenty of drivers opt for a lease buyout because they already know this specific car, how it runs, what it's been through, whether it's ever left them stranded. Others simply don't want to spend a weekend at a dealership starting over in an unfamiliar car. And a buyout turns a rental into something you own outright, to keep or sell whenever you decide.
Top Cars to Lease and Own
When it comes to leasing a car, top cars to lease are often those that combine reliability, affordability, and a high residual value.
Models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 consistently rank among the best leases due to their strong resale value and low depreciation rates. These vehicles offer a balance of practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making them popular choices for lessees looking for a dependable ride without breaking the bank.
Additionally, cars like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are known for their long-term reliability, making them smart choices for those seeking a lease with low maintenance costs. (Note that maintenance coverage can typically be included as an add-on within a lease agreement.)
According to Lease End co-founder Zander Cook, the high residual values on these cars are mostly driven by their popularity. “Lots of people want a nice, 3-year-old RAV4 or Accord," he explains. “So that’s what causes them to be valuable and have high resale values.”
Top Cars for Lease Buyouts and Their Average Equity Retained
(The following charts reflect our 2023 average equity numbers. For the most recent data, check out all the cool stats in our 2025 Lease Buyout Report.)
We've analyzed data from all Lease End transactions in 2023 to identify the most popular cars for lease buyouts, then ranking that list in order of highest average equity retained with the buyout.
These cars not only offer a great driving experience but also hold their value well, making them excellent choices for leasing.
The average equity retained for each of the 10 most common lease buyouts by model are as follows:
1. Honda Accord: $11,050
2. CR-V: $10,912
3. Dodge Ram 1500: $10,811
4. Toyota RAV4: $10,725
5. Toyota Tacoma: $10,004
6. Honda Civic: $9,677
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee: $9,183
8. Volkswagen Jetta: $9,056
9. Jeep Cherokee: $8,402
10. Jeep Wrangler: $5,325
Cars with High Residual Value
Residual value is a key factor in determining the cost of leasing a car.
Residual value is the estimated value of your leased car at the end of your lease term. A standard lease term is 3 years, so the residual value of a vehicle reflects its depreciation over that period of time.
Vehicles with high residual value retain a larger percentage of their original value over time, minimizing the depreciation costs associated with leasing.
Read More: A Quick Guide to Residual Value in Leasing
Brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are known for producing cars with especially high residual values due to their quality craftsmanship and strong brand reputation, making them attractive makes for drivers looking for a luxury vehicle that holds its value well.
Top 10 Luxury Cars with Highest Equity in Buyouts
Luxury cars also (unsurprisingly) retain significant equity.
Here are the top luxury cars with the highest average equity during a lease buyout according to our data:
1. Lincoln Continental: $68,932
2. McLaren 720S: $68,703
3. Mercedes-Benz G-Class: $63,390
4. Porsche 911: $58,968
5. Mercedes-AMG GT: $53,545
6. Toyota Land Cruiser: $47,982
7. Mercedes-AMG GLE 63: $33,610
8. BMW X6 M: $29,724
9. Audi TT RS: $26,341
10. Escalade ESV: $25,053
Unlocking Your Equity
Even if your car isn't on the list, you may still have equity waiting to be unlocked. With inventory and supply-chain shortages improved, but still impacting the used car market, now is a great time to consider buying out your lease. At Lease End, we can help you access that equity and get the most value for your vehicle.
Not sure whether a buyout is the right call for your car? Run it through the Lease End Buyout Score. It weighs five things rather than one: your equity, how reliable the car has been, what it would cost to replace, how in-demand it is, and your mileage. 👉 leaseend.com/automatic/lease-buyout-score
How Can I Buy Out My Lease?
Whether your car is on one of these lists or not, knowing your options can lead to significant savings and benefits. A buyout is worth a look even when the equity isn't there, because you'd rather keep the car you know than go shopping, or because the fees you'd owe at turn-in cost more than the gap. Find out where you stand today from the comfort of your couch by entering your license plate or VIN into the form below.
If you'd like to chat through your options with a lease buyout advisor, give us a call at 888-307-5197.
Pamela Stipetic
September 26, 2026
I trust Cameron Clark and Lease End 100%-
I trust Cameron Clark 100% and what an Experience!!! I spoke to rhe dealership who had the financing, had to go in to the dealership to discuss buyout. Lowball on the numbers, want to get you in a new lease, time I don’t have, money I don’t have and I just Wanted the car. Jesse Williams kicked off the process, Cameron Clark got on the phone and just like that- done deal. Cameron is beyond friendly and professional, gave me my options, not pushy at all. He was there to facilitate whatever decision I made. In less than 40 minutes, in the comfort of my own home office, a contract was signed and lease completed. On top of that, I got a message a few minutes later, loan completes, tax, tags, registration all wrapped up and done. I have never seen a more efficient process with the absolute best financing salesperson. Cameron Clark is fantastic at his job! Beyond a perfect 10. Friendly, professional, efficient- I could hug him for taking one more very time consuming chore off my plate!! Beyond impressed.