Best Cars to Lease: A Premium Guide

A client spent Saturday at three different dealerships looking at EVs. By Sunday afternoon, she had a lease offer for an Audi Q6 e-tron. Monday at work, she mentioned it to a colleague. ‘I think it’s a good deal, but honestly, I have no idea.’
Her colleague stopped her. ‘Before you sign anything, call Cartelligent.’
That’s how most of our clients find us. Someone they trust tells them there’s a better way.
Most people overpay on their lease without knowing it. Over three years, that’s thousands left on the table. The problem isn’t that you didn’t negotiate. It’s that you were negotiating blind. You don’t know if the money factor is marked up. You don’t know if the dealer applied all available incentives. You don’t know if that “competitive” offer for your trade in is actually competitive.
That’s why you need a car buying service on your side.
Here are ten of the best cars to lease by Cartelligent last year.
1. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 leads the electric segment with retro-futuristic design and ultra-fast charging capabilities.
Starting MSRP: $35,000
Trims: SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, Limited, XRT
Powertrain: Single-motor RWD or Dual-motor AWD; up to 325 hp (641 hp for N)
Features: Updated 12.3-inch infotainment, NACS charging port, rear windshield wiper
Cargo & Interior: 27.2 cu. ft. behind rear seats; sliding center console creates a living-room feel
Safety: Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control; maintains high IIHS standards
Lifestyle: Perfect for tech-forward urban professionals who value rapid DC fast-charging for weekend coast trips.
2. 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
A new benchmark for Audi, the Q6 e-tron balances mid-size utility with legendary interior craftsmanship.
Starting MSRP: $63,800
Trims: Premium, Premium Quattro
Powertrain: 100 kWh battery; 422 hp (456 hp with launch control); quattro AWD
Features: Augmented Reality Head-Up Display and dedicated passenger-side display
Cargo & Interior: 30.2 cu. ft. cargo capacity; sustainable recycled materials with luxury finish
Safety: IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award recipient
Lifestyle: Ideal for executives wanting seamless electric transition without sacrificing the Audi experience.
3. 2026 Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 remains a highly approachable choice for families entering the EV space.
Starting MSRP: $45,095
Trims: Pro, AWD Pro, Pro S, AWD Pro S, AWD Pro S Plus
Powertrain: 62 kWh or 82 kWh battery; RWD or AWD; up to 335 hp
Features: 12.9-inch backlit infotainment screen and available Harman Kardon audio
Cargo & Interior: 30.3 cu. ft. with rear seats up; spacious open-concept cabin
Safety: NHTSA five-star safety rating
Lifestyle: A practical daily driver for busy California families.
4. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
For drivers not ready for fully electric, the RAV4 Prime offers powerful plug-in hybrid performance.
Starting MSRP: $44,815
Trims: SE, XSE
Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cylinder PHEV; 302 combined hp; 42 miles electric-only range
Features: Standard AWD, 10.5-inch multimedia display, available panoramic glass roof
Cargo & Interior: 33.5 cu. ft. cargo space; SofTex-trimmed seats with red stitching
Safety: Includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+; RAV4 series consistently earns IIHS Top Safety Pick status
Lifestyle: Built for weekend adventurers needing Tahoe range but wanting electric commutes.
5. Volvo XC90 Recharge
The pinnacle of Scandinavian luxury provides a serene environment for larger families. The XC90 delivers safety and understated elegance.
Starting MSRP: $72,900
Trims: Core, Plus, Ultra
Powertrain: T8 Plug-in Hybrid; 455 hp; 32 miles electric range
Features: Google built-in, crystal gearshifter, world-class Bowers & Wilkins audio
Cargo & Interior: Up to 85.7 cu. ft. with all seats folded; seats seven comfortably
Safety: Standard Pilot Assist and 360-degree camera; perennial IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recipient
Lifestyle: The sophisticated choice for coastal families prioritizing safety and elegance.
6. Kia EV9
The EV9 has redefined the electric three-row SUV category with high-end features at competitive pricing.
Starting MSRP: $55,900
Trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line
Powertrain: 76.1 kWh or 99.8 kWh battery; up to 379 hp and 516 lb-ft torque
Features: Swiveling second-row seats, dual on-board power, massive panoramic display
Cargo & Interior: 20.2 cu. ft. behind third row; vegan leather and sustainable interiors
Safety: Highway Driving Pilot; overall 5-star NHTSA rating in side-impact tests
Lifestyle: Perfect for modern families needing real utility and wanting a head-turning electric flagship.
7. Audi Q4 e-tron
A compact luxury SUV proving you don’t need a massive footprint for premium electric experience.
Starting MSRP: $50,600
Trims: 45 (RWD), 55 (quattro)
Powertrain: 82 kWh battery; up to 335 hp for the 55 quattro
Features: Augmented Reality head-up display and iconic Audi Virtual Cockpit
Cargo & Interior: 24.8 cu. ft. behind rear seats; sleek S-line exterior styling
Safety: Maximum five-star NHTSA score and IIHS Top Safety Pick
Lifestyle: Ideal for professionals wanting agile luxury EVs for navigating city traffic and tight parking.
8. BMW i4 eDrive40
The i4 proves electric vehicles can still deliver Ultimate Driving Machine sport-sedan dynamics.
Starting MSRP: $58,900
Trims: eDrive35, eDrive40, xDrive40, M50
Powertrain: Single-motor RWD; 335 hp; up to 318 miles range
Features: BMW Curved Display, iDrive 8.5, surprisingly practical liftgate
Cargo & Interior: 10 cu. ft. trunk; hatchback design allows significant utility
Safety: Includes Active Blind Spot Detection and Frontal Collision Warning; maintains high 3-Series platform crash-test standards
Lifestyle: For drivers loving twisty canyon roads but wanting silent, sustainable commutes.
9. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E blends pony-car soul with modern crossover practicality.
Starting MSRP: $40,995
Trims: Select, Premium, GT, Rally
Powertrain: Standard or Extended Range battery; up to 480 hp in GT trim
Features: 15.5-inch touchscreen, BlueCruise hands-free driving, frunk with drain for tailgating
Cargo & Interior: 29.7 cu. ft. behind rear seats; modern clutter-free cabin
Safety: Standard Ford Co-Pilot360; earned Good ratings in most IIHS crashworthiness categories
Lifestyle: Targeted at spirited drivers needing family-friendly cars that don’t feel like appliances.
10. BMW X5 xDrive50e
The X5 remains the gold standard for luxury SUVs. The 50e plug-in hybrid is the smartest way to experience it.
Starting MSRP: $75,200
Trims: Sport, MSport
Powertrain: 3.0L Turbo I6 with electric motor; 483 combined hp; ~40 miles EV range
Features: Sensafin upholstery, split-folding tailgate, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof
Cargo & Interior: 33.1 cu. ft. behind second row; expansive high-tech interior
Safety: Highway Assistant for hands-free driving up to 85 mph; BMW Active Protection System comes standard
Lifestyle: The ultimate multi-tool for handling all seasons and road conditions in California.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Our client called us that Monday afternoon. She was right to hesitate on that dealership offer. We found the same car at a different dealer, and negotiated the lease down. Her payment dropped by $55 per month.
That’s one car. One weekend. One phone call changed the math.
Here’s what we know after helping thousands of California clients lease vehicles: they quote you the payment they think you’ll accept, not the payment you should be getting.
Leasing a car through Cartelligent means saving time, saving money, and skipping the dealership. You’ve read the guide. You know which vehicles make sense. Now get the numbers that actually matter.
Important Notice: All pricing, specifications, features, and availability are sourced from official manufacturers and are subject to change without notice. MSRP excludes destination charges, taxes, title, license, registration, and trim options. For current and accurate information on pricing, incentives, specifications, and availability, consult a Cartelligent advisor.

