Best Car Brands for Lease Buyouts

Adam Broud

Published 7/7/25

Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes
TL;DR: This guide breaks down the best car brands for lease buyouts based on depreciation, resale value, and reliability. Top contenders include the Toyota Tacoma, Kia Telluride, Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, and Tesla Model 3.

When your car lease is coming to an end, you’ve got options: turn it in, trade it in, or buy it out. If you love your car and want to avoid dealership fees, buying out your lease can be a smart move—especially if your vehicle has held its value well.

But not all cars are created equal when it comes to lease buyouts. Some brands depreciate slower than others, and that means more potential equity in your pocket. Let’s take a look at the best car brands for lease buyouts in 2025.

Why Depreciation Matters for Lease Buyouts

Cars lose value over time, but some lose it slower than others. If your leased car is worth more on the open market than the buyout price listed in your contract (also known as the residual value), you could end up with built-in equity. That’s the sweet spot: you get to keep a car you already like and it’s potentially worth more than what you’re paying for it.

The trick is knowing which vehicles hold their value best. Here’s a breakdown of the top performers.

1. Toyota Tacoma

3-Year Residual Value: 76.37%
Best For: Truck lovers and resale value hunters
Equity Potential: High

The Tacoma is the king of resale value. With strong demand, low depreciation, and a dedicated fan base, it holds on to its value like few other vehicles. If you leased a Tacoma and your buyout price is based on a lower-than-current market rate, you might be looking at some serious equity.

2. Kia Telluride

3-Year Residual Value: Above Average
Best For: Families needing space and long-term value
Equity Potential: Good

The Telluride continues to be one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. It offers upscale features, dependable performance, and strong resale value. If you leased a Telluride during a high-demand year, odds are your car’s worth more than your buyout price.

3. Honda CR-V

3-Year Residual Value: 74.46% (Gas Model)
Best For: Daily drivers who value reliability
Equity Potential: Moderate

Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability shows up in the CR-V’s depreciation numbers. Gas models in particular hold their value well. If you’ve leased one, especially during the used car supply crunch, you could be sitting on a solid equity opportunity.

4. Subaru Outback

3-Year Residual Value: 68.27%
Best For: Drivers in snowy or rural regions
Equity Potential: Moderate

The Outback is a dependable, all-weather SUV that’s in high demand in regions where AWD is a must. If you live in the Northeast or anywhere with a long winter, your Outback may be more valuable than your residual price suggests—especially if it’s a turbocharged model or one of the more rugged trims.

5. Tesla Model 3

3-Year Residual Value: 42.48%
Best For: EV fans looking for long-term efficiency
Equity Potential: Limited

Teslas lose value a bit quicker than other brands—mostly due to rapid advancements in EV tech—but that doesn’t mean a lease buyout is off the table. If you’ve got a well-maintained Model 3 and want to avoid going through the used EV market again, buying it out might still make sense, especially when you factor in low maintenance costs and fuel savings.

Vehicle Model	3-Year Residual Value	Best Feature	Equity Potential
Toyota Tacoma	76.37%	High demand, low depreciation	High
Kia Telluride	Above Average	Popular family SUV	Good
Honda CR-V	74.46%	Reliable and efficient	Moderate
Subaru Outback	68.27%	All-weather capability	Moderate
Tesla Model 3	42.48%	Low maintenance costs	Limited

How to Make the Most of Your Lease Buyout

Before you commit, compare your lease’s residual value to the current market price for your car (try KBB or Edmunds). If your car’s worth more than the buyout price, congratulations—you’ve got equity.

Want to skip the dealership and own your car the easy way? Lease End simplifies the process with:

Competitive financing from multiple lenders
No dealership markups or hidden fees
Online paperwork, title, and registration
Optional extended coverage and GAP protection

Pro tip: Start the process 60–90 days before your lease ends so you have time to weigh your options and secure the best rate.

Final Thoughts

Buying out your lease isn’t just about keeping a car you love—it can be a smart financial move if the numbers line up. If you’re driving one of the cars listed above, take a closer look at your lease agreement and your car’s current market value. You might find yourself with built-in savings you didn’t expect.

Ready to run the numbers? Check out Lease End’s AI-powered lease buyout calculator to see your estimated monthly payments and options.

Let’s turn your lease into ownership—with fewer fees and more peace of mind.

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About the author
Adam Broud

Adam Broud is a writer and comedian based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. As a professional stand-up comedian with an MBA, his writing uniquely blends the worlds of business and comedy. Adam's writing for ads and comedy has appeared in places such as Buzzfeed, Vanity Fair, your television, and his mom's box of keepsakes. Feel free to review his writing from any of those places, but just know it's kinda weird if you choose his mom's house.

Lease End's mission is to empower auto lease owners with the technology to easily exit their lease. If you'd like to learn more about the lease-end options available to you, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our expert advisors are always prepared to answer your questions and are committed to finding the right plan for your individual needs.

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