Why It’s Cheaper To Lease A New Subaru Outback Than The Less Expensive Crosstrek

SUV shoppers looking to lease a new 2020 Subaru Crosstrek will find something curious. You can lease a 2020 Subaru Outback wagon for $249/month on a 36-month term for $2,449 due at signing and $0 security deposit. The cost of a base trim 2020 Outback is $27,655 including destination and delivery fees.

The base 2020 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $23,155 but if you want to lease the subcompact SUV, it will cost you $269/month on a 36-month term for $2,169 due at signing and $0 security deposit. The deposit is $280 less than Outback, but it will cost you an additional $20/month lease payment.

It also costs less to lease a 2020 Subaru Forester than a Crosstrek. Subaru is offering a new 2020 Forester at $265/month on a 36-month term for $2,465 due at signing and $0 security deposit. A base trim Forester starts at $25,505 which is $2,350 more than the base Crosstrek trim.

Why doesn’t Subaru offer a better lease deal on the less expensive Crosstrek? The 2020 Crosstrek subcompact is a hot model for the Japanese automaker. They are selling as many as they can get and they don’t need to give as good of a deal as the Outback wagon and Forester compact SUV.

Is it better to buy or lease a new Subaru?

Because Subaru vehicles have some of the highest residual values of any automaker and you do lease one, it’s only good if you plan on returning the vehicle once the lease is up. If you are interested in buying the vehicle after the lease, a higher residual value could make the car more expensive as Subarus hold more of their original value.

Because Subaru is offering ultra-low financing this month, it may be better to buy a 2020 Crosstrek than go for a lease. Subaru is offering 0.9 percent financing on a 2020 Crosstrek through June, 30 and no down payment is required. Subaru does not specify the term. If you buy an Outback it’s a better deal as Subaru is offering the wagon with no-interest financing for 63 months and no down payment.

These examples on the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV and 2020 Subaru Outback wagon are based on a Kansas location. Prices may be anywhere from $10 to $20 higher in other parts of the country. Subaru says current offers end June 30, 2020, but they could be extended.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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