SUV Lease Deals

SUV Leasing FAQs

Find answers to common questions about SUV leasing, including costs, what’s included, SUV types, business and salary sacrifice options, and what to consider before you lease.

• What’s the difference between an SUV, a crossover, and a 4x4?

  These terms are often used interchangeably, though each describes something slightly different. SUV is the broadest term, covering cars with a taller body, a raised ride height, and more interior space than a standard hatchback, such as the BMW iX1. A crossover, like the Skoda Epiq, is a type of SUV built on a hatchback-style platform, so it’s usually smaller, lighter, and front-wheel drive.

  A 4x4, or four-wheel drive car, sends power to all four wheels rather than just two, giving it more traction in slippery or off-road conditions. Many larger SUVs, including the BYD Ti7, offer four-wheel drive. It isn’t standard on every SUV, so it’s worth checking the specification of the model you’re interested in.

• Why are SUVs so popular?

  SUVs regularly feature among the UK’s best-selling new cars, and much of their appeal comes down to versatility. Sitting higher up gives a clearer view of the road, while the extra height makes getting in and out, or fitting a child seat, easier than in a hatchback or saloon.

  SUVs come in various sizes, whether that’s compact, mid-size, or large seven-seaters. They’re also a popular body type with manufacturers focused on electric driving, so you’ll find hybrid and zero-emission models alongside petrol versions, giving you a choice to suit most needs and budgets.

• What’s included in an SUV lease deal?

  Your monthly payments cover the use of the SUV for the length of your agreement, and road tax is usually included throughout. Insurance, fuel or charging costs, servicing, and tyres aren’t normally included as standard.

  If you’d like servicing and tyres covered, optional maintenance can be added for an extra monthly cost.

• How much does it cost to lease an SUV?

  The cost of leasing an SUV depends on the model you choose. Compact SUVs and crossovers usually cost less each month than larger or premium models, and fuel type and specification also play a part.

  How you set up your lease also makes a difference. A higher initial payment lowers your monthly payments without changing the overall cost of the lease, while a higher annual mileage or shorter contract length usually increases them. Business lease prices are shown excluding VAT and personal lease prices include VAT, so check which pricing option you’re viewing.

• Can my business lease an SUV?

  Yes, as long as your business passes the finance provider’s credit checks. Limited companies, sole traders, partnerships and other organisations can all lease an SUV through a business lease. It works in a similar way to personal leasing, but the agreement is taken out in your business’s name.

  You’ll need to provide some details about your business as part of the application, and our guide to business lease eligibility covers this in more detail. If you’re leasing several SUVs at once, our team can also help with fleet leasing.

• Can I lease an electric SUV through salary sacrifice?

  Yes, if your employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme. Your monthly payments are taken from your gross salary before tax and National Insurance, which can make an electric SUV more affordable to run as a company car benefit.

  Reducing your gross salary can affect pension contributions and mortgage applications, so it’s worth checking how a scheme would apply to you before signing up.

• What should I consider before leasing an SUV?

  Consider how an SUV will fit into your day-to-day life. Make sure a larger model fits your driveway and the places you regularly park, and if you’re considering an electric SUV, whether you have access to home or workplace charging.

  A lease is a fixed-term, non-ownership agreement, so you’ll hand the SUV back at the end of your contract, and there’s usually no option to buy it. Excess mileage charges will apply if you go over your agreed allowance, and early termination charges of 50% to 100% of the outstanding rentals, depending on the funder, will apply if you end your agreement early. You should be comfortable with the monthly payment for the full term and intend to keep the vehicle until your agreement ends.