Winter is practically hovering on the horizon, and that means making all the necessary preparations before it gets here. Having the right kind of vehicle is one of the fundamentals you must sort out before the cold season starts. SUVs are the most popular vehicles for this time of year.
When considering your leasing option for winter, SUVs should be at the top of the list. Whether you have travel plans or just transportation for your daily commute, an SUV offers significant advantages when driving in the snow.
Why an SUV
You may ask why lease an SUV instead of something cheaper? A four-wheel drive gives you a larger margin of error compared to a 2WD. With a 4WD, the vehicle engages all four wheels, therefore, splitting the amount of grip along a large surface. When it’s snowing, keeping a handle on the car can be tough, especially for an individual who is not used to driving on icy roads. A vehicle with a firm grip provides a safe drive. The high ride height that SUVs have is another feature that will serve you well during winter.
In areas where the snow levels get too high, and snowstorms are frequent, keeping your car a safe distance from the ground is a priority. It prevents snow from getting under the vehicle, which can cause considerable damage. You would have to worry about components freezing due to exposure to snow. Snow tires are optional when renting your winter SUV. The role of snow tires is to provide a better grip on the road because that is always a problem when temperatures drop. Most tires nowadays are designed to handle all kinds of weather, so you may not need to get special ones. However, you can ask your dealer if they carry snow tires for the SUV you are getting, if not, a recommendation will be necessary.
Leasing Options
Car dealerships have various deals for winter rides, which you can capitalize on. Note that SUVs cost more to lease than sedans, so the right deal will go a long way. When looking at the most popular SUV leases, take the time to find the right one. Just because a Jeep Grand Cherokee lease is enticing does not mean it is the right car for you.
Besides personal preferences, you have to think about the size of the vehicle, for one. If the vehicle is for a winter vacation with family, then you will need a spacious one. Then there are features to consider. Do you want a satellite road and rear-seat screens in your SUV? Your travel requirements will dictate those as well. You have to gauge factors such as fuel economy, cargo space, and transmission among others. Here are a few leasing options you can look at this winter.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 crossover is available at $209 monthly for 39 months. However, this is for a car produced earlier in 2016. For the mid-year update of the CX-5, the payment is $219 per month. Both require $1,999 at signing. The sporty look of this Mazda crossover gives a beautiful car that handles well in rough weather. You don’t have to fear those uneven surfaces when driving to work or that winter vacation. It holds its own when on twisty roads because of its agility. You also get the latest technology, making your diving convenient and hassle-free. The infotainment system got an upgrade in the 2016 model, so you get a highly responsive 7-inch screen.
For performance, you get a 2.0L with 155 horsepower. This power may not be enough if you have to drive in hilly areas. There is an option, though of getting the 2.5 L, 184 horsepower.
2016 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is a popular choice for SUV lovers with its excellent fuel economy and great cargo space. As of November, you can get this compact SUV for $199 per month for three years. You will need $2,299 at signing, which is one of the most reasonable deals. The reason the CR-V is a top pick is that it has proven a very safe ride for users. It has a 5-star rating for the overall crash test from the NHTSA. The reliability rating of the vehicle is also above average.
With the Honda CR-V, you get comfortable seats that will reduce the cold bite of driving around in winter. What’s more, you get heated seats for those mornings when the temperatures are too low. Unlike most cars in the same class, the back seats in the CR-V offer plenty of room even for adults. You also get 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is quite a lot, and that can extend up to 70.9 when the seats are folded. For features, you get automatic climate control, push-button start, and Bluetooth compatibility for entertainment.
Buick Encore
The Encore is in the subcompact SUV category and provides a great interior. The lease available is for $179 per month, and you have to put down $989 at signing. The duration of the contract is 39 months and covers 32,500 miles. As with most deals at this time of year, the manufacturer is trying to clear the lot for new models.
The luxurious cabin of the Buick Encore offers a relaxing and quiet atmosphere as you drive. Due to its overall size, you may find the space a bit small compared to other SUVs. One characteristic of the Encore that really stands out is its excellent visibility. The driver can easily see the front and side, which is essential for winter driving, especially when it is foggy. For fun, you get an infotainment system, Bluetooth, and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
2016 Acura RDX
The Acura RDX falls under the luxury midsize SUV class. With the manufacturer looking to finish off the 2016 model in preparation for the 2017s, the leasing deals are quite favorable. You pay $339 every month for three years and $2,999 at signing. If you opt for an all-wheel drive, then you will have to add $500 at signing, but the monthly payments don’t change. The base price of the Acura RDX is $43,520 and $60,000 when it’s fully loaded. Compared to similar cars, the price for the RDX is below average.
With the RDX, you get a 3.5 L V6 engine that is very economical with fuel. You get splendid handling even when on curvy roads, which can be an issue during winter. You can pick one of the three driving modes that include normal, sporty, and comfort, to match your road performance. The interior offers a comfortable space although not as good as other top SUVs. Its insulation is excellent, though, making for a noiseless ride even when carrying stuff. The 10-speaker premium stereo gives very entertaining drives, as does the satellite radio.
The market is filled with dealers trying to clear their shops of this year’s stock, so you can expect incredible deals. When evaluating your lease options, check to see when they expire so you don’t take too long. Also, remember that leases are designed differently. You may find a contract where you have to put money down for the first month and another that doesn’t. Take the time to balance our winter driving requirements when picking a lease.
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