The less paid up front, the better
There are some great lease deals out there, but most of them require an upfront payment at lease signing. This isn’t out of the ordinary, as this payment is what’s known as the drive-off cost. It typically includes your down payment, the first lease payment, and any applicable taxes, registration costs, security deposits, or other fees when leasing a car.Â
Subaru
Of course, the less you have to pay upfront at signing, the better. Leasing a vehicle with a minimal down payment can be an attractive option for those looking to drive a new car without a substantial initial out-of-pocket cost. As of March 2025, several manufacturers are offering compelling lease deals that require little to no money down. Here are four great options.
1. 2025 Buick Encore GX
It’s a good thing Buick went back to the drawing board for its 2nd-gen Encore, now known as the Encore GX. Not only does it look way better, but it also offers more space, improved tech, and additional safety features. The base Preferred trim is powered by a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower or a 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder engine with 155 horses. The Encore GX comes standard with 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, an 11-inch infotainment display, LED headlights, and the Buick Driver Confidence safety suite that includes features like lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking,Â
Buick
Buick
Buick
Buick
Buick
Buick is offering a lease deal on the 2025 Encore GX compact SUV for $361 per month for 39 months with $0 down. This offer applies to the entry-level Encore GX Preferred FWD and is available for returning GM lessees only. it provides an affordable entry into the SUV market without the burden of an initial payment.
2. 2024 Lincoln NautilusÂ
For the 2024 model year, Lincoln made a bold move with its redesigned Nautilus luxury SUV. They gave it fresh, more upscale styling on the outside and the largest screen display setup in its class: a panoramic 48-inch display across the top of the dashboard, as well as an 11.1-inch touchscreen in the center console. There are two powertrains: a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four or the new 310-hp hybrid powertrain. Both choices get standard all-wheel drive.Â
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Standard equipment includes adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, remote start, and a surround-view camera. The huge draw for this $52,010 premium SUV isn’t just its feature set. The impressive lease deal for March is a $0 down payment and $616 per month for 36 months on 2024 Premiere AWD models. Learn more here.Â
3. 2024 Subaru Solterra
The Solterra deserves more love than it’s been getting. The twin to the Toyota bZ4x gets standard all-wheel drive, mild off-road capability, and edgy looks. The Solterra’s dual motors provide 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, and there are four drive modes available, including X-mode, which sends power to the wheels with the most grip, reducing wheelspin and improving traction off-road. It also offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which is as much as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The range for the Premium trim is 227 miles, not top-tier but also not bad for most daily drivers.Â
Subaru
Subaru
Subaru
Subaru
Subaru
Subaru
What makes the Solterra an attractive EV SUV option beyond its very reasonable $38,495 base price is an even better lease option. The Solterra lease deal is quite good at $299/month on a 36-month lease and a mere $299 due at lease signing. Learn more here.Â
4. 2025 Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF might not be the longest-range EV out there, but it has plenty of appeal thanks to its tremendous affordability, great reliability, smooth and quiet ride, and practical hatchback space. If you upgrade to the SV Plus, it offers a 60 kWh battery and an EPA-estimated range of up to 212 miles on a single charge.Â
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan
The LEAF presents an excellent choice for EV shoppers on a budget who don’t want unnecessary frills and complex infotainment systems. What it does offer is zero emissions, great urban practicality, and a seriously attractive price of entry into EVs. Nissan’s SignatureFLEX Lease requires $2,279 down and $259 per month for 36 months. This lease deal applies to the 2025 LEAF SV PLUS 60 kWh. Learn more here.
Final thoughts
These four lease deals won’t scare you away because they provide a great deal with both a low monthly payment and little to nothing down at lease signing, so the commitment is even less than you’d think. Choose between two gas or two EV candidates we’ve curated, and you’ve got yourself a solid vehicle, factory warranty through the entire lease period, and barely any initial money out of pocket. As always, read the fine print on the lease before signing and be aware of any fees related to the lease, as well as mileage limitations and potential penalties at the end of the lease.Â
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog