2014 Leasing options: Small SUVs

[Jumpem]

Forester.

 

[alpineranger]

Make sure you're not comparing the 2014 forester to the pre 2014 (last generation one). The interior of the new cars is much better (not to mention the fuel economy). Mazda cx-5 is now available with a 2.5L engine, so comments about it being underpowered are somewhat unfounded now. Those two, or the crv would be my choice of cars to buy. But since you're leasing, the rogue will probably give the best value for the money, and isn't such a bad car.

 

[tortillasoup]

Why has nobody mentioned the Rav4?

 

[gorcorps]

2014 Rogue, why has nobody mentioned this? Looks tons better than 2013 because it's a totally new model, and beats the others on mileage (Equinox, CR-V, etc.). It has an optional small third row if you care about that. I think the CR-V current gen looks smart, though.

Of course, if you are terminating a lease early you need to stick with Honda, or else that early lease forgiveness money is thrown in the toilet.

In my area Nissan has the best leases of any company, probably followed by Toyota. They are just sick cheap.

I would suggest taking a look at the Rogue too. I had a 2011 that wasn't bad. My biggest issue with it was that the interior was pretty cheap even at the highest level, but they changed that with the new version.

 

[rh71]

^ Nissan has terrible reliability issues (look at JD Power initial quality studies) and combine that with a first-year run... I'd stay away.

 

[TheAdvocate]

Boring but I'd go:

CRV
Rogue
Rav4
CX-5

and a curveball - Jetta TDI Sportswagen (I really like these if you get the panoramic roof)

The Rogue is much much improved. It and the Pathfinder are extremely similar - the only real difference is size. It has some lesser quality plastics for certain panels, but overall it is a good package and it gets good gas mileage

 

[Doppel]

^ Nissan has terrible reliability issues (look at JD Power initial quality studies) and combine that with a first-year run... I'd stay away.

No, they don't. Use a better source like consumer reports. JD Power is silly. Look also at truedelta.

 

[gorcorps]

^ Nissan has terrible reliability issues (look at JD Power initial quality studies) and combine that with a first-year run... I'd stay away.

The OP is leasing. Even if they have long term issues (which the Nissan owners I know haven't mentioned) he'll never run into them.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Jetta TDI Sportswagen (I really like these if you get the panoramic roof)

No. I have a 2007 Jetta Wolfsburg. Will never buy another VW ever....I don't care how great people say the diesels are....NEVER

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. In years past I have steered away from Nissans. Its just something about them that I cannot stand. I think I would be foolish not to check out the Rogue. My SIL has an older one (2011?) and it works well with her two kids.

Someone had mentioned that I lease a van. I am currently leasing a 2012 Odyssey and its a great vehicle. It's very versatile and gets descent gas mileage for it being so big and heavy. That being said its just a little too much for us right now. The 3rd row is always empty and the cargo area is almost never used. I'd rather downsize to something that is better on the MPGs.

I think Honda is probably going to give us our best deal so the CRV is probably going to be #1 on the list. I was thinking about seeing what Acura would offer us on the RDX/MDX but that may be a little too "nice" for my wife.

The 2nd on the list will probably be the Forester since its great on MPGs and the AWD is a nice feature.

 

[rh71]

No, they don't. Use a better source like consumer reports. JD Power is silly. Look also at truedelta.

why is jd power silly when each brand has the same chance for "silly" reports and they still end up pretty low? It's also initial quality which means when they're nearly new they are coming in with issues.

I'd also be interested in seeing a consumer reports review on Nissan's history by consumers. Because their buying 1 Nissan [of each model] every year isn't a proper sample size of potential issues.

truedelta isn't helping its case either. If you compare down the Rogue vs. _____ list, only the GMC and its own Murano are worse. http://www.truedelta.com/Nissan-Rogue/reliability-776 I mean it doesn't show it to be terrible in itself, but if you compare with other makes, it could be better.

 

[tfinch2]

Acura RDX, but it is a little over your budget.

 

[TangoJuliet]

I'd also be interested in seeing a consumer reports review on Nissan's history by consumers

Its hit or miss. From CR's SUV reviews the Rogue "select", Xterra and Armada are all rated fair while the Pathfinder, Murano and Juke are rated good. There is not a single Nissan that is rated very good or excellent. I believe it is the only company in the SUV segment not to have at least one vehicle rated better than good.

The re-designed Rogue does not have a rating yet because its still being tested by CR.