Six of the Best: Leasing an SUV in 2026

Choosing an SUV shouldn’t feel like you’re trying to solve a cryptic crossword while juggling your shopping bags. The good news is that the SUV market has never been stronger, and whether you’re after something compact and efficient, family-friendly and practical, or luxurious enough to spur the envy of your neighbours, there’s a model out there with your name on it.

Leasing an SUV also means you get all the benefits without the long-term commitment. Ready to go electric? No problem. Prefer a hybrid to ease yourself into the future? You’ve got plenty of choices. Want something with seven seats, a panoramic roof, and enough tech to run a small space programme? We’ve got you covered.

To help narrow things down, we’ve picked out six of the best SUVs you can lease right now, with each one offering its own blend of style, performance, and everyday usability.

Whether you’re looking for a compact family car or a full-size luxury flagship, there’s something on the list for everyone.

Hyundai Kona Electric

If you want an electric SUV that’s easy to live with, affordable to run, and surprisingly stylish, the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most compelling options on the road.

The latest Kona Electric has a clean, modern look with smooth bodywork, slim LED lighting, and a distinctive pixel-inspired front end. It’s compact enough for city streets but bold enough to stand out in a crowded car park.

Hyundai offers two battery options, both delivering strong efficiency and impressive real-world range. The larger battery pushes well beyond 300 miles, while instant EV torque gives the Kona a lively feel around town.

SE Connect, Premium, and Ultimate trims offer increasing levels of tech, comfort, and driver assistance. Even entry-level models come well equipped, while higher trims add luxuries like a panoramic screen layout, upgraded audio, and enhanced safety systems. If you fancy the sound of all this, then you can lease a Hyundai Kona Electric here.

Ford Puma

The Ford Puma has quietly become one of the UK’s favourite compact SUVs, and once you drive one, it’s easy to see why.

Sporty lines, a raised stance, and Ford’s signature bold grille give the Puma a confident look. It’s compact, agile, and has just enough attitude to separate it from the pack.

Mild-hybrid petrol engines deliver excellent fuel economy without sacrificing the fun-to-drive character Ford is known for. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit is punchy, responsive, and ideal for everyday use.

Trims range from Titanium to ST-Line and ST-Line X, each adding more equipment and styling upgrades. Expect digital displays, advanced driver aids, and Ford’s clever “MegaBox” storage solution that makes the most of the generous boot space. You can make the most of leasing a Ford Puma here.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

If you want a family SUV that blends style, efficiency, and comfort, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is one of the most complete packages available.

The Tucson’s angular, futuristic design is one of the most distinctive in the segment. Hidden LED lighting, sharp creases, and a bold grille give it a premium, modern presence.

The hybrid system pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with electric assistance for smooth performance and excellent fuel economy. It’s quiet, refined, and ideal for both urban and motorway driving.

Hyundai’s trim levels across the Tucson range include SE Connect, Premium, N Line, and Ultimate. Highlights include dual-screen displays, heated seats, advanced safety tech, and the option of sportier styling on N Line models. For the latest Hyundai Tucson leasing deals, search here.

Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

For drivers who want electric driving without going fully electric, the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offers the best of both worlds — and then some.

The RAV4 PHEV has a rugged, purposeful look with chunky wheel arches, sharp LED lighting, and a muscular stance. It’s unmistakably an SUV, and a confident one at that.

A large battery delivers a generous electric-only range, perfect for commuting or school runs. When the petrol engine joins in, you get strong performance and Toyota’s trademark reliability.

Toyota keeps things simple with well-equipped trims offering premium interiors, large infotainment screens, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Expect heated seats, smart connectivity, and plenty of practicality. Find the best Toyota RAV4 PHEV lease deals here.

Audi Q7

If you need seven seats but refuse to compromise on luxury, refinement, or technology – in fact, if you refuse to compromise on anything – the Audi Q7 remains one of the standout choices.

The Q7 combines Audi’s clean, modern design language with a commanding road presence. The large grille, sharp LED lighting, and sculpted bodywork give it a premium, understated elegance.

Audi offers a range of powerful and efficient engines, including mild-hybrid options. Smooth automatic transmissions and quattro all-wheel drive come as standard, delivering confident performance in all conditions.

Sport, S line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung trims offer increasing levels of luxury. Expect leather upholstery, advanced MMI tech, digital cockpit displays, and some of the best driver-assistance systems in the class. Find the best lease deals for the Audi Q7 here.

BMW X5

The BMW X5 is the SUV for those who want space, comfort, and practicality without sacrificing the feeling of being behind the wheel of something genuinely appealing. It’s the ultimate driving machine in a go-anywhere package.

Bold proportions, a strong shoulder line, and BMW’s signature kidney grille give the X5 a muscular, premium look. It’s elegant without being shouty, and unmistakably BMW.

The X5 offers a choice of smooth six-cylinder engines and an excellent plug-in hybrid option with impressive electric range. Whichever you choose, the X5 delivers refined performance and superb driving dynamics.

Trims include xLine, M Sport, and even high-performance M variants. Expect high-quality materials, large digital displays, advanced connectivity, and optional extras like air suspension and panoramic glass roofs. Find the BMW X5 lease deal that suits you here.

Conclusion to our Six of the Best: Leasing an SUV in 2026

Whether you’re after something compact and efficient, family-friendly and versatile, or luxurious enough to make every journey feel like a first-class upgrade, there’s an SUV on the list to suit every taste and budget. And even if you don’t find your personal favourite, there’s plenty of inspiration for you to build on.

Leasing gives you the freedom to choose the model that fits your life right now, and with options ranging from fully electric to plug-in hybrid and traditional petrol power, your next SUV is only a signature away.