When you’re buying a car, the vehicle’s purchase price is the main thing determining how much your monthly payments will be and how much you’ll pay overall. When you’re leasing a car, it’s a bit different. Why? Because you don’t have to pay for the entire value of the vehicle; you just have to pay for the difference between its current value and its resale value at the end of your contract.
You might think vehicles depreciate at a pretty steady rate, but the truth is that some vehicles simply hold their resale value better than others — like the Jeep Wrangler. Kelley Blue Book named the 2021 four-door Jeep Wrangler as having the “Best Off-Road SUV Resale Value.” It’s predicted resale value after five years of ownership was impressive at almost 56 percent.
An analysis from I See Cars also found that the Wrangler only depreciates by about 9 percent over five years, on average. To put this number into context, the average vehicle lost about 40 percent of its vehicle. Worth noting is that the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited came in at a close second, only losing 10.5 percent of its value in five years on average.
So, if you’re looking for an adventurous SUV to lease, this is a model worth considering for the sake of your wallet. Here’s more on why the Jeep Wrangler’s resale value is so strong.
The Wrangler Has a Timeless Design
Vehicles, like any commodity, can either be a trend or a timeless staple. To use a metaphor: Buying some vehicles is like buying the “must-have” fashion item of the season… it’s cool for a little while, but soon you’ll be pushing it to the back of your closet because its moment is over. Other vehicles, like the Wrangler, have withstood the test of time. They’re more like your favorite pair of well-made jeans that work year after year.
Many auto experts note the Wrangler’s timeless design over the years as a reason why people enjoy the model. It’s a design anchored in the past, but that still incorporates fun touches of modernity. Originating in the era of World War II, the Jeep has always had a design that exudes utility and capability. Some touches have remained throughout the decades, like the unique front grille, flared fenders and boxy exterior shape.
The Wrangler Is Built to Withstand Tough Conditions
Another reason a Jeep Wrangler lease may be a savvy choice in terms of resale value is this model is specifically built to withstand tough conditions, whether you’re driving to work in the snow or are taking it out on the trails. In fact, Wranglers with Trail Rated badges have undergone and passed tests involving challenges like fording bodies of water and maintaining traction.
As Motor Biscuit notes, the Wrangler is specifically manufactured to handle extreme conditions on and off the pavement — like snowbanks. It has a higher-than-average ground clearance compared to other models, meaning its undercarriage can avoid many types of damage and wear. Having four-wheel drive is a major asset during inclement weather, which may make the Wrangler appealing to buyers in your area looking for a vehicle that can handle snow, rain, mud and more.
The Jeep Wrangler has been rated by multiple sources as having a very high — or even the highest — resale value in its segment. What does this mean for drivers looking to lease a Jeep? It means you’ll have to pay for less depreciation over the course of the lease, helping you keep your monthly payments lower than might be the case if you selected a vehicle with a poor resale value.
