Leasing a Jeep may be the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of your dream car—but it’s important to be aware of the unique costs associated with leasing.
Buying a car isn’t the only option to get out on the road. For budget-conscious drivers who want to avoid the high price of a new car or the potential repair costs of a used one, leasing is a great alternative. When you lease a vehicle, you’ll have access to brand-new features, services, and technology for a lower cost than a traditional purchase.
There are downsides, though. Leasing often comes with restrictions, and you’ll be paying for the convenience instead of investing in something you’ll eventually own.
Leasing a car can be confusing. That’s why car insurance
comparison and broker app Jerry
is here to fill you in on everything you need to know about leasing a Jeep. We’ll talk about the leasing process—including associated costs and services—where to find cheap Jeep car insurance costs
, and what to do when your lease agreement ends. We’ll also help you answer the question: is leasing a Jeep worth it? RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
How to lease a Jeep
While you may want to get behind the wheel right away, we advise against heading to the closest dealership and signing up for the first car you see! Instead, take your time and follow this handy checklist to find the best deal:
First, check your credit score. In most cases, you’ll need a good credit score to lease a vehicle. To lease a brand-new Jeep, your credit score should be at least 700.
Next, determine your budget. To be on the safe side, your lease’s monthly payment should not exceed more than 15% of your monthly income. For example, if you make $5,000 a month, your lease payment should not be more than $750.
Then, estimate how much you can afford to pay up front. Most leases come with upfront costs like a down payment of at least a few thousand dollars.
And calculate your annual mileage. The majority of leases come with mileage limits of 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If you have a lengthy daily commute or plan on taking your Jeep on a cross-country road trip, it might behoove you to consider a high-mileage lease. This type of lease allows you to drive up to 20,000 miles per year.
After you’ve gotten a good look at your finances, it’s time for the fun part: picking your car!
You’ll want to compare lease offers
at your local Jeep dealership. For drivers looking for the cheapest Jeep lease options—we recommend sticking to a Jeep Compass Limited
or a Wrangler Sport
. If your budget has a little more wiggle room for luxury, you might consider the Grand Cherokee Limited
. Pro Tip The dealer is undoubtedly going to try to talk you into purchasing upgrades and extra accessories for your leased vehicle. Deciding on a budget beforehand can help you keep your costs low.
The final step: shop for insurance
After you’ve settled on the Jeep lease that works for you, you’ll want to purchase an insurance plan that does the same. Jerry
can help you do that in record time! Fill out a simple questionnaire (that takes roughly 45 seconds to complete), and Jerry will scan quotes from over 50 top insurance companies and deliver the best deals to you. The average Jerry driver saves $887 a year!
MORE: How to calculate a car lease payment
How much does a Jeep lease cost?
While leasing a Jeep is more affordable than buying a new one outright—how much more affordable is it exactly? The true cost to lease a Jeep will depend on a variety of factors, including:
The negotiated selling price
The term of the lease (12-month vs. 24-month vs. 36-month, etc.)
The interest rate you pay to lease the car
The optional accessories and trim package
Lease offers vary, but in general, you can expect your monthly payment for a 36-month lease to fall between $428 for a Jeep Compass Limited
and $621 for a Grand Cherokee Limited. There are other factors to take into account that contribute to the amount due at signing. These include your down payment, acquisition fee, and additional fees and taxes.
For example, to lease a Jeep Compass Limited, you’ll pay about $428 a month, but your total costs will include:
First month’s payment: $499 (includes taxes and fees)
These estimates are based on a 36-month lease with excellent credit.
In total, you can estimate $2,094 to be due at signing for your new Jeep Compass. This doesn’t include sales taxes, optional add-ons, and other fees that might increase your total cost.
In contrast, the amount due at signing for a Grand Cherokee Limited is $2,409—only $315 more than the Compass, even though the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Cherokee Limited is over $4,000 more! This is why it’s important to take more than just the monthly payment into account when looking at your lease.
Services included in a Jeep lease
Jeep introduced its Jeep Wave
customer care program in 2021. This complimentary program comes standard in all 2021 and 2022 Jeeps and ensures that your leased vehicle will have its routine maintenance costs covered for most or all of your lease term. You’ll be able to enjoy Jeep Wave for 36-months with no mileage restrictions.
Jeep Wave includes the following membership perks:
24-hour phone or online chat support
Same-day, no-charge replacement vehicle rental
Trip interruption coverage up to $1,000
Complimentary first three oil changes
Complimentary first three tire rotations
Check Jeep’s website
for a complete list of what’s covered in the Jeep Wave program. Furthermore, you may be able to purchase additional lease-end protection, which waives charges for excess wear and tear at the end of your lease. Although this protection isn't available in all states or for all models, it could save you some extra cash at the end of your lease.
Key Takeaway Jeep monthly lease payments range, but it’s important to take upfront costs into account, as well as complimentary services.
What to do when your Jeep lease is up
At the end of your Jeep lease, you have a few options: you can return the vehicle, extend your lease, or purchase the car.
How to return a leased Jeep
To return your leased Jeep, all you need to do is:
Schedule a pre-inspection through your dealership
Make the necessary repairs required post-inspection
Pay additional fees for conditions not covered in your lease agreement—such as excess mileage or wear and tear
Contact your local dealership to schedule the final return and inspection
You’ll also have to pay a $395 disposition fee at the end of your lease—no matter what condition your car is in.
Pro Tip The disposition fee is negotiable but must be negotiated before you begin your lease. After you sign on the dotted line, you’re obligated to pay this fee when returning your Jeep.
How to purchase a leased Jeep
Why say goodbye when you don’t have to? Jeep allows you to buy the car you’ve been leasing. You can work directly with the dealership to buy out your lease, or you can go to a bank or credit union to apply for an auto loan.
How to find affordable car insurance for a Jeep
No matter what Jeep you decide to lease, you’ll need to buy an insurance policy that protects it. If you need to shop for insurance, there’s no better aide than Jerry
—the trustworthy insurance comparison app
. Getting insurance for your leased Jeep is a breeze with Jerry: just download the app and answer a few quick questions. Afterward, you’ll get customized quotes from over 50 top insurance companies in about 45 seconds. You’ll have access to support from Jerry’s team of insurance geniuses, not to mention save an average of $887 a year on car insurance!
“You must get this app! It’s my first time getting my own insurance, so I called a few companies myself. Their rates priced me around $600/month. I used Jerry
and my rates went down to $250/month. I’m so happy!” —Melissa C.