u/Extreme-Temporary-85

Rates from KMF (Kia Motors Finance) Northeast region, May 2026. Payments pre-tax, 36mo/12K miles, cap = MSRP − Lease Cash only. Conditional programs (military adds $500 on most trims) not included. MSRPs confirmed from KMF May 2026 rate sheets.

The big structural change this month: EV6 joins the KMF captive rate sheet for the first time. That's not a placeholder — $6,200–$6,500 in Lease Cash, MF 0.00212–0.00217, real program. EV9 cash went up across all five trims and MF tightened, net effect is a better payment. Niro EV Wind cash climbed from $9,800 to $10,450 and the payment held flat at ~$347/mo despite a residual drop. Sportage cash jumped across the board.

The stuff that didn't change: the 0.00282 trap at 39 and 42 months applies to every single model in the lineup without exception. The K4 LX is still running 0.00282 at all four terms including 36 months, with $0 cash — it costs $83/mo more to lease than the LXS trim directly above it on a lower sticker. The Telluride still carries no consumer Lease Cash.

All payments: pre-tax, no acquisition fee (~$695 typical for KMF — adds ~$19/mo cap-costed), no down, MSRP as cap cost. Northeast region. Deals expire May 31, 2026.

Finding #1: The 0.00282 wall — every model, 39 and 42 months

At 24 and 36 months, KMF runs trim-tuned money factors from 0.00212 to 0.00224 (5.09–5.38% APR). At 39 months, every model resets to 0.00282 flat. 42 months, same. No exceptions anywhere in the 2026 lineup.

The cost is concrete. Sportage LX FWD at 36 months:

Cap ($28,790 MSRP − $2,630 cash):        $26,160
Residual (63% × $28,790):                $18,138
Depreciation ($26,160 − $18,138) ÷ 36:   $223/mo
Rent charge ($26,160 + $18,138) × 0.00217: $96/mo
Base payment:                             ~$319/mo

The same car at 39 months with the trap rate applied and a lower residual: ~$390/mo. That's $71/mo more — $2,769 extra over the life of the lease for three additional months of car. If a dealer quotes 39 or 42 months on any Kia, the rate sheet is working against you.

Model / Trim	36mo Payment	39mo Payment	Extra/Mo	Total Extra
Sportage LX FWD	~$319	~$390	+$71	+$2,769
K5 LXS FWD	~$352	~$413	+$61	+$2,379
Seltos LX FWD	~$290	~$340	+$50	+$1,950

Pre-tax, 12k mi/yr, MSRP cap, base cash applied.

Finding #2: K4 LX — more expensive to lease than the trim above it

The K4 LX is the only non-Telluride trim in the entire lineup running 0.00282 at 36 months. Not just at 39 and 42 — at 24, 36, 39, and 42 months, all 0.00282. With $0 in Lease Cash.

K4 LX Sedan at $22,990 MSRP:

Cap (no cash):                            $22,990
Residual (56% × $22,990):                $12,874
Depreciation ($22,990 − $12,874) ÷ 36:   $281/mo
Rent charge ($22,990 + $12,874) × 0.00282: $101/mo
Base payment:                             ~$382/mo

K4 LXS Sedan at $24,990 MSRP:

Cap ($24,990 − $1,320 cash):              $23,670
Residual (64% × $24,990):                $15,994
Depreciation ($23,670 − $15,994) ÷ 36:   $213/mo
Rent charge ($23,670 + $15,994) × 0.00216: $86/mo
Base payment:                             ~$299/mo

The LX costs $83/mo more to lease than the LXS despite a $2,000 lower sticker. This is not a close call — the LX is structured as a penalty trim. Start at LXS.

K4 Trim	MSRP	Cash	RV	MF (APR)	~Monthly
LX Sedan (skip)	$22,990	$0	56%	0.00282 (6.77%)	~$382
LXS Sedan	$24,990	$1,320	64%	0.00216 (5.18%)	~$299
EX Sedan	$26,990	$980	65%	0.00219 (5.26%)	~$331
GT-Line Sedan	$31,990	$990	65%	0.00224 (5.38%)	~$400

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K.

Finding #3: EV6 joins captive — first time on a KMF rate sheet

Before May, EV6 was finance-only or required a dealer-arranged program. KMF added it to the captive rate sheet this month. Money factors are market rate (0.00212–0.00217) — this is not a subsidized EV play like EV9 — but the cash does the work: $6,200–$6,500 non-conditional Lease Cash at 36 months across all trims.

EV6 Light RWD at $37,900 MSRP:

Cap ($37,900 − $6,500 cash):              $31,400
Residual (53% × $37,900):                $20,087
Depreciation ($31,400 − $20,087) ÷ 36:   $314/mo
Rent charge ($31,400 + $20,087) × 0.00212: $109/mo
Base payment:                             ~$423/mo

MF 0.00212 is the best rate in the EV6 lineup. Light LR RWD steps to 0.00217 and runs ~$469/mo on a $42,745 MSRP. Wind RWD ($44,800, $6,500 cash, 56% RV) adds $81/mo for more range and features at ~$504/mo. GT-Line RWD ($48,700) hits ~$573/mo — the styling premium isn't in the residual, skip it on a lease.

EV6 Trim	MSRP	Cash (36mo)	RV	MF	~Monthly
Light RWD	$37,900	$6,500	53%	0.00212	~$423
Light LR RWD	$42,745	$6,250	57%	0.00217	~$469
Wind RWD	$44,800	$6,500	56%	0.00216	~$504
GT-Line RWD	$48,700	$6,200	56%	0.00215	~$573
Light LR AWD	$47,745	$6,200	58%	0.00215	~$534
Wind AWD	$48,800	$6,500	57%	0.00216	~$554
GT-Line AWD	$48,700	$6,500	56%	0.00217	~$565

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, MSRP cap. Data: KMF NE, May 2026.

Finding #4: Niro EV Wind beats the EV6 Light by $76/mo on a higher sticker

The Niro EV Wind carries $10,450 in Lease Cash — $3,950 more than the EV6 Light RWD — despite a $1,800 higher sticker. The cash spread wins.

Niro EV Wind at $39,700 MSRP:

Cap ($39,700 − $10,450 cash):             $29,250
Residual (52% × $39,700):                $20,644
Depreciation ($29,250 − $20,644) ÷ 36:   $239/mo
Rent charge ($29,250 + $20,644) × 0.00216: $108/mo
Base payment:                             ~$347/mo

~$347/mo on a $39,700 EV. Wind carries $650 more cash than April ($9,800 → $10,450), which absorbed the residual drop (55% → 52%) and held the payment flat.

EV6 Light RWD at $37,900 MSRP:

Cap ($37,900 − $6,500 cash):              $31,400
Residual (53% × $37,900):                $20,087
Depreciation ($31,400 − $20,087) ÷ 36:   $314/mo
Rent charge ($31,400 + $20,087) × 0.00212: $109/mo
Base payment:                             ~$423/mo

The EV6 Light's $6,500 cap reduction doesn't offset the Niro EV's $10,450. $76/mo difference entirely explained by the incentive gap.

Model	MSRP	Cash	RV	MF	~Monthly
Niro EV Wind	$39,700	$10,450	52%	0.00216	~$347
EV6 Light RWD	$37,900	$6,500	53%	0.00212	~$423
EV9 Light RWD	$54,900	$12,000	56%	0.00214	~$495

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Niro EV is the cheapest EV lease in the market this month at ~$347/mo.

Finding #5: EV9 — cash up, MF tighter, payments down across the board

EV9 improved on every trim. Light RWD cash went from $11,150 to $12,000 and MF dropped from 0.00219 to 0.00214. Residuals came down a few points but the rate and cash improvement more than offset it.

EV9 Light RWD at $54,900 MSRP:

Cap ($54,900 − $12,000 cash):             $42,900
Residual (56% × $54,900):                $30,744
Depreciation ($42,900 − $30,744) ÷ 36:   $338/mo
Rent charge ($42,900 + $30,744) × 0.00214: $158/mo
Base payment:                             ~$495/mo

That's down from ~$482 in April — both cash and rate improved enough to overcome the residual drop. Light LR RWD (~$59,250, $11,920 cash, 58% RV) runs ~$537/mo. Wind AWD (~$63,900, $12,150 cash, 60% RV) runs ~$567/mo.

EV9 Trim	MSRP	Cash	RV	MF	~Monthly
Light RWD	$54,900	$12,000	56%	0.00214	~$495
Light LR RWD	~$59,250	$11,920	58%	0.00216	~$537
Wind AWD	~$63,900	$12,150	60%	0.00216	~$567
Land AWD	~$68,900	$12,200	59%	0.00216	~$656
GT-Line AWD	~$71,900	$12,100	60%	0.00217	~$686

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Light LR, Wind, Land, GT-Line MSRPs are starting estimates.

Finding #6: Telluride (2027) — $0 consumer Lease Cash, skip

The 2027 Telluride is available and on the KMF rate sheet, but carries no consumer Lease Cash. The gas variants run MF 0.00232–0.00262 (5.57–6.29% APR), the Hybrid 0.00250–0.00256 (6.00–6.14% APR). Residuals are the best in the Kia lineup — S FWD holds 69%, Hybrid EX 71% — but that doesn't fix elevated rates with zero cash support.

2027 Telluride S FWD at $42,090 MSRP:

Cap (no cash):                            $42,090
Residual (69% × $42,090):                $29,042
Depreciation ($42,090 − $29,042) ÷ 36:   $362/mo
Rent charge ($42,090 + $29,042) × 0.00232: $165/mo
Base payment:                             ~$527/mo

EX AWD ($45,790, 70% RV, MF 0.00248) lands at ~$575/mo. Hybrid EX FWD ($46,490, 71% RV, MF 0.00256) hits ~$578/mo. These are real payments — just bad ones. Wait for a month where KMF adds cash.

2027 Telluride Trim	MSRP	MF	APR	RV	Cash	~Monthly
S FWD	$42,090	0.00232	5.57%	69%	$0	~$527
EX AWD	$45,790	0.00248	5.95%	70%	$0	~$575
Hybrid EX FWD	$46,490	0.00256	6.14%	71%	$0	~$578

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, MSRP cap. 2027 model year MSRPs from Kia.

Sorento Hybrid EX FWD — the understated deal

$4,050 in Lease Cash — the largest single-trim incentive in the non-EV Sorento lineup — with a competitive MF and a 3-row hybrid body.

Sorento Hybrid EX FWD at $38,890 MSRP:

Cap ($38,890 − $4,050 cash):              $34,840
Residual (59% × $38,890):                $22,945
Depreciation ($34,840 − $22,945) ÷ 36:   $330/mo
Rent charge ($34,840 + $22,945) × 0.00217: $125/mo
Base payment:                             ~$455/mo

~$455/mo for a 3-row hybrid SUV with AWD available ($480/mo on Hybrid EX AWD at $40,890 with $2,790 cash). The Sorento PHEV EX ($45,890, $5,300 cash, 63% RV, MF 0.00217) runs ~$475/mo — the PHEV cash step-up is the strongest plug-in deal in the lineup.

Full May 2026 Lineup — 36-Month Rates

Model	Trim	MF	APR	RV%	Cash	~Payment	39mo MF
Sportage	LX FWD	0.00217	5.21%	63%	$2,630	~$319	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage	EX FWD	0.00216	5.18%	65%	$1,940	~$348	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage	X-Line AWD	0.00216	5.18%	63%	$2,490	~$382	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage	SX FWD	0.00215	5.16%	65%	$1,990	~$397	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage	SX Prestige AWD	0.00217	5.21%	64%	$2,140	~$429	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage Hybrid	LX FWD	0.00215	5.16%	63%	$2,720	~$339	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage Hybrid	EX AWD	0.00216	5.18%	66%	$1,840	~$401	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage Hybrid	X-Line AWD	0.00215	5.16%	66%	$1,840	~$426	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage PHEV	X-Line	0.00215	5.16%	69%	$3,460	~$392	0.00282 (trap)
Sportage PHEV	X-Line Prestige	0.00216	5.18%	66%	$4,050	~$452	0.00282 (trap)
Seltos	LX FWD	0.00217	5.21%	56%	$2,700	~$290	0.00282 (trap)
Seltos	LX AWD	0.00214	5.14%	59%	$1,950	~$323	0.00282 (trap)
Seltos	S FWD	0.00215	5.16%	60%	$1,660	~$340	0.00282 (trap)
Seltos	EX FWD	0.00214	5.14%	63%	$960	~$368	0.00282 (trap)
Seltos	EX AWD	0.00215	5.16%	63%	$960	~$396	0.00282 (trap)
Seltos	SX AWD	0.00215	5.16%	65%	$660	~$415	0.00282 (trap)
Niro Hybrid	LX	0.00214	5.14%	59%	$3,120	~$312	0.00282 (trap)
Niro Hybrid	EX	0.00218	5.23%	61%	$3,020	~$340	0.00282 (trap)
Niro Hybrid	SX	0.00217	5.21%	62%	$2,610	~$386	0.00282 (trap)
Niro Hybrid	SX Touring	0.00216	5.18%	60%	$3,060	~$418	0.00282 (trap)
K4	LX Sedan (skip)	0.00282	6.77%	56%	$0	~$382	0.00282
K4	LXS Sedan	0.00216	5.18%	64%	$1,320	~$299	0.00282 (trap)
K4	EX Sedan	0.00219	5.26%	65%	$980	~$331	0.00282 (trap)
K4	GT-Line Sedan	0.00221	5.30%	65%	$990	~$358	0.00282 (trap)
K4	GT-Line Turbo Sedan	0.00224	5.38%	65%	$990	~$400	0.00282 (trap)
K4	GT-Line Hatchback	0.00222	5.33%	65%	$990	~$372	0.00282 (trap)
K4	GT-Line Turbo Hatch	0.00224	5.38%	65%	$990	~$413	0.00282 (trap)
K5	LXS FWD	0.00214	5.14%	60%	$1,820	~$352	0.00282 (trap)
K5	EX FWD	0.00215	5.16%	61%	$1,540	~$411	0.00282 (trap)
K5	GT FWD	0.00216	5.18%	62%	$1,240	~$455	0.00282 (trap)
K5	GT-Line FWD	0.00220	5.28%	63%	$990	~$469	0.00282 (trap)
K5	GT-Line AWD	0.00219	5.26%	63%	$990	~$496	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento	LX FWD	0.00214	5.14%	61%	$2,840	~$400	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento	S FWD	0.00216	5.18%	61%	$2,940	~$456	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento	EX FWD	0.00217	5.21%	61%	$2,870	~$487	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento	EX AWD	0.00215	5.16%	64%	$2,070	~$506	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento	X-Line SX AWD	0.00216	5.18%	65%	$1,820	~$557	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento Hybrid	EX FWD	0.00217	5.21%	59%	$4,050	~$456	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento Hybrid	EX AWD	0.00215	5.16%	63%	$2,790	~$480	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento PHEV	EX	0.00217	5.21%	63%	$5,300	~$475	0.00282 (trap)
Sorento PHEV	X-Line SX Prestige	0.00216	5.18%	65%	$4,220	~$550	0.00282 (trap)
Niro EV	Wind	0.00216	5.18%	52%	$10,450	~$347	0.00282 (trap)
Niro EV	Wave	0.00217	5.21%	52%	$10,700	~$423	0.00282 (trap)
EV6	Light RWD	0.00212	5.09%	53%	$6,500	~$423	0.00282 (trap)
EV6	Light LR RWD	0.00217	5.21%	57%	$6,250	~$469	0.00282 (trap)
EV6	Wind RWD	0.00216	5.18%	56%	$6,500	~$504	0.00282 (trap)
EV6	GT-Line RWD	0.00215	5.16%	56%	$6,200	~$573	0.00282 (trap)
EV6	Light LR AWD	0.00215	5.16%	58%	$6,200	~$534	0.00282 (trap)
EV6	Wind AWD	0.00216	5.18%	57%	$6,500	~$554	0.00282 (trap)
EV6	GT-Line AWD	0.00217	5.21%	56%	$6,500	~$565	0.00282 (trap)
EV9	Light RWD	0.00214	5.14%	56%	$12,000	~$495	0.00282 (trap)
EV9	Light LR RWD	0.00216	5.18%	58%	$11,920	~$537	0.00282 (trap)
EV9	Wind AWD	0.00216	5.18%	60%	$12,150	~$567	0.00282 (trap)
EV9	Land AWD	0.00216	5.18%	59%	$12,200	~$656	0.00282 (trap)
EV9	GT-Line AWD	0.00217	5.21%	60%	$12,100	~$686	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival	LX	0.00216	5.18%	63%	$1,990	~$456	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival	LXS	0.00217	5.21%	62%	$2,290	~$486	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival	EX	0.00216	5.18%	62%	$2,060	~$517	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival	SX	0.00216	5.18%	62%	$2,160	~$583	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival	SX Prestige	0.00216	5.18%	61%	$2,210	~$665	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival Hybrid	LXS	0.00216	5.18%	61%	$2,590	~$537	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival Hybrid	EX	0.00216	5.18%	62%	$2,260	~$567	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival Hybrid	SX	0.00217	5.21%	62%	$2,110	~$614	0.00282 (trap)
Carnival Hybrid	SX Prestige	0.00217	5.21%	61%	$2,310	~$692	0.00282 (trap)
2027 Telluride	S FWD	0.00232	5.57%	69%	$0	~$527	0.00282
2027 Telluride	EX AWD	0.00248	5.95%	70%	$0	~$575	0.00282
2027 Telluride Hybrid	EX FWD	0.00256	6.14%	71%	$0	~$578	0.00282

(trap) = resets to 6.77% APR at 39 months. Bold = do not lease at this trim. Telluride ($0 cash, no viable program). Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, MSRP cap, no acq fee. Data: KMF Northeast, May 2026.

Assumptions

Cap cost = MSRP minus Lease Cash only. No dealer discount, no down payment. Negotiate below MSRP and payments drop dollar-for-dollar.

36 months / 12,000 miles per year. All residuals and money factors from the 36mo/12k tier.

Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add state lease tax, KMF acquisition fee (~$695), dealer doc fee, and first month at signing. The $695 acquisition fee adds ~$19/mo if rolled into cap cost.

Published buy rate MF. Dealers can mark up the money factor — published rates are the floor. Verify the MF on your deal sheet before signing. One point of MF markup (0.00010) adds roughly $9–11/month on most Kia trims. On the EV9 it's higher.

Northeast region. Rates are from KMF Northeast sheets. Programs vary by region — verify your zip with your dealer.

Military incentive. $500 additional Lease Cash on most trims for eligible buyers — conditional, one-per-customer, not stacked with other conditional programs.

Base cash only. The figures above are unconditional Lease Cash. Military $500 is on top for eligible buyers.

Source: KMF Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Deals expire May 31, 2026.

TL;DR

• Niro EV Wind at ~$347/mo — cheapest EV lease in the market. $10,450 cash on a $39,700 car. Cash increase from April absorbed the residual drop; payment held flat.
• EV6 joins captive for the first time. Light RWD at ~$423/mo with $6,500 cash and MF 0.00212. Not a subsidized rate play — the cash does the work. Skip GT-Line; the styling premium isn't in the residual.
• EV9 improved on every trim. Light RWD went from ~$482 to ~$495 in April... wait, the other direction — down. Cash from $11,150 to $12,000, MF from 0.00219 to 0.00214. Payments down on all five variants.
• K4 LX is a penalty trim, not a base trim. $382/mo at 6.77% APR with $0 cash on a $22,990 car. The LXS directly above it is $299/mo. LX costs $83/mo more on a $2,000 lower sticker. There is no scenario where leasing the LX makes sense.
• 39-month trap is real and universal. Every model, no exceptions — 0.00282 (6.77% APR) at 39 and 42 months vs. 5.09–5.38% at 36. Sportage LX costs $2,769 more over the life of the lease at 39 months vs. 36. Stay at 24 or 36 months.
• Telluride is a skip this month. $0 consumer cash, elevated MF (5.57–6.14% APR), strong residuals that don't offset the rate. Wait for a month where KMF supports it.
• Sorento Hybrid EX FWD at ~$455/mo with $4,050 cash is the best 3-row hybrid deal in the lineup. Sorento PHEV EX at ~$475/mo on $45,890 MSRP with $5,300 cash is the strongest plug-in deal.
• Entry points worth considering: Seltos LX FWD ~$290/mo, Niro Hybrid LX ~$312/mo, Sportage LX FWD ~$319/mo, K4 LXS ~$299/mo. All pre-tax, MSRP cap, $695 acq fee not included.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — verify the published buy rate MF for your model.

(Quick note: I used an LLM to help format this. Numbers are pulled directly from KMF Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Argue the math if something looks wrong.)

Rates from respective captive lender Northeast rate sheets, May 2026, 36mo/12K miles. Cap = MSRP minus non-conditional Lease Cash only — no dealer discount, no down payment. Payments pre-tax. Conditional incentives (loyalty, military, college grad, conquest) not included in base monthly unless noted.

May 2026 is the month the free ride ended for two of the best EV lease programs in the market. Lexus Financial dropped MF 0.00001 on the RZ — gone entirely, replaced by a market-rate 0.00120. Toyota Motor Credit held 0% APR on the bZ but pulled $1,500 in Lease Cash. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Finance responded to both by raising IONIQ 9 cash to $14,500–$16,750 at 36 months — a 3-row, 335-mile-range SUV. Subaru brings two all-new models — the Trailseeker and the Uncharted — alongside the existing Solterra. The cheapest EV lease payment this month is still the Kia Niro EV Wind at ~$347/month pre-tax.

Finding #1: Toyota bZ — 0% APR, but a $1,500 Cash Drop

Toyota Motor Credit holds MF 0.00001 on every 2026 bZ trim for May — the rate is unchanged from April. What changed: the base Lease Cash dropped from $7,000 to $5,500 across standard bZ trims, and the bZ Woodland holds at $5,500 as well (was $6,500 in April). That $1,500 cash reduction adds ~$42/month to the entry payment.

The bZ XLE Plus FWD runs ~$490/month at 0% APR on ~$42,000 MSRP — still the best rate-driven EV lease in the market by a wide margin, just slightly less compelling than April. The entire 36-month rent charge is under $20.

On stacking: bZ Lease Loyalty Cash adds $5,000 in the NE region (targeted offer, requires unique certificate). Military and college grad stack on top. No conquest on any bZ trim in any region.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
bZ XLE FWD	~$40,000	0.00001	43%	$5,500	~$481
bZ XLE Plus FWD	~$42,000	0.00001	45%	$5,500	~$490
bZ Limited FWD	~$43,400	0.00001	43%	$5,500	~$526
bZ XLE AWD	~$53,390	0.00001	44%	$5,500	~$656
bZ Woodland Base AWD	$46,750	0.00001	44%	$5,500	~$567

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Non-conditional cash only. Standard bZ max stack ~$12,000 NE ($5.5K base + $5K bZ Loyalty Cash + $500 military/college grad). Loyalty offer is targeted. Data: Toyota Financial Services NE, May 2026.

Finding #2: Lexus RZ — 0% APR Gone, MF Jumps to 0.00120

This is the biggest program change in May 2026. Lexus Financial Services dropped the 0.00001 MF on the RZ entirely. Every 2026 RZ trim now runs MF 0.00120 (2.88% APR) at 36 months. That adds ~$84 in rent charges per month on the base RZ 350e FWD at ~$48,600 MSRP. Net payment after the $3,000 Lease Cash moves from ~$585/month to ~$663/month — a $78/month hit.

The RZ 450e AWD (base) and Luxury AWD now carry $6,500 in base Lease Cash at 36 months (up from $2,750 in April), which offsets roughly $92/month of the MF-driven payment increase. The RZ 350e FWD, 350e Premium FWD, and 550e F Sport AWD stay at $3,000 with no corresponding cash bump.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV (36/12K)	Base Cash	~Monthly
RZ 350e FWD	~$48,600	0.00120	51%	$3,000	~$663
RZ 350e Premium FWD	~$50,148	0.00120	51%	$3,000	~$688
RZ 450e AWD (base)	~$55,150	0.00120	51%	$6,500	~$706
RZ 450e Luxury AWD	~$60,500	0.00120	51%	$6,500	~$795

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Non-conditional cash only. Loyalty adds $1,000; military and college grad add $1,000 each. Data: Lexus Financial Services NE, May 2026.

Finding #3: Hyundai IONIQ 9 — $15,000+ Cash Makes it the Best 3-Row EV Deal

The IONIQ 9 is the story of May for Hyundai Motor Finance. Cash at 36 months went up across every trim: S RWD now carries $15,000, SE AWD gets $15,500, and SEL AWD gets $16,750. The MF held at market rate. At $15,000 cash on the S RWD, the payment on a ~$60,555 SUV is ~$486/month. That's a 3-row, 335-mile-range EV with 7 seats. No other 3-row EV in the market is structurally close.

IONIQ 5 in May is a different story. The subsidized MF (0.00007) from April is gone. Every trim now runs market-rate MF with $7,250–$8,250 cash. The net result for the entry trim is roughly flat — the SE Standard Range RWD still prices out around ~$449/month.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
IONIQ 9 S RWD	~$60,555	0.00224	57%	$15,000	~$486
IONIQ 9 SE AWD	~$64,365	0.00227	58%	$15,500	~$516
IONIQ 9 SEL AWD	~$66,320	0.00222	57%	$16,750	~$521
IONIQ 5 SE SR RWD	~$41,450	0.00213	54%	$7,250	~$449
IONIQ 5 SE RWD	~$43,000	0.00227	57%	$7,500	~$435
IONIQ 5 XRT AWD	~$49,400	0.00227	56%	$8,250	~$518

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. IONIQ 9 max stack: +$500 military + $400 college grad + $500 first responder. Data: Hyundai Motor Finance NE, May 2026.

Finding #4: Kia Niro EV, EV6, EV9 — EV6 Joins the Program

Kia Motor Finance kept the Niro EV program nearly identical to April. The Wind trim carries $10,450 in non-conditional Lease Cash, MF held at 0.00216, and the RV moved from 54% to 52%. Net payment on the Wind (~$39,700 MSRP) stays at ~$347/month. That is still the cheapest EV lease payment in the May EV lineup.

The EV6 is new to the captive EV rate sheet this month. Kia runs market rate MF 0.00212–0.00217 across trims. Non-conditional Lease Cash at 36 months ranges from $6,200 to $6,500. The entry Light at $37,900 with $6,500 cash runs ~$423/month — competitive with the IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range.

The EV9 program is effectively flat month over month. Light Long Range RWD carries $11,920 in Lease Cash, running ~$503/month.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
Niro EV Wind	~$39,700	0.00216	52%	$10,450	~$347
Niro EV Wave	~$44,700	0.00217	52%	$10,700	~$423
EV6 Light RWD	$37,900	0.00212	53%	$6,500	~$423
EV6 Wind RWD	$44,800	0.00216	56%	$6,500	~$504
EV9 Light LR RWD	~$59,250	0.00214	56%	$11,920	~$537
EV9 Wind AWD	~$63,900	0.00216	60%	$12,150	~$567

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Non-conditional cash only. Data: Kia Motor Finance NE, May 2026.

Finding #5: Honda Prologue — +$1,450 Cash, Rate Unchanged

Honda Financial Services kept the Prologue rate at MF 0.00074 (1.78% APR) — the same as April. The change is on the cash side: non-conditional Lease Cash increased by $1,450 to $6,450 on the EX FWD and EX AWD trims at 36 months. The EX 2WD at $41,395 MSRP runs ~$437/month — down from ~$456 in April.

For stackers, Honda Financial also runs up to $7,500 in conquest cash (varies by region and qualification), meaning the effective payment drops sharply if you qualify.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Base Cash	~Monthly
EX 2WD	$41,395	0.00074	50%	$6,450	~$437
EX AWD	~$44,895	0.00074	49%	$6,450	~$497

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Conquest stack up to $7,500 (region/eligibility dependent). Data: Honda Financial Services, May 2026.

Finding #6: Subaru Trailseeker + Uncharted (NEW models)

Subaru's EV lineup now has three models with published lease programs. This month adds two all-new models: Trailseeker (mid-size SUV) and Uncharted (compact crossover), alongside the existing Solterra. All three share the same incentive structure: a $2,000 non-conditional consumer incentive plus a $4,000 dealer incentive that is at dealer discretion. That $4,000 is not guaranteed to appear in your deal.

The Uncharted Premium FWD at $34,995 is the entry point. With the full $6,000 in cash and MF 0.00083, the payment is ~$386/month. At $2,000 only, it's ~$501. The Trailseeker Premium FWD runs ~$423/month at $6K cash or ~$540 at $2K.

Model / Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	~Monthly ($2K cash)*	~Monthly ($6K cash)*
Uncharted Premium FWD	$34,995	0.00083	47%	~$501	~$386
Uncharted GT AWD	$41,715	0.00054	47%	~$591	~$477
Trailseeker Premium FWD	$39,995	0.00142	54%	~$540	~$423
Trailseeker Touring AWD	$46,555	0.00101	52%	~$635	~$519
Solterra Premium	~$40,000	0.00131	53%	~$558	~$427

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Two scenarios: $2K cash (consumer incentive only) vs $6K cash (consumer + dealer incentive). Dealer incentive is not guaranteed. Data: Subaru Motor Finance NE, May 2026.

Finding #7: BMW i4 + i5 + iX — Programs Unchanged, 2026 vs 2027 i5 Split

BMW Financial Services held programs steady in May. The i4 eDrive40 stays at MF 0.00035 (0.84% APR) with $3,750 base Lease Credit — the strongest rate in the luxury EV segment at ~$666/month. The iX runs $7,500 non-conditional Lease Credit across trims.

The i5 has a 2026 vs 2027 model year split you need to know about. The 2026 i5 eDrive40 holds at MF 0.00060 (1.44% APR) with ~$875/month. The 2027 i5 eDrive40 runs MF 0.00090 (2.16% APR) at the same cash — approximately ~$47/month more expensive. Stick to the 2026 i5 while inventory exists.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Base Cash	~Monthly
i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe	~$57,900	0.00035	54%	$3,750	~$666
i4 xDrive40 Gran Coupe	~$62,900	0.00035	55%	$3,750	~$714
i5 eDrive40 Sedan (2026)	~$68,900	0.00060	52%	$3,750	~$875
i5 eDrive40 Sedan (2027)	~$70,000	0.00090	52%	$3,750	~$922
iX xDrive45	~$88,000	0.00080	52%	$7,500	~$1,066

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Base non-conditional Lease Credit only. Data: BMW Financial Services NE, May 2026.

Finding #8: Cadillac OPTIQ + LYRIQ — Cash Moved to 39-Month Only

May brings a structural change to Cadillac EV incentives. The $1,000 non-conditional consumer cash at 36 months is gone for both OPTIQ and LYRIQ. In May, cash incentives at 36 months are $0; the $1,000 consumer cash is only available on the 39-month term.

The OPTIQ Luxury at 36/12K runs MF 0.00112 (2.69% APR) with 61% residual. At a ~$52,000 MSRP with no cash, the payment is approximately ~$640/month. LYRIQ Luxury at MF 0.00167 with 64% residual on ~$60,000 MSRP comes to ~$723/month. Both deals worsened from April.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Base Cash	~Monthly
OPTIQ Luxury	~$52,000	0.00112	61%	$0	~$640
LYRIQ Luxury	~$60,000	0.00167	64%	$0	~$723

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. $1,000 non-conditional consumer cash removed for 36-month terms in May. Data: GM Financial NE, May 2026.

Finding #9: Volvo EX30 + EX40 — Cash Holds, Rate Improved on EX40

Volvo Financial Services kept the $7,500 non-conditional Lease Cash on the EX40 while improving the rate from 0.00126 in April to 0.00088 (2.11% APR) in May. That saves ~$60/month in rent charges, partially offset by a residual drop. Net payment on the EX40 entry runs ~$655/month — roughly flat vs April.

EX30 runs MF 0.00261 (6.26% APR) with $4,500 cash. At ~$37,000 MSRP, the payment is approximately ~$565/month.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
EX30 RWD Plus	~$37,000	0.00261	53-55%	$4,500	~$565
EX40 RWD Plus	~$54,473	0.00088	46-47%	$7,500	~$655

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Loyalty +$500 all Volvo EV trims. Data: Volvo Financial Services NE, May 2026.

Finding #10: Genesis eGV70 — Near-Zero Rate, No Cash

Genesis Financial runs MF 0.00018 (0.43% APR) on the 2026 eGV70 — one of the lowest rates available. The tradeoff is that there is no non-conditional consumer cash. With a 50% residual on a ~$57,000 entry MSRP, the payment sits at ~$878/month. The eGV70 is a rate story, not a payment story.

Complete May 2026 EV Rate Summary

Brand / Model	Best MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Non-Cond. Cash	~Entry Monthly	vs April
Toyota bZ	0.00001	0.02%	43–45%	$5,500	~$490	Cash dropped $1,500
Kia Niro EV	0.00216	5.18%	52%	$10,450	~$347	Unchanged
Hyundai IONIQ 9	0.00224	5.38%	57–59%	$14,500–$16,750	~$486	Cash up significantly
Hyundai IONIQ 5	0.00208	4.99%	54–57%	$7,250–$8,250	~$449	Subsidized rate gone, cash up
Honda Prologue	0.00074	1.78%	49–50%	$6,450	~$437	Cash up $1,450
Kia EV9	0.00216	5.18%	56–60%	$11,920	~$537	Unchanged
Kia EV6	0.00212	5.09%	53–56%	$6,200–$6,500	~$423	New to program
Subaru Uncharted	0.00054	1.30%	47–49%	$2,000–$6,000†	~$386–$501	New model
Subaru Trailseeker	0.00101	2.42%	52–54%	$2,000–$6,000†	~$423–$540	New model
Subaru Solterra	0.00098	2.35%	50–53%	$2,000–$6,000†	~$427–$558	Dealer cash variable
BMW i4	0.00035	0.84%	54–55%	$3,750	~$666	Unchanged
BMW i5 (2026)	0.00060	1.44%	52%	$3,750	~$875	2027 rate worse
BMW iX	0.00045	1.08%	52%	$7,500	~$1,066	Unchanged
Genesis eGV70	0.00018	0.43%	50%	$0	~$878	Rate improved
Lexus RZ	0.00120	2.88%	51–52%	$3,000–$6,500	~$663	0% APR gone
Cadillac OPTIQ	0.00112	2.69%	61%	$0†	~$640	Cash moved to 39mo
Cadillac LYRIQ	0.00167	4.01%	64%	$0†	~$723	Cash moved to 39mo
Volvo EX40	0.00088	2.11%	46–47%	$7,500	~$655	Rate improved
Volvo EX30	0.00261	6.26%	53–55%	$4,500	~$565	Unchanged
Chevy Equinox EV	0.00271	6.50%	60%	$0	~$672	MF tripled
VW ID.4	0.00313	7.51%	45–47%	$6,000	~$607	Rate up, cash up
Ford Mach-E	0.00189	4.54%	51–52%	$2,000	~$646	Unchanged
Ford F-150 Lightning	0.00308	7.39%	47–49%	$0	~$849+	Skip
Porsche Taycan	0.00250	6.00%	44–52%	$0	~$1,706	Unchanged
Audi Q4 e-tron	0.00293	7.03%	50%	$3,000	~$820	Skip
Mercedes EQE/EQS	0.00082†	1.97%†	44–48%	$0‡	~$1,340	Skip

†Best MF applies to select trims only. Subaru dealer cash is discretionary. Cadillac cash requires 39mo term. MF × 2400 = approximate APR. Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, entry trim, non-conditional cash only. Northeast programs. May 2026.

What to Skip and Why

Chevy Equinox EV: MF tripled from 0.00081 to 0.00271 (6.50% APR) and consumer cash dropped to $0. The 60% RV is strong, but the ~$672/month payment on an RS trim doesn't work. Come back when GM restores the rate.

VW ID.4: Rate exploded to 7.51% APR, offset by $6,000 cash. Entry comes in at ~$607/month. There are better options available.

Ford F-150 Lightning: 7.39% APR with $0 cash and 47-49% residuals. A pure finance vehicle in May 2026. The lease math does not work at this rate and residual combination.

Audi Q4 e-tron: 7.03% APR with $3,000 cash and 50% residual. ~$820/month entry. This is expensive money on an expensive car. Skip.

Mercedes EQE / EQS: MBFS subsidizes the EQS Sedan rate to ~1.97% APR, but the residuals are 44-48% on a $100K+ car. You're depreciating half the car regardless of rate. $0 non-conditional consumer cash. Skip.

Porsche Taycan: 6.00% APR and no cash. Dealers won't move on MSRP. It's just what it costs at 36 months (~$1,706/mo).

Assumptions

Cap cost = MSRP minus non-conditional Lease Cash only. No dealer discount, no down payment. Negotiate below sticker and the depreciation component drops proportionally.

36 months / 12,000 miles per year. All residuals use the 12K mileage tier.

Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add state lease tax, acquisition fee, dealer doc fee, registration, and first month at signing. Tax treatment varies significantly by state.

Published buy rate MF. Dealers can mark up the money factor. Ask for the buy rate on any deal before you sign.

Northeast programs. EV lease programs have notable regional variation, especially on loyalty cash. Confirm your zip code's program before committing.

Conditional incentives not applied. Loyalty, conquest, military, college grad, first responder — these are real cash if you qualify, not included in the base monthly figures above.

TL;DR

• Toyota bZ: 0% APR, but lost $1,500 cash vs April. Entry is ~$490/mo. Still the best rate in the market.
• Lexus RZ: 0% APR gone entirely, jumped to 0.00120. $78/month hit. Base entry moves to ~$663/mo.
• Hyundai IONIQ 9: $15K-$16.7K cash makes it ~$486/month. Unquestionably the best 3-row EV deal available right now.
• Kia Niro EV: Still the cheapest lease overall at ~$347/month with $10.4K cash. EV6 joins the program at ~$449/mo.
• Honda Prologue: $1,450 more cash drops the entry to ~$437/month. Great value per dollar of MSRP.
• Subaru: New Uncharted (~$386/mo) and Trailseeker (~$423/mo) added, but the deal heavily depends on your dealer passing through the $4,000 discretionary cash.
• BMW: i4 at 0.84% APR is the new luxury rate king since Lexus dropped out. Stick to the 2026 i5 to avoid a 2027 rate hike.
• Cadillac: OPTIQ and LYRIQ lost their $1K 36-month cash (now requires a 39-month term).
• Volvo: EX40 rate improved, EX30 unchanged.
• Chevy Equinox EV: Rate tripled and cash dropped to zero. Skip for now.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — verify the published buy rate MF for your model.

(Quick note: used an LLM to help format this. Data is from captive lender Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Push back if something looks off.)

Rates from Hyundai Motor Finance Northeast, May 2026. Payments pre-tax, 36mo/12K miles, cap = MSRP − non-conditional Lease Cash only. No dealer discount, no down payment. MSRPs from HMF May 2026 rate sheets.

The extreme rate subsidies from March are gone. The 0.67% APR Tucson XRT doesn't exist anymore. Hyundai has standardized money factors across the board — almost every ICE model now sits between 0.00203 and 0.00232 (4.8%–5.5% APR). Because rates are uniform, the gaps between trims and models are driven entirely by residual values and non-conditional Lease Cash.

Follow the cash. Ignore the rate.

Lineup at a Glance

Model	Best MF	Best APR	Best RV	Max Lease Cash	Best Value Trim
Tucson	0.00206	4.94%	65%	$4,000	SE FWD
Tucson Hybrid	0.00200	4.80%	68%	$2,750	Blue SE
Tucson PHEV	0.00192	4.61%	68%	$3,250	SEL
Elantra	0.00214	5.14%	66%	$2,500	SE IVT
Elantra Hybrid	0.00218	5.23%	65%	$1,750	Blue
Kona	0.00211	5.06%	63%	$2,750	SE FWD
Venue	0.00212	5.09%	56%	$500	SEL
Sonata	0.00203	4.87%	62%	$2,250	SE FWD
Sonata Hybrid	0.00221	5.30%	64%	$750	Blue
Santa Fe	0.00206	4.94%	65%	$1,250	SE AWD
Santa Fe Hybrid	0.00212	5.09%	65%	$750	SE FWD
Santa Cruz	0.00215	5.16%	63%	$750	SE FWD
Palisade	0.00090*	2.16%*	69%	$2,500	SEL 7P AWD
Palisade Hybrid	0.00214	5.14%	67%	$250	Blue SEL FWD
IONIQ 5	0.00208	4.99%	57%	$8,250	SE Standard Range RWD
IONIQ 9	0.00222	5.33%	58%	$16,750	S RWD

*MF × 2400 = approximate APR. Palisade Limited AWD carries 0.00090 MF but is offset by a punishing 59% residual — see Finding #4.

Finding #1: Tucson SE FWD — $4,000 in cash drops it to ~$320/month

The best ICE lease in the Hyundai lineup this month. $4,000 of non-conditional Lease Cash on a $31,050 car is a meaningful cap cost reduction.

Tucson SE FWD at $31,050:

Lease Cash (cap cost reduction):            −$4,000
Adjusted cap:                               $27,050
Residual (62% × $31,050):                  $19,251
Depreciation ($27,050 − $19,251) ÷ 36:     $216/mo
Rent charge ($27,050 + $19,251) × 0.00223: $103/mo
Base payment:                               ~$320/mo

The SEL FWD gets $3,000 cash, a lower MF (0.00206), and a 63% residual — lands at ~$352/month. If you need AWD, the SEL AWD at ~$372 gets a 65% residual, which is the best in the AWD Tucson lineup.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
SE FWD	$31,050	0.00223	62%	$4,000	~$320
SEL FWD	$32,400	0.00206	63%	$3,000	~$352
XRT FWD	$35,075	0.00228	65%	$3,000	~$383
Limited FWD	$41,025	0.00227	62%	$3,750	~$464
SE AWD	$32,550	0.00218	61%	$3,500	~$355
SEL AWD	$33,900	0.00224	65%	$2,750	~$372
XRT AWD	$36,575	0.00227	65%	$3,000	~$388
Limited AWD	$42,525	0.00213	62%	$3,500	~$462

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K.

The XRT AWD no longer has the sub-1% APR from March. It's back to market rate with $3,000 cash to compensate — ~$388/month is decent for a loaded Tucson with AWD, but it's not the anomaly it was two months ago.

Finding #2: Elantra SE IVT — ~$254/month and the cash cliff is real

The Elantra SE IVT gets $2,500 in Lease Cash. Every other Elantra trim gets $250 or $0. That cash cliff is not subtle — the SEL Sport at the next rung up gets $250 cash and a $72/month higher payment. There's no reason to lease any Elantra other than the SE this month.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
SE IVT	$23,870	0.00214	63%	$2,500	~$254
SEL Sport IVT	$24,995	0.00219	65%	$250	~$326
SEL Sport Premium IVT	$26,320	0.00222	66%	$0	~$346
Limited IVT	$28,420	0.00227	66%	$0	~$376
N-Line	$30,645	0.00228	66%	$0	~$405

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K.

~$254/month pre-tax on a new car is hard to beat anywhere in any brand at this price point. The SE IVT is one of the better lease values in the full Hyundai lineup this month, not just the Elantra lineup.

If you want more features, the Elantra Hybrid Blue at ~$303/month is the right next step — not the SEL Sport Elantra with $250 cash.

Finding #3: Palisade SEL 7P AWD — 69% residual on a 3-row for ~$548/month

The Palisade's residuals are doing the heavy lifting. The SEL 7P AWD carries a 69% residual — the highest in the Hyundai mainstream lineup and among the best for any 3-row SUV from any brand at this price point. That residual flattens the depreciation component so aggressively that you can lease a $44,535 SUV for ~$548/month with essentially no cash on the hood.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
SE FWD	$40,535	0.00209	67%	$0	~$538
SEL 7P FWD	$43,035	0.00208	68%	$0	~$540
SEL 7P AWD	$44,535	0.00228	69%	$0	~$548
Limited FWD	$52,970	0.00214	66%	$500	~$660
Limited AWD	$54,470	0.00090	59%	$500	~$670
Calligraphy AWD	$59,260	0.00231	66%	$2,500	~$712

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K.

The SEL 7P AWD at ~$548/month is barely more expensive than the SE FWD at ~$538/month — $10/month buys you AWD and a full trim step on a 7-seat SUV. The SEL 7P FWD and AWD are nearly tied in payment while the AWD trim is $1,500 more in MSRP, because the 69% RV on the AWD vs 68% on the FWD absorbs the gap.

The Calligraphy AWD at ~$712/month has $2,500 in cash on a $59,260 car. That $2,500 saves you about $69/month. Not enough.

Finding #4: Palisade Limited AWD — lowest MF in the ICE lineup, worst residual, doesn't matter

Hyundai gives the Palisade Limited AWD a 0.00090 MF (2.16% APR) — the single most subsidized rate for any non-PHEV Hyundai product in May. Then they assign it a 59% residual, which destroys the value of that rate.

Palisade Limited AWD at $54,470:

Lease Cash:                                 −$500
Adjusted cap:                               $53,970
Residual (59% × $54,470):                  $32,137
Depreciation ($53,970 − $32,137) ÷ 36:     $606/mo
Rent charge ($53,970 + $32,137) × 0.00090: $77/mo
Base payment:                               ~$670/mo

The Limited FWD with a 0.00214 MF and 66% residual lands at ~$660/month. You pay $10/month less for FWD, a worse rate, and a better residual — and it almost doesn't matter either way. The 59% residual on the Limited AWD is the story. A 2.16% APR on a vehicle with a 59% residual is just marketing. The depreciation is the payment.

Do not lease the Palisade Limited AWD because of the 2.16% APR. Lease the SEL 7P AWD because of the 69% residual.

Finding #5: IONIQ 9 S RWD — $15,000 in cash, ~$461/month for a 3-row EV

The IONIQ 9 is new, the residuals are conservative (57–58%), and the rate is market rate (0.00222–0.00228 across trims). None of that matters because Hyundai is putting $14,500–$16,750 of Lease Cash on a brand-new $59K–$79K EV.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
S RWD	$58,955	0.00224	57%	$15,000	~$461
SE AWD	$62,765	0.00227	58%	$15,500	~$492
SEL AWD	$66,320	0.00222	57%	$16,750	~$521
Perf. Limited AWD	$75,000	0.00228	58%	$15,250	~$687
Perf. Calligraphy AWD	$78,000	0.00227	57%	$14,500	~$774
Perf. Calligraphy Design AWD	$79,090	0.00226	55%	$15,250	~$808

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K.

The S RWD at ~$461/month is a legitimate deal for a 3-row electric SUV. The Palisade SEL 7P AWD (gas, 3-row) is ~$548/month with no cash at all — the IONIQ 9 S RWD is cheaper than the Palisade SEL. For a new 3-row platform launch, that's a strong incentive stack.

The SEL AWD at ~$521/month gets the highest cash in the lineup at $16,750. Between S RWD and SEL AWD, you get AWD and a fuller trim for $60/month more. That's the strongest value pick in the IONIQ 9 lineup.

Performance Calligraphy trims at ~$774–$808/month are where the cash stops keeping up with the MSRP. The S RWD delivers the same 3-row EV experience for $300+/month less.

Finding #6: IONIQ 5 SE AWD — only $39/month more than the Standard Range RWD

The SE Standard Range RWD gets $7,250 in cash and lands at ~$397/month. The SE AWD (dual motor, 266 miles of range) gets $8,000 in cash and lands at ~$436/month. The $39/month gap is narrow enough that most buyers should skip past the Standard Range entirely.

Trim	MSRP	MF	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
SE Standard Range RWD	$38,200	0.00213	54%	$7,250	~$397
SE RWD	$40,500	0.00227	57%	$7,500	~$403
SE AWD	$43,000	0.00224	56%	$8,000	~$436
SEL RWD	$43,000	0.00227	56%	$7,750	~$445
Limited RWD	$46,950	0.00227	56%	$8,250	~$492
SEL AWD	$46,500	0.00222	57%	$7,500	~$493
XRT AWD	$49,475	0.00227	56%	$8,250	~$532
Limited AWD	$52,175	0.00208	57%	$7,500	~$570

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K.

The SE RWD (larger battery, 318 miles) at ~$403/month is a reasonable middle ground. The SE AWD at ~$436/month is the best total package in the lineup — $8,000 in cash, dual-motor, for $39 more than the base battery option.

The residuals across the IONIQ 5 are conservative (54–57%) — five-year-old EV platform with used-market uncertainty baked in. The cash is what makes these payments work, not the rate or residual.

Models to Avoid This Month:

Venue SEL w/Two-Tone Roof: 0.00245 MF — the highest money factor in the entire Hyundai May program. Paired with a 55% residual. ~$401/month for a subcompact with those numbers. Never lease this trim.

Venue in general vs Elantra SE IVT: The Venue SE at ~$344/month has a 56% residual and $0 in cash. The Elantra SE IVT at ~$254/month has a 63% residual and $2,500 in cash. The Elantra is $90/month cheaper and retains more value. Lease the Elantra.

Sonata N-Line: $37,650 MSRP, 0.00227 MF, $250 in Lease Cash. Payment is ~$532/month. That's $174/month more than the Sonata SE FWD for a sport trim with almost no manufacturer support behind it.

Santa Fe Hybrid Limited AWD and Calligraphy AWD: Limited AWD carries a 0.00238 MF — highest rate in the Santa Fe Hybrid lineup — with only $500 in cash. Calligraphy AWD runs 0.00236 with $500. Rate-penalized upper trims with minimal cash support, pushing payments to ~$667 and ~$741 respectively.

Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy: $60,500–$62,500 MSRP with $0 in cash. ~$875–$894/month for a Hyundai hybrid. The regular Palisade SEL 7P AWD is $548/month. The entire Palisade Hybrid lineup gets $0–$250 in cash and the value case depends entirely on residuals — which are solid but can't justify the top trims.

------------------------------------------------

Tucson PHEV — Lowest MF Belongs Here

The Tucson PHEV Limited carries a 0.00192 MF (4.61% APR) — the lowest money factor of any non-EV Hyundai model in May. The SEL runs 0.00215. These are genuinely the sharpest rates in the ICE/PHEV lineup.

Trim	MSRP	MF	APR	RV	Lease Cash	~Monthly
SEL	$41,570	0.00215	5.16%	68%	$2,750	~$436
Limited	$49,795	0.00192	4.61%	65%	$3,250	~$545

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K.

The SEL is the rational pick — 68% residual, $2,750 cash, ~$436/month. The Limited's 0.00192 MF headline is real, but the ~$8,000 MSRP jump adds ~$109/month in depreciation that the lower rate and extra $500 in cash can't offset.

Palisade Hybrid vs Regular Palisade

Regular Palisade: $0–$2,500 in Lease Cash across trims, 67–69% residuals, ~$538–$712/month.

Palisade Hybrid: $0–$250 in Lease Cash across the entire lineup, 61–68% residuals, ~$589–$894/month.

The hybrid adds significant MSRP and Hyundai is offering almost nothing to offset it. If you want a Palisade, lease the regular one this month. If you want a Palisade Hybrid, wait for cash support.

Assumptions

Cap cost = MSRP minus non-conditional Lease Cash. No dealer discount, no down payment. Every dollar negotiated off MSRP drops the payment roughly $28/month per $1,000.

36 months / 12,000 miles per year. All residuals use the 12K mileage tier.

Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add state lease tax, HMF acquisition fee, dealer doc fee, and first payment at signing.

Published buy rate MF. Dealer markup on money factor directly increases rent charge. Verify the buy rate before signing.

Northeast region. Hyundai Motor Finance Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Programs vary by region — confirm your zip code's program.

Source: Hyundai Motor Finance Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Deals expire May 31, 2026.

TL;DR

• Tucson SE FWD at ~$320 — the best ICE deal in the lineup. $4,000 in Lease Cash on a $31K car. Nothing else in the Hyundai ICE lineup comes close on a payment-per-dollar-of-car basis.
• Elantra SE IVT at ~$254 — $2,500 in cash, 63% residual. Lease the SE or don't lease an Elantra. The gap to the next trim is $72/month for $250 in cash.
• Palisade SEL 7P AWD at ~$548 — 69% residual does the work. You're leasing a $44,535 3-row SUV for less than the Sonata Hybrid Limited.
• Palisade Limited AWD 2.16% APR doesn't help — 59% residual wipes out the rate advantage. The SEL 7P AWD beats it at every level. Residuals drive this lineup, not rates.
• IONIQ 9 S RWD at ~$461 — $15,000 in cash on a new 3-row EV. SEL AWD at ~$521 with $16,750 is the strongest overall pick. Skip the Calligraphy trims.
• IONIQ 5 SE AWD at ~$436 — $39/month more than the Standard Range for dual-motor and full battery. That's the deal in the IONIQ 5 lineup this month.
• Venue SEL w/Two-Tone Roof: don't. 0.00245 MF and 55% residual. Worst money factor in the entire May program.
• Palisade Hybrid: wait. $0–$250 in cash across the entire lineup makes it a residual-only play. The regular Palisade is a better lease in May.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — verify the published buy rate MF for your model.

(Quick note: used an LLM to help format this. Data is directly from Hyundai Motor Finance Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Push back if something looks off.)

Rates from Ford Motor Credit (FMC), Northeast region, May 2026. Payments pre-tax, 36mo/12K miles, cap = MSRP minus manufacturer customer cash only.

Ford Motor Credit (FMC) splits its May programs into two clear tiers. The Bronco Sport, Explorer, Mustang, Escape, Bronco, Mach-E, and most F-150 SuperCrew configurations get competitive or tolerable rates. Everything else — Ranger, Maverick, Expedition, F-150 Lightning, the Dark Horse Mustang, and certain F-150 regular/extended cabs — runs elevated, punitive lease rates up to 7.39% APR.

If a vehicle is in the 7.39% penalty box, you should not lease it this month.

Here is the full breakdown.

Lineup Overview: The Rate Map

Model	MF (36mo)	APR	RV Range	Cash	Verdict
Bronco Sport	0.00153	3.67%	55–59%	None	Strong Rate
Explorer	0.00229	5.50%	61–65%	$1,000 cash	Best Pick
Mustang (EcoBoost)	0.00146	3.50%	53–62%	None	Strong
Escape (Non-PHEV)	0.00221	5.30%	54–56%	$4,000	Rate rescued by cash
Bronco	0.00271	6.50%	62–70%	None	Selective
Mustang Mach-E	0.00165*	3.96%*	58-60%*	$2,000	*24mo is better than 36mo
F-150 (SuperCrew)	0.00225–0.00239	5.40–5.74%	59–65%	$1,000 most trims	SuperCrew only
Ranger	0.00279–0.00308	6.70–7.39%	58–70%	None	Skip — Finance
Maverick	0.00302	7.25%	62–66%	None	Skip — Finance
Expedition / Max	0.00308	7.39%	55–59%	None	Skip — Finance
F-150 Lightning	0.00308	7.39%	47–49%	None	Skip — Finance

MF × 2400 = approximate APR.

Finding #1: Bronco Sport — 3.67% APR, Best Compact Rate

At MF 0.00153 (3.67% APR), the Bronco Sport is the standout rate in the compact SUV segment this month. The Big Bend at $31,845 runs ~$440/month pre-tax — very competitive for a trail-capable AWD-optional compact. There is no base customer cash or Dealer program, but the low lease rate alone makes every trim a genuine candidate. Stick with 36 months; the 24-month term runs a higher 4.42% APR.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly*
Big Bend	$31,845	0.00153	3.67%	59%	~$440
Heritage	$33,995	0.00153	3.67%	57%	~$488
Outer Banks	$35,995	0.00153	3.67%	56%	~$526
Badlands	$40,495	0.00153	3.67%	55%	~$602

Finding #2: Explorer — Best Three-Row Lease in May

The Explorer runs MF 0.00229 (5.50% APR) on all 11 trims at 36 months. From the entry-level Active RWD to the Platinum 4WD, the rate is identical.

The 4WD Active and ST-Line trims all carry 65% residuals — the best in the Explorer lineup — making them the strongest payment-per-dollar.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly*
Active 4WD	$40,465	0.00229	5.50%	65%	~$546
ST-Line 4WD	$45,500	0.00229	5.50%	65%	~$614
Tremor 4WD	$53,500	0.00229	5.50%	65%	~$722
Platinum 4WD	$56,500	0.00229	5.50%	62%	~$806
ST 4WD	$58,700	0.00229	5.50%	63%	~$822

*Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, cap cost = MSRP.

Finding #3: Mustang — Sports Car Lease Rate

The Mustang EcoBoost at MF 0.00146 (3.50% APR) is the sharpest rate in the Ford lineup this month. The GT trims run the identical 0.00146 with stronger residuals (62%), making the GT Fastback highly competitive at ~$613/month pre-tax.

The Trap: The Dark Horse Fastback runs MF 0.00308 (7.39% APR) — the penalty box rate. At $65,075, it leases for ~$1,140/month pre-tax. Finance the Dark Horse.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Cash	~Monthly*
EcoBoost Fastback	$32,640	0.00146	3.50%	58%	—	~$456
GT Fastback	$48,555	0.00146	3.50%	62%	—	~$627
GT Premium Fastback	$53,075	0.00146	3.50%	62%	—	~$685
GT Premium Conv.	$58,000	0.00146	3.50%	59%	—	~$796
Dark Horse (Avoid)	$65,075	0.00308	7.39%	54%	—	~$1,140

Finding #4: Mustang Mach-E — 24 Months is the Right Term

The Mach-E has an unusual structure this month: the 24-month term is better than 36 months.

At 36 months, the Mach-E runs a mediocre MF 0.00189 (4.54% APR). At 24 months, the rate drops to MF 0.00165 (3.96% APR), and residuals step up by 7–8 percentage points. All trims get $2,000 customer cash.

24mo vs 36mo Math (Select RWD at $37,795):

• 36-mo Rent Charge (MF 0.00189): ~$104/mo
• 24-mo Rent Charge (MF 0.00165): ~$96/mo
• Rate Savings: $9/mo less in interest at 24 months, plus less depreciation due to higher RVs.

Always model the 24-month lease on the Mach-E before committing.

Trim	MSRP	MF 36mo	MF 24mo	RV 36/12K	RV 24/12K	Cash
Select RWD	$37,795	0.00189	0.00165	52%	59%	$2,000
Select AWD	$39,840	0.00189	0.00165	53%	60%	$2,000
Premium AWD	$45,000	0.00189	0.00165	52%	59%	$2,000
GT AWD	$55,440	0.00189	0.00165	51%	58%	$2,000

Finding #5: Escape — Rescued by $4,000 Customer Cash

The gas Escape runs MF 0.00221 (5.30% APR). While not a great rate, the $4,000 customer cash on every trim pulls the effective payment down. The Active FWD ($30,350) drops to a ~$26,350 cap cost and runs about ~$363/month.

The Trap: The PHEV trim gives $4,000 in cash, but ruins it with a 7.39% APR (MF 0.00308) and an abysmal 48% residual. You will pay ~$589/month for a vehicle Ford says will be worth less than half its value in 3 years. Avoid the PHEV lease.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Cash	~Monthly*
Active FWD	$30,350	0.00221	5.30%	55%	$4,000	~$363
ST-Line AWD	$33,995	0.00221	5.30%	56%	$4,000	~$413
Platinum AWD	$41,495	0.00221	5.30%	54%	$4,000	~$551
PHEV FWD (Avoid)	$43,995	0.00308	7.39%	48%	$4,000	~$589

Finding #6: F-150 & Bronco — Selective Deals

F-150: Stick to SuperCrew configs. Regular Cab and most SuperCabs run the 7.39% penalty rate. The XLT SuperCrew runs MF 0.00225 (5.40% APR) with $1,000 cash. Lariat and King Ranch trims also run a 5.40% APR. The Raptor isn't in the penalty box, but it is steep: $1,245/month pre-tax.

Bronco: Most trims run MF 0.00271 (6.50% APR). The Big Bend 4-Door holds a massive 70% residual, making the payment math work beautifully. Avoid the Raptor and Stroppe Edition — they are locked in the 7.39% penalty box.

Finding #7: Avoid the Penalty Box

Ford Motor Credit is barely subsidizing these lines in May 2026. They run elevated lease rates with minimal to zero customer cash. Do not lease these vehicles; finance them or buy something else:

• Maverick (MF 0.00302 / 7.25% APR)
• Ranger (MF 0.00279 / 6.70% APR, Raptor is 7.39%)
• Expedition & Expedition Max (MF 0.00308 / 7.39% APR — Payments exceed $1,000/mo)
• F-150 Lightning (47–49% residuals + 7.39% APR is a nightmare combination)

Incentive Summary Map

Customer Cash directly lowers your cap cost. Conditional rebates ($500 Military, College Grad, First Responder) stack but cannot be combined with each other.

Model	Customer Cash
Escape PHEV	$4,000
Escape (gas)	$4,000
Mach-E	$2,000
Explorer	—
Bronco	—
Mustang	—
F-150 (Raptor excluded)	$1,000

Assumptions

Cap cost = MSRP minus Customer Cash only. No dealer discount applied. Every dollar you negotiate off MSRP lowers your payment (roughly $28/mo for every $1,000 off). 36 months / 12,000 miles per year. Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add your state lease tax, FMC acquisition fee (~$645), dealer doc fee, and first month. Published buy rate MF. Dealers can and will mark up the money factor. Ask to see the buy-rate in writing.

Source: Ford Motor Credit (FMC) program data, Northeast region, May 2026. Rates expire June 2, 2026.

TL;DR

• Bronco Sport has the sharpest rate — Dropped to an incredible 3.67% APR. Best compact SUV lease rate this month.
• Explorer is the Best Pick — 5.50% APR across all 11 trims.
• Mach-E leases better at 24 Months — The 24-month term drops the rate to 3.96% APR and significantly boosts the residual.
• Mustang EcoBoost & GT have great rates — 3.50% APR on EcoBoost and GT trims.
• Escape is rescued by $4,000 cash — The 5.30% rate isn't great, but $4,000 off the top makes the Active FWD highly competitive.
• Avoid the Penalty Box — Do not lease the Ranger, Maverick, Expedition, Lightning, or Dark Horse Mustang.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — verify the published buy rate MF for your model.

(Quick transparency note: I used an LLM to help format this post. All numbers are directly from FMC program data, Northeast region, May 2026. Argue the numbers if something looks off.)

Rates from Nissan Motor Acceptance Company (NMAC) Northeast region, May 2026. Payments pre-tax, 36mo/12K miles, cap = MSRP minus base NMAC Lease Cash only. Conditional programs (loyalty, military, college grad) not included.

NMAC's May 2026 program continues to divide cleanly into two tiers. The 2026 Murano is still the crown jewel, offering a subsidized 1.61% APR — the lowest rate of any Nissan. The Rogue sees a slight rate improvement, making the SV trim an even better deal, while the Kicks gets a massive Lease Cash bump.

The biggest trap remains the Pathfinder: it punishes base S trim buyers with a 6.55% APR and zero cash, while offering 3.43% APR and $1,325 in cash on higher trims. If you aren't careful, you will pay $133/month more to lease a cheaper Pathfinder.

Here is the breakdown.

Lineup Overview: Where the Money Is

NMAC's May programs continue to divide cleanly into two tiers. The Murano and Rogue offer real subsidized rates — 1.61% and 3.67% respectively. Most other models run 5–7% APR, which is standard market-rate financing.

Model	MF (36mo)	APR	Base RV	Lease Cash	Verdict
Murano AWD	0.00067	1.61%	59–61%	$1,350–$2,100	Best rate in lineup
Rogue 2026.5	0.00153	3.67%	56–63%	$1,325–$3,325	Rate improved
Pathfinder SV+	0.00143	3.43%	59–63%	$1,325	Unchanged
Pathfinder S (base)	0.00273	6.55%	56–57%	$0	Trap — Avoid
Altima SR	0.00218	5.23%	63%	$2,275	Unchanged
Frontier	0.00230	5.52%	61–68%	$1,300	Unchanged
Sentra SV	0.00287	6.89%	65%	$800	Slightly more expensive
Kicks SV/SR	0.00273	6.55%	61–64%	$1,375	LC +$750; much better
Z / LEAF / Armada	0.00273–0.00295	6.55–7.08%	varies	$1–$625	Unsubsidized

MF × 2400 = approximate APR.

Finding #1: Murano — 1.61% APR is the best rate in the lineup

The 2026 Murano (now with standard AWD across all trims) retains NMAC's aggressive MF 0.00067 (1.61% APR). This is one of the lowest rates in the mainstream crossover segment anywhere.

The SV AWD at $41,670 with $1,350 NMAC Lease Cash and 61% RV lands at ~$458/month. The SL AWD gets a larger $2,100 NMAC Lease Cash, putting it at ~$523/month.

Sample Math: Murano AWD SV ($41,670 MSRP)

Lease Cash (cap reduction):                 −$1,350
Adjusted cap:                               $40,320
Residual (61% × $41,670):                   $25,419
Depreciation ($40,320 − $25,419) ÷ 36:      $414/mo
Rent charge ($40,320 + $25,419) × 0.00067:   $44/mo
Base payment:                               ~$458/mo

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Lease Cash	~Monthly
Murano AWD SV	$41,670	0.00067	1.61%	61%	$1,350	~$458
Murano AWD SL	$46,760	0.00067	1.61%	59%	$2,100	~$523
Murano AWD Platinum	$49,800	0.00067	1.61%	60%	$1,350	~$568

Finding #2: Pathfinder S Trim is a massive rate trap

The Pathfinder still has a massive internal rate split that catches buyers off guard.

The S trim (2WD and 4WD) runs MF 0.00273 (6.55% APR) with zero NMAC Lease Cash. Every other trim — SV, SL, Rock Creek, Platinum — runs MF 0.00143 (3.43% APR) with $1,325 NMAC Lease Cash.

The result:

• Pathfinder S 2WD ($37,500 MSRP) produces ~$618/month.
• Pathfinder SV 2WD ($39,900 MSRP) produces ~$485/month.

The SV is a better-equipped vehicle with a sticker price $2,400 higher, but it costs $133/month LESS to lease. Do not lease a Pathfinder S.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Lease Cash	~Monthly
Pathfinder S 2WD (Avoid)	$37,500	0.00273	6.55%	56%	$0	~$618
Pathfinder SV 2WD	$39,900	0.00143	3.43%	61%	$1,325	~$485
Pathfinder SV 4WD	$41,900	0.00143	3.43%	63%	$1,325	~$490

Finding #3: Rogue — Rate drops, Platinum trim retains massive cash

The Rogue 2026.5 sees a slight rate drop to MF 0.00153 (3.67% APR) with $1,325 base NMAC Lease Cash. The FWD SV lands at ~$361/month and the AWD SV at ~$372/month.

The AWD Platinum retains its massive $3,325 NMAC Lease Cash. With a 63% residual, the Platinum AWD produces ~$401/month on a $38,990 sticker. That $3,325 in cash makes the Platinum the most attractive higher-trim deal in the lineup. Note: avoid the FWD S trim, which has a weaker 56% residual and costs more per month than the SV.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Lease Cash	~Monthly
Rogue FWD S (Trap)	$29,090	0.00153	3.67%	56%	$1,325	~$386
Rogue FWD SV	$30,090	0.00153	3.67%	61%	$1,325	~$361
Rogue AWD SV	$31,490	0.00153	3.67%	62%	$1,325	~$372
Rogue AWD Platinum	$38,990	0.00153	3.67%	63%	$3,325	~$401

Finding #4: Kicks SV FWD gets a massive Lease Cash bump

The Kicks SV FWD ($24,170 MSRP) gets a lower MF 0.00273 (6.55% APR) and a much larger $1,375 LC in May. That drops its payment to an excellent ~$326/month, making it a far better deal than last month.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Lease Cash	~Monthly
Kicks SV FWD	$24,170	0.00273	6.55%	64%	$1,375	~$326
Sentra SV	$23,370	0.00287	6.89%	65%	$800	~$313

Finding #5: Altima and Frontier hold steady as strong values

The Altima SR FWD sits at MF 0.00218 (5.23% APR) with $2,275 NMAC Lease Cash. At $28,980 MSRP with 63% RV, the SR FWD lands at an attractive ~$333/month.

The Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 S is steady at MF 0.00230 (5.52% APR) with $1,300 NMAC Lease Cash. With a strong 68% residual on a $36,550 sticker, it runs ~$427/month. This is the best mid-size truck lease value in Nissan's lineup.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	Lease Cash	~Monthly
Altima SR FWD	$28,980	0.00218	5.23%	63%	$2,275	~$333
Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 S	$36,550	0.00230	5.52%	68%	$1,300	~$427

Finding #6: Z, LEAF, and Armada are still unsubsidized traps

Nothing has improved for these models. They suffer from market-rate or above-market financing and virtually zero Lease Cash.

• Nissan Z: MF 0.00286, $1 LC. Sport trim is ~$653/month, NISMO is ~$1,097/month. Full market rate financing cost.
• LEAF: S+ runs 6.55% APR, Platinum+ runs 7.08% APR. $0–$300 LC. No EV rate support. Platinum+ at ~$676/month is terrible value with a 53% RV.
• Armada: SV 4x4 runs 6.55% APR with $625 LC and 53% RV, landing at ~$987/month. Near-market rate + low residual on a full-size SUV. Loyalty cash helps, but the base program is broken.

Skip all of these unless you are paying cash or securing outside financing.

Base Lease Cash Summary

This is the non-conditional NMAC Base Lease Cash applied before any loyalty or military credits:

Model / Trim	NMAC Base Lease Cash
Rogue AWD Platinum	$3,325
Altima SR	$2,275
Murano AWD SL	$2,100
Kicks SV/SR	$1,375
Murano AWD SV/Platinum	$1,350
Rogue SV / Pathfinder SV+	$1,325
Frontier	$1,300
Sentra SV	$800
Armada	$625
Pathfinder S	$0

Assumptions & Conditional Incentives

Cap cost = MSRP minus base NMAC Lease Cash only. No dealer discount, no down payment. Every dollar off MSRP directly reduces your payment.

36 months / 12,000 miles per year. All residuals use the 12K mileage tier.

Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add state lease tax, NMAC acquisition fee, dealer doc fee, DMV, and first month at signing.

Published buy rate MF. Dealers can mark up the money factor. Verify the buy-rate MF before signing.

Conditional incentives excluded. NMAC's May programs include stackable conditional credits for qualifying buyers that are NOT included in the sample monthly estimates above:

• Service to Sales ($1,000): Requires existing NMAC contract.
• EV NMAC Loyalty ($1,000): For Murano, LEAF, Rogue PHEV. Requires current EV/hybrid lease through NMAC.
• Armada NMAC Loyalty ($2,500): Northeast region, Armada only.
• College Grad ($500): Requires degree within 24 months or offer of employment.
• Military ($500): Requires active/retired status.

If you qualify, these stack on top of the base Lease Cash and reduce your payment further.

Source: NMAC program data, Northeast region, May 2026. Rates expire at month-end.

TL;DR

• Murano at ~$458/month — 1.61% APR and $1,350 Lease Cash on the SV AWD makes it the best lease rate in the Nissan lineup.
• Rogue AWD Platinum at ~$401/month — Retains a massive $3,325 Lease Cash, making it the best higher-trim value.
• Pathfinder S is a rate trap — Do not lease the S trim. It costs $133/month MORE than the SV trim because it has a 6.55% APR and zero cash. The SV gets 3.43% APR and $1,325 cash.
• Kicks SV FWD at ~$326/month — Got a massive $1,375 Lease Cash bump, making it an excellent entry-level crossover deal.
• Avoid Z, LEAF, and Armada — Above-market rates, low residuals, and virtually zero lease cash.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — verify the published buy rate MF for your model.

(Quick transparency note: I used an LLM to help format this post. All numbers are directly from NMAC program data, Northeast region, May 2026. Argue the numbers if something looks off.)

Rates from BMW Financial Services Northeast, May 2026. Payments pre-tax, 36mo/12K miles, cap = MSRP − manufacturer Lease Credit only. Conditional programs (loyalty, conquest, college grad, military) not included. MSRPs from BMW FS May 2026 rate file + selected 2027 references.

BMW FS continues its two-tier structure in May, but the unsubsidized floor just got higher. The wall moved from MF 0.00225 (5.40% APR) in April to 0.00235 (5.64% APR). Every M car, 4 Series, X2, X6, Z4, 2 Series Coupe, and most newly introduced 2027 models hit this wall.

The subsidized side is largely unchanged: the i4 eDrive40 holds at 0.84% APR with $3,750 Lease Credit, and the 5 Series ICE (2026) stays at 3.36% APR. The 8 Series took a massive hit, losing $2,000 in Lease Credit. The 550e PHEV is no longer a deal compared to the 540i. And whatever you do, do not lease a 2027 model yet—they are significantly worse than the 2026s.

Finding #1: The wall moved to 0.00235 (5.64% APR)

In April, the unsubsidized floor was 5.40% APR. In May, it's 5.64% APR. This is the second consecutive month of deterioration for the "wall" models.

Every model that hit the wall in April hits it again in May: all M cars (M2, M3, M4, M5, X5-M, X6-M), all 4 Series, X2, X6, Z4, and 2 Series Coupes.

Model	Best MF	Best APR	Lease Credit	Verdict
i4 eDrive40 / xDrive40	0.00035	0.84%	$3,750	Best overall rate
iX M70	0.00045	1.08%	$7,500	Largest credit
7 Series (760i)	0.00055	1.32%	$2,000	Best ICE rate
3 Series (330i)	0.00090	2.16%	$1,000	Unchanged benchmark
5 Series ICE (2026)	0.00140	3.36%	$1,000	Good value
X1 / X3	0.00170	4.08%	$1,000	Market rate
X5 xDrive40i	0.00180	4.32%	$3,000	Rate worsened from April
8 Series	0.00210	5.04%	$3,000	Credit gutted
M cars / 4 Series / X2 / X6 / Z4 / 2 Series Coupes	0.00235	5.64%	$0 (except 2er: $750)	The Wall

MF × 2400 = approximate APR.

Finding #2: Do not lease a 2027 model yet

2027 models are now hitting the rate sheets (4 Series, 5 Series, i5, M3, M4, M5, X6, X6 M, X7), and almost all of them are at the 0.00235 wall or worse than their 2026 counterparts.

5 Series ICE: 2026 530i Sedan: 3.36% APR, $1,000 LC → ~$827/month 2027 530i Sedan: 4.32% APR, $0 LC → ~$878/month $51/month premium for the new model year on a nearly identical sticker.

X7: 2026 X7 xDrive40i: 3.24% APR, $1,000 LC → ~$1,346/month 2027 X7 xDrive40i: 4.56% APR, $0 LC → ~$1,352/month The 2027 is $4,050 cheaper on sticker but costs $6/month MORE to lease.

Stick exclusively to 2026 inventory.

Finding #3: i4 eDrive40 remains the best lease in the lineup

The i4 holds at MF 0.00035 (0.84% APR) with $3,750 Lease Credit and 54-55% RV.

i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe at $57,900:

Lease Credit (cap reduction):                          −$3,750
Adjusted cap:                                          $54,150
Residual (54% × $57,900):                             $31,266
Depreciation ($54,150 − $31,266) ÷ 36:                $636/mo
Rent charge ($54,150 + $31,266) × 0.00035:             $29/mo
Base payment:                                          ~$668/mo

The rent charge is negligible ($29/month). The xDrive40 at $62,300 runs ~$714/month. The M60 jumps to MF 0.00085 (2.04% APR) and ~$889/month. The base i4 is the value play.

Finding #4: 550e PHEV lost its advantage over the 540i

In April, the 550e xDrive (PHEV) was essentially the same payment as the 540i xDrive (~$934 vs ~$928) because of a massive EV rate subsidy.

In May, the 550e rate worsened (0.00075 → 0.00095) and it lost half its Lease Credit ($2,000 → $1,000).

• 540i xDrive Sedan (2026): ~$928/month
• 550e xDrive (PHEV, 2026): ~$980/month

The 540i is now $52/month cheaper. The PHEV no longer makes financial sense over the gasoline 540i.

Finding #5: 3 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe remain the entry benchmarks

The 330i Sedan is unchanged: MF 0.0009 (2.16% APR), $1,000 LC, 56% RV. At $48,000 MSRP, it runs ~$625/month. It is the lease standard-setter for compact luxury sedans. The M340i costs $252/month more (~$877/month).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i) sits at MF 0.00095 (2.28% APR) with $0 LC. At $41,100 MSRP, it's ~$569/month.

The 2 Series Coupes (230i, M240i), however, sit on the 0.00235 wall. They keep the $750 LC introduced in April, but the rate hike makes them worse. 230i Coupe is ~$669/month—it costs more than a 330i despite being smaller and cheaper.

Trim	MSRP	MF	APR	RV	Lease Credit	~Monthly
228i Gran Coupe	$41,100	0.00095	2.28%	56%	$0	~$569
330i Sedan	$48,000	0.00090	2.16%	56%	$1,000	~$625
230i Coupe	$42,200	0.00235	5.64%	54%	$750	~$669

Finding #6: 8 Series credit gutted ($5,000 → $3,000)

The 8 Series kept its near-wall rate of MF 0.00210 (5.04% APR), but the base Lease Credit dropped from $5,000 to $3,000.

The 840i Coupe at $90,000 was ~$1,338/month in April; it's now ~$1,384/month. You lost $46/month in value overnight. The 8 Series no longer qualifies as a "deal"—it's an above-market 5.04% APR with a modest subsidy.

7 Series — 760i is still the ICE rate leader

The 760i xDrive holds at MF 0.00055 (1.32% APR) with $2,000 LC. At $124,700, it produces ~$1,710/month. The 740i xDrive runs MF 0.0007 (1.68% APR) and ~$1,419/month. 52% residual is the ceiling here, meaning heavy depreciation, but the borrowing costs are extremely low.

X1, X3, X5 — Market rates, X5 deteriorated

X1 and X3 are unchanged: MF 0.00170 (4.08% APR) with $1,000 LC.

• X1 xDrive28i: ~$623/month
• X3 xDrive30i: ~$734/month

The X5 xDrive40i worsened from MF 0.00165 (3.96% APR) to 0.00180 (4.32% APR). Base LC remains $3,000. Payment went from ~$1,032/month to ~$1,064/month.

iX, i7, i5 — $7,500 credits cannot overcome weak residuals

The premium EVs carry massive base Lease Credits ($7,500 on iX/i7, $3,750 on i5), but all share a 52% residual value.

• 2026 i5 eDrive40: 1.44% APR, ~$849/month
• iX xDrive45: 1.92% APR, ~$879/month
• iX M70: 1.08% APR, ~$1,351/month
• i7 eDrive50: 2.40% APR, ~$1,354/month

The 2026 i5 is the best value here. Do not lease the 2027 i5 (2.16% APR, ~$882/month).

The 0.00235 Wall — Complete list

Every model below is at 5.64% APR with $0 Lease Credit (except 2 Series Coupes which have $750 LC).

Model	MSRP	RV	~Monthly
230i Coupe	$42,200	54%	~$669
230i xDrive Coupe	$44,200	54%	~$702
M240i Coupe	$53,600	54%	~$856
M240i xDrive Coupe	$55,600	54%	~$889
430i Coupe	~$55,000	53%	~$901
X2 xDrive28i	~$46,000	54%	~$740
Z4 sDrive30i	~$56,000	53%	~$915
M2 Coupe	~$68,000	54%	~$1,095
X6 xDrive40i	~$76,000	51%	~$1,280
M3 Sedan	~$80,000	55%	~$1,260

(MSRPs are approximate starting points for wall models without specific pricing sheet entries above).

Incentives Summary

Model	BMW FS Lease Credit (base)
iX, i7	$7,500
i4, i5	$3,750
X5	$3,000
8 Series	$3,000
7 Series	$2,000 (750e is $3,000)
3 Series, 5 Series ICE, X1, X3, X7	$1,000
2 Series Coupes	$750
2 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series, X2, X6, Z4, M Cars	$0

Conditional programs (loyalty, conquest, military, college grad) are not stackable with each other — you qualify for one. The Lease Credit shown is the BMW FS base incentive that applies to every buyer.

Assumptions

Cap cost = MSRP minus Lease Credit only. No dealer discount, no down payment. Negotiate below sticker and payments drop dollar-for-dollar.

36 months / 12,000 miles per year. All residuals use the 12K mileage tier.

Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add state lease tax, BMW FS acquisition fee (~$925), dealer doc fee, DMV, and first month at signing.

Published buy rate MF. Dealers can mark up the money factor. Verify the MF before signing.

Northeast region. Money factors and residuals are from BMW Financial Services Northeast rate sheets.

Source: BMW Financial Services Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Deals expire month-end.

TL;DR

• i4 eDrive40 at ~$668 — 0.84% APR, $29/month rent charge, $3,750 Lease Credit. Still the best lease in the BMW lineup.
• 2027 Models are a trap — Rate jumps and credit losses mean 2027s cost significantly more per month than 2026s, even when the MSRP is lower (like the X7). Stick to 2026.
• 550e PHEV lost its value — Rate increased and LC was cut in half. The 540i ICE is now ~$52/month cheaper.
• 8 Series credit gutted — Base LC dropped from $5,000 to $3,000, raising payments by ~$46/month.
• The wall is now 5.64% APR (0.00235) — Second consecutive month of increases for M cars, 4 Series, X2, X6, Z4, and 2 Series Coupes.
• 330i Sedan at ~$625 — Unchanged benchmark. 2.16% APR, $1,000 LC. It's cheaper than the 230i Coupe and 430i Coupe.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — verify the published buy rate MF for your model.

(Quick transparency note: I used an LLM to help format this post. Data is directly from BMW Financial Services Northeast rate sheets, May 2026. Argue the numbers if you want.)

Rates from Genesis Finance, Northeast region, May 2026. Payments pre-tax, 36mo/12K miles, cap = MSRP minus base non-conditional incentive only. Conditional programs (loyalty, conquest, military, college grad) not included.

Genesis runs a split program in May. The sedans — G70, G80 — have genuinely subsidized lease rates. Most G70 trims are below 0.50% APR. The G80 2.5T bottoms at 0.02% APR. Those are real subvented programs, not marketing math.

The crossovers are different. The GV70 runs 5.06%–5.42% APR but Genesis props up the payment with strong residuals (62%–64%) and up to $2,500 in base cash. The payments can be competitive, but the rate is not cheap. The GV80 is more rational on rate (2.42%–3.82% APR on most trims) but expensive. The GV80 Coupe is a weak lease across the board.

The one thing that applies everywhere: do not let a dealer push you to 39 or 42 months. At those terms Genesis goes straight to MF 0.00282 (6.77% APR) while residuals also collapse. The G70 2.5T RWD is ~$519/month at 36 months and ~$790/month at 39 months. The G80 2.5T is ~$709/month at 36 and ~$1,104/month at 39. Same car, same month, different economics.

The two-tier structure — sedans subsidized, most SUVs not

Model	Best MF (36mo)	Best APR	Best RV (12K)	Base Cash	Verdict
G80	0.00001	0.02%	57%	$1,500 max	Best rate in lineup
G70	0.00003	0.07%	58%	$1,250 max	Best payment value
Electrified GV70	0.00018	0.43%	51%	$0	Rate good, depreciation heavy
GV80	0.00101	2.42%	63%	$500 max	Acceptable
GV70	0.00211	5.06%	64%	$2,500 max	Cash-driven, not rate-driven
GV80 Coupe	0.00203	4.87%	61%	$250 max	Weak lease

MF × 2400 = approximate APR. Northeast region, 36mo/12K.

G70 — strongest lease value in the brand

The G70 has the lowest estimated payment in the lineup and near-zero financing on most trims. The 2.5T RWD lands at ~$519/month with $1,250 base cash at 1.25% APR. The 2.5T AWD is 0.24% APR. The 2.5T Prestige RWD drops to 0.07% APR. The 3.3T Sport Prestige trims stay below 0.50% APR.

There is one obvious trap inside the G70 lineup: the Prestige Graphite trims. Same basic vehicle, but the MF jumps to 3.98%–4.25% APR. The 3.3T Prestige Graphite RWD is ~$862/month — the 3.3T Sport Prestige RWD with better rate is ~$679/month on a similar MSRP. The Graphite package is not worth $183/month in extra rent.

G70 2.5T RWD at $43,450:

Base cash (cap reduction):              −$1,250
Adjusted cap:                           $42,200
Residual (57% × $43,450):              $24,767
Depreciation ($42,200 − $24,767) ÷ 36: $484/mo
Rent charge ($42,200 + $24,767) × 0.00052: $35/mo
Base payment (pre-tax):                 ~$519/mo

G70 Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
2.5T RWD	$43,450	0.00052	1.25%	57%	~$519
2.5T AWD	$46,450	0.00010	0.24%	58%	~$549
2.5T Prestige RWD	$49,845	0.00003	0.07%	57%	~$584
2.5T Prestige AWD	$52,845	0.00010	0.24%	58%	~$625
3.3T Sport Prestige RWD	$57,295	0.00012	0.29%	58%	~$679
3.3T Sport Prestige AWD	$60,295	0.00019	0.46%	58%	~$722
3.3T Prestige Graphite RWD	$60,295	0.00166	3.98%	58%	~$862
3.3T Prestige Graphite AWD	$63,295	0.00177	4.25%	58%	~$915

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Base cash included. Graphite trims bolded — same MSRP tier as Sport Prestige AWD, much higher rate.

The Graphite MF is not a rounding error. It is a completely different program tier applied to what looks like an appearance package. If you want a 3.3T G70, the Sport Prestige trims are structurally superior on every metric.

G80 — near-zero APR across most trims

The G80 2.5T runs MF 0.00001 — effectively 0.02% APR — with $1,500 in base cash. On a $59,945 sedan that produces ~$709/month. The rent charge at 0.02% APR is negligible; payment is almost entirely depreciation. The 2.5T Advanced and Sport Prestige trims stay below 0.25% APR. The 3.5T Sport Prestige holds at 0.05% APR.

The payment spread across the G80 lineup is driven almost entirely by MSRP and residual, not by rate differences between trims. That is what a good lease program looks like.

G80 2.5T at $59,945:

Base cash (cap reduction):              −$1,500
Adjusted cap:                           $58,445
Residual (55% × $59,945):              $32,970
Depreciation ($58,445 − $32,970) ÷ 36: $708/mo
Rent charge ($58,445 + $32,970) × 0.00001: $1/mo
Base payment (pre-tax):                 ~$709/mo

G80 Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
2.5T	$59,945	0.00001	0.02%	55%	~$709
2.5T Advanced	$65,535	0.00005	0.12%	56%	~$806
2.5T Sport Prestige	$71,445	0.00010	0.24%	57%	~$865
3.5T Sport Prestige	$76,245	0.00002	0.05%	56%	~$927
3.5T Prestige Black	$80,845	0.00005	0.12%	55%	~$982

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Base cash included.

If you are shopping G70 vs G80 and payment is the deciding factor: the G80 base is ~$190/month more than the G70 RWD base, for a larger, more premium sedan with comparable rate programs. The G80 is the cleaner luxury-sedan lease in May if you can get to that payment tier.

G90 — expensive, structurally reasonable

The G90 is not subsidized. Rates run 2.90%–3.14% APR, which is market-rate for a six-figure flagship. No meaningful base cash applies. You are paying for the car.

G90 Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
3.5T	$94,195	0.00131	3.14%	52%	~$1,443
3.5T e-SC	$101,195	0.00124	2.98%	51%	~$1,567
3.5T e-SC Prestige Black	$106,195	0.00121	2.90%	51%	~$1,639

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. No base cash applied.

The 52% residual on the entry 3.5T is the constraint — you're depreciating nearly half the vehicle over 36 months regardless of the 3.14% rate. The 3.5T is the value point; conditional programs (Genesis does carry larger loyalty/conquest support here) can move the payment for eligible buyers.

Electrified GV70 + GV60 — rate vs depreciation tradeoff

The Electrified GV70 has a real rate program. Best trim sits at 0.43% APR, worst 36-month trim is still only 0.65% APR. The problem is not financing — it is that Genesis gives the Electrified GV70 no base lease cash and the residual lands at 50%–51%. You end up at $923–$1,089/month depending on trim. Good rate, heavy depreciation.

The GV60 is uneven by trim. The Performance AWD is the best lease in that lineup at 1.39% APR and ~$929/month. The Advanced 20 AWD is the trap: it jumps to 5.45% APR and ~$985/month on a lower MSRP than the Performance. The RWD at 2.81% APR and ~$786/month is the cheapest entry.

EV Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
Electrified GV70 19"	$65,875	0.00027	0.65%	51%	~$923
Electrified GV70 Advanced 20"	$70,745	0.00018	0.43%	50%	~$1,002
Electrified GV70 Prestige 20"	$76,845	0.00019	0.46%	50%	~$1,089
GV60 RWD	$52,950	0.00117	2.81%	53%	~$786
GV60 AWD 19"	$57,950	0.00114	2.74%	55%	~$827
GV60 Advanced 20 AWD	$62,950	0.00227	5.45%	56%	~$985
GV60 Performance AWD	$67,950	0.00058	1.39%	54%	~$929

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. No base cash on Electrified GV70. GV60 Advanced 20 AWD bolded — it costs more per month than the Performance AWD despite lower MSRP.

The GV60 Advanced 20 AWD inversion is the one to flag. It has the highest MSRP among non-Performance trims, the worst MF in the entire GV60 lineup by a wide margin, and still ends up $56/month more expensive than the Performance despite a $5,000 lower sticker. If you are shopping GV60, skip the Advanced 20 AWD entirely.

GV70 — 5.4% APR, competitive payments anyway

The GV70 runs 5.06%–5.42% APR depending on trim — that is an expensive captive rate. Genesis makes the payment work through a combination of strong residuals (62%–64% on base trims) and up to $2,500 in base cash on the 2.5T and 2.5T Select. The 2.5T comes in at ~$597/month, the Select at ~$637, the Advanced at ~$712.

That makes the GV70 competitive against German compact luxury SUVs on payment, even though the rate is not in the same league as the sedans. Just understand the structure: Genesis is buying down the payment through depreciation math, not cheap financing.

GV70 Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
2.5T	$47,985	0.00225	5.40%	64%	~$597
2.5T Select	$50,985	0.00226	5.42%	63%	~$637
2.5T Advanced	$55,435	0.00225	5.40%	62%	~$712
2.5T Sport Prestige	$59,935	0.00225	5.40%	64%	~$768
3.5T Sport Advanced	$65,935	0.00219	5.26%	63%	~$883
3.5T Sport Prestige	$70,435	0.00211	5.06%	62%	~$969

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. Base cash included where present.

GV80 + GV80 Coupe — SUV is acceptable, Coupe is not

The standard GV80 is rational. Rates range from 2.42% to 3.82% APR, residuals hold at 60%–63%, and base cash exists on some trims. The 2.5T RWD is ~$765/month, AWD ~$795, Select AWD ~$839. At the top, the 3.5T Prestige AWD reaches ~$1,210/month.

The GV80 Coupe is a different story. The base 3.5T Coupe runs 4.87% APR and ~$1,268/month. The e-SC is 5.30% APR and ~$1,482/month. The e-SC Prestige Black is 5.06% APR and ~$1,547/month. There is almost no base cash on any Coupe trim. The GV80 standard SUV at 2.42%–3.82% APR is a structurally better lease in every trim comparison. Skip the Coupe unless financing.

Trim	MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
GV80 2.5T RWD	$59,950	0.00152	3.65%	63%	~$765
GV80 2.5T AWD	$62,950	0.00159	3.82%	63%	~$795
GV80 2.5T Select AWD	$65,950	0.00101	2.42%	60%	~$839
GV80 2.5T Advanced AWD	$69,950	0.00115	2.76%	60%	~$906
GV80 2.5T Prestige AWD	$74,950	0.00128	3.07%	60%	~$986
GV80 3.5T Advanced AWD	$82,950	0.00101	2.42%	60%	~$1,056
GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD	$87,950	0.00143	3.43%	58%	~$1,210
GV80 3.5T Prestige Black AWD	$92,950	0.00135	3.24%	58%	~$1,275
GV80 Coupe 3.5T	$89,950	0.00203	4.87%	61%	~$1,268
GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC	$99,950	0.00221	5.30%	59%	~$1,482
GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC Prestige Black	$104,950	0.00211	5.06%	59%	~$1,547

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K. GV80 Coupe trims bolded.

The 39- and 42-month trap — Genesis goes straight to 6.77% APR

This is the most important thing in this post. At 39 and 42 months, Genesis defaults to MF 0.00282 (6.77% APR) across the lineup, while residuals also drop. The rate jump and residual collapse happen simultaneously.

What that looks like in practice:

• G70 2.5T RWD: ~$519/month at 36 months → ~$790/month at 39 months
• G80 2.5T: ~$709/month at 36 months → ~$1,104/month at 39 months

If a dealer says "I can get you into that payment, just need to go to 39 months" — that is not solving your budget problem. That is a more expensive lease.

Stay at 24 or 36 months on every Genesis model. There is no exception worth taking.

Assumptions

Cap cost = MSRP minus base non-conditional incentive. No dealer discount, no down payment. Every dollar off MSRP reduces payment directly.

36 months / 12,000 miles per year. All residuals use the 12K mileage tier.

Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add state lease tax, Genesis Finance acquisition fee, dealer doc fee, and first month at signing.

MF is published buy rate. Dealers can mark it up. Verify in writing before signing.

Conditional incentives excluded. Loyalty, conquest, military, and college grad programs exist but are buyer-specific and not reflected in any payment shown here.

Source: Genesis Finance program data, Northeast region, May 2026. Rates expire at month-end.

TL;DR

• G80 2.5T at ~$709/month — 0.02% APR, rent charge is basically $1/month, $1,500 base cash. Best rate in the Genesis lineup, cleanest sedan structure.
• G70 2.5T RWD at ~$519/month — 1.25% APR with $1,250 cash. Lowest payment in the lineup. AWD and Prestige trims stay competitive through the 2.5T range. Avoid Prestige Graphite — it's 4%+ APR on the same car.
• GV70 at 5.4% APR with competitive payments — the rate is expensive but genesis props it up with 62%–64% residuals and $2,500 cash. 2.5T base at ~$597 is the value entry. Go in knowing it is a payment structure, not a rate program.
• GV60 Advanced 20 AWD is the one to avoid — 5.45% APR, costs more per month than the Performance AWD on a lower sticker. Get the Performance or go with the base AWD.
• GV80 Coupe is a finance-or-wait vehicle — 4.87%–5.30% APR, almost no base cash. The standard GV80 at 2.42%–3.82% APR is the better lease in every comparison.
• 39 and 42 months wreck every model — MF jumps to 0.00282 (6.77% APR) and residuals collapse simultaneously. The G70 goes from $519 to $790/month. The G80 goes from $709 to $1,104/month. Stay at 36.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — published buy rates for all Genesis programs are there.

(Quick transparency note: I used an LLM to help format this post. All numbers are directly from Genesis Finance program data, Northeast region, May 2026. Argue the numbers if something looks off.)

Rates from American Honda Finance (Acura), Northeast region, May 2026. Payments pre-tax, 36mo/12K miles, cap = MSRP, no dealer discount, no incentive applied unless noted. Conditional programs (loyalty, conquest, etc.) not included.

MDX and ADX improved month-over-month. MDX drops from 0.00191 to 0.00173 (4.15% APR) and stays flat across 24/36/39/42 — it's the only Acura model with no term penalty. ADX drops from 0.00202 to 0.00171 (4.10% APR) at 24/36. RDX holds at 0.00147 (3.53% APR) unchanged from April and remains the best rate in the lineup. Non-Type-S Integra is also unchanged at 0.00181.

The thing that doesn't change is the term trap structure. Three out of five models — RDX, Integra (non-Type S), and ADX — all jump to 0.00280 at 39 months and 0.00295 at 42 months. That's 6.72% and 7.08% APR respectively. If a dealer quotes you a 39 or 42-month deal on any of those three, the rate doubled. MDX stays flat. MDX is the only one that stays flat.

No universal base cash floor appears on any model in May. Incentive eligibility is conditional across the board. Don't build your payment around a program you haven't confirmed.

What changed vs April

MDX rate improves 0.00018 points — on a mid-$50K car that's roughly $15–20/month lower rent charge. ADX improves 0.00031 points. RDX and non-Type-S Integra are unchanged. Type S Integra program is unchanged.

Model	April MF (36mo)	May MF (36mo)	Change
MDX 2026	0.00191	0.00173	-0.00018
ADX 2026	0.00202	0.00171	-0.00031
RDX 2026	0.00147	0.00147	None
Integra (non-Type S)	0.00181	0.00181	None
Integra Type S	0.00280 (36mo)	0.00280 (36mo)	None

Term trap map — the most important table in this post

Before anything else, know which terms are viable on each model.

Model	24-mo MF	36-mo MF	39-mo MF	42-mo MF	Trap?
MDX 2026 (all trims)	0.00173	0.00173	0.00173	0.00173	None — flat
RDX 2026	0.00147	0.00147	0.00280	0.00295	39/42-mo
Integra 2026 (non-Type S)	0.00181	0.00181	0.00280	0.00295	39/42-mo
Integra Type S	0.00380	0.00280	0.00280	0.00295	24-mo
ADX 2026	0.00171	0.00171	0.00280	0.00295	39/42-mo

MF × 2400 = approximate APR. 0.00280 = 6.72% APR. 0.00295 = 7.08% APR.

The pattern is clear: 24 and 36 months are the workable terms on most models. At 39 months, three models double their effective rate. At 42 months, four models are at 7.08% APR. MDX at 0.00173 is the only model where term length doesn't cost you.

RDX 2026 — 3.53% APR, unchanged, still the best rate in the lineup

RDX is unchanged from April and it's still the most competitive money factor Acura offers: 0.00147 (3.53% APR) at 24 and 36 months. The 39 and 42-month traps are the same as always — don't go there.

No universal base incentive in May. Payment depends on confirmed eligibility and whether the dealer holds buy-rate MF.

RDX SH-AWD base at $46,550:

Cap cost (MSRP):                    $46,550
Residual (60% × $46,550):           $27,930
Depreciation ($46,550 − $27,930) ÷ 36:   $517/mo
Rent charge ($46,550 + $27,930) × 0.00147: $109/mo
Base payment (pre-tax):             ~$627/mo

RDX Trim (2026)	MSRP	MF (24/36mo)	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
SH-AWD	$46,550	0.00147	60%	~$627
SH-AWD w/Technology	$49,150	0.00147	59%	~$675
SH-AWD A-Spec	$52,150	0.00147	58%	~$730
SH-AWD w/Advance	$54,300	0.00147	57%	~$774
SH-AWD A-Spec Advance	$56,300	0.00147	57%	~$802

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, cap = MSRP, no incentive. 39-mo MF is 0.00280 (6.72% APR). 42-mo MF is 0.00295 (7.08% APR). Avoid both.

Keep RDX at 36 months. Confirm buy-rate MF. The 39/42-month terms exist on dealer quotes — they're not a good deal at those rates.

MDX 2026 — lower MF, flat across all terms, best structure in the lineup

MDX improves to 0.00173 (4.15% APR) from April's 0.00191 (4.58%). On a base $53,250 MDX, that's roughly $15–20/month lower rent charge. The rate holds flat at 0.00173 across 24, 36, 39, and 42 months — no penalty for picking a longer term.

That flat structure makes MDX the most straightforward model to compare across terms. If you want 36 months, you get the same rate as 42. That doesn't happen on anything else in the lineup.

MDX Trim (2026)	MSRP	MF (all terms)	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
FWD	$53,250	0.00173	58%	~$767
SH-AWD	$55,450	0.00173	58%	~$801
FWD w/Technology	$58,650	0.00173	56%	~$875
SH-AWD w/Technology	$60,850	0.00173	56%	~$909
SH-AWD A-Spec	$62,400	0.00173	56%	~$932
SH-AWD w/Advance	$68,350	0.00173	53%	~$1,072
SH-AWD A-Spec Advance	$70,350	0.00173	53%	~$1,103
Type S SH-AWD w/Advance	$77,300	0.00173	53%	~$1,214

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, cap = MSRP, no incentive applied. RV drops from 58% on base trims to 53% on Advance trims — that's the main payment driver as you move up.

The residual slide matters here. Base and SH-AWD trims sit at 58%, which is solid. The moment you add Technology, you drop two points to 56%. Advance trims drop to 53%. The rate is identical across every trim, so the RV compression is the main thing hurting higher-spec payments.

Integra 2026 — non-Type S unchanged, Type S has an inverted term structure

Non-Type-S Integra holds at 0.00181 (4.34% APR) at 24 and 36 months, same as April. Trap starts at 39 months. Nothing to announce here — program is stable.

Type S is a different program and runs an inverted structure: 24 months is the expensive term at 0.00380 (9.12% APR). 36 and 39 months both run 0.00280 (6.72% APR). 42 months steps up to 0.00295 (7.08% APR). If you're leasing a Type S, the only terms that make sense are 36 or 39.

Integra Trim (2026)	MSRP	MF (24/36mo)	39-mo MF	RV (36/12K)	~Monthly
CVT (Base)	$34,695	0.00181	0.00280	61%	~$477
CVT A-Spec	$37,245	0.00181	0.00280	60%	~$522
CVT A-Spec Technology	$40,495	0.00181	0.00280	59%	~$578
Type S Manual	$54,695	0.00380 (24mo) / 0.00280 (36mo)	0.00280	66%	~$771 (36mo)

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, cap = MSRP, no incentive. Non-Type-S trap starts at 39 months. Type S trap is 24 months — the cheapest term on every other model is the expensive term on the Type S.

The Type S at 66% residual has strong hold value for a sport car. The money factor at 36/39 months is 6.72% APR, which is high but consistent with what the market charges for niche performance vehicles. At 24 months, it's 9.12% — there's no reason to take a 24-month Type S lease.

ADX 2026 — biggest improvement in May, solid entry point

ADX sees the largest month-over-month improvement: 0.00171 (4.10% APR) at 24/36, down from April's 0.00202 (4.85%). The 39/42-month trap pattern is identical to RDX and non-Type-S Integra — both are dead terms.

Base MSRP is $36,450 including destination. At 62% residual, the ADX holds value better than any other model in the lineup at its price point.

ADX base at $36,450:

Cap cost (MSRP):                       $36,450
Residual (62% × $36,450):              $22,599
Depreciation ($36,450 − $22,599) ÷ 36: $385/mo
Rent charge ($36,450 + $22,599) × 0.00171: $101/mo
Base payment (pre-tax):                ~$486/mo

At $486/month pre-tax on a 36/12K lease with no cap cost reduction, the ADX is structurally the cheapest entry into a new Acura. If you negotiate any discount off MSRP or qualify for a conditional CCR, that payment drops directly.

The 39-month money factor jumps to 0.00280 (6.72% APR) — the same wall that hits RDX and Integra. Keep ADX at 36 months.

Full lineup — May at a glance

Ranked by 36-month money factor, ascending.

Model	Base MSRP	MF (36mo)	APR	Best RV	~Monthly	Base CCR	Term trap
RDX 2026	$46,550	0.00147	3.53%	60%	~$627	$0 (conditional)	39-mo (6.72%)
ADX 2026	$36,450	0.00171	4.10%	62%	~$486	$0 (conditional)	39-mo (6.72%)
MDX 2026	$53,250	0.00173	4.15%	58%	~$767	$0 (conditional)	None (flat)
Integra 2026	$34,695	0.00181	4.34%	61%	~$477	$0 (conditional)	39-mo (6.72%)
Integra Type S 2026	$54,695	0.00280	6.72%	66%	~$771	$0 (conditional)	24-mo (9.12%)

Pre-tax, 36mo/12K, cap = base trim MSRP, no incentive applied. Type S 36-mo MF shown — 24-mo Type S runs 0.00380.

The two cheapest payments in the lineup come from the two cheapest cars — Integra CVT at ~$477 and ADX at ~$486. ADX improved enough in May that it's now within $9/month of the Integra CVT base despite being a crossover with a higher MSRP, because the residual (62%) is stronger than the Integra's (61%) and the MF difference is marginal.

What to do with this:

If you're cross-shopping within Acura: RDX is the best pure rate. ADX is the best residual at its price tier. MDX is the only model with no term risk. Integra CVT and ADX are essentially the same monthly payment on very different cars.

On term selection: Stick to 24 or 36 months on every model except MDX, where all terms are equivalent. 39 months costs you an extra ~$36/month in rent charge alone (the MF difference × the net cap + residual sum). 42 months is worse. There's no structural reason to go longer unless you specifically want 42 months and are buying MDX.

On MF markup: The rates above are published buy-rate. Dealers can mark up the MF — that markup goes straight into rent charge. On a $50K Acura, one point of MF markup (0.00010) adds roughly $9–11/month. Verify MF with your dealer before signing.

On incentives: No universal base cash is reflected in May data. Conditional programs exist (loyalty, conquest, recent college grad, military) but are buyer-specific. Don't build a payment around a conditional you haven't confirmed eligibility for.

Assumptions

Cap cost = MSRP. No dealer discount, no cap cost reduction, no down payment. Every dollar off MSRP and every dollar of qualified CCR reduces your monthly payment directly.

Term: 36 months / 12,000 miles per year. Residuals use the 12K mileage tier.

Pre-tax and pre-fees. Add state lease tax, Honda FS acquisition fee, dealer doc fee, and first month at signing. Acquisition fee is typically $595–$695 on Acura — confirm with your dealer.

MF is published buy rate. It is not guaranteed. Dealers can mark it up. Ask for the MF in writing before you sign.

Data: American Honda Finance rate sheets (Acura), Northeast region, May 2026. ADX base MSRP verified at $36,450 including destination. Rates expire at month-end.

TL;DR

• RDX at 0.00147 (3.53% APR) is the best rate in the lineup and unchanged from April. SH-AWD base ~$627/month. Keep it at 36 months — the 39-month trap hits 6.72% APR.
• MDX rate improved from 0.00191 to 0.00173 (4.15% APR). FWD base at ~$767/month. It's the only model in the lineup where you can take any term — 24, 36, 39, or 42 — and pay the same rate.
• ADX is the biggest mover in May — dropped from 0.00202 to 0.00171 (4.10% APR), strongest residual (62%) at its price tier, base payment at ~$486/month. Keep it at 36 months.
• Three models have a 39-month trap (RDX, Integra, ADX): MF jumps from the buy rate to 0.00280 at 39 months and 0.00295 at 42 months. If a dealer quotes you those terms on those models, the rate roughly doubled.
• Integra Type S runs inverted: 24 months is the most expensive term (0.00380 / 9.12% APR), 36 and 39 months are both 0.00280. Do not take a 24-month Type S.
• $0 universal base cash on every model. All incentives are conditional. Confirm eligibility before assuming any program applies to you.

Run your numbers on quotedefender.com before going to the dealer — published buy rates for all Acura programs are there.

(Quick transparency note: I used an LLM to help format this post. All numbers are directly from American Honda Finance Acura rate sheets, Northeast region, May 2026. Argue the numbers if something looks off.)