A Ford Escape SEL lease costs between $400 and $600 a month, depending on the negotiated price and any added upgrades in addition to your location, down payment, and credit score.

If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient compact SUV with lots of cargo, the Ford Escape has been one of the best-selling vehicles in Ford’s lineup since its debut in 2001. If you want the Escape’s practicality without the commitment of a

car loan

, leasing one might be the right option for you. When your lease is up, you can either buy it upfront or return it.

Ready to look into Ford Escape SEL leases?

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison app, is ready to answer all your questions! We’ll go over how leases work, how much you can expect to pay for an Escape SEL lease, and what to expect when you reach the end of the term. Then, we'll drop some hints for saving money on your

Ford Escape SEL insurance cost

How to lease a Ford Escape SEL

The leasing process for a Ford Escape SEL isn’t that much different than leasing any other vehicle. Before going to your local dealer, consider your finances:

Check your credit score: You probably won’t qualify for leasing if it’s under 520, and anything under 630 is still considered poor. If your credit score is above 650, your chances of getting a good lease deal are not bad, while a score of 680 or higher is considered optimal.

Crunch the numbers: Target a monthly payment that’s less than 15% of your monthly income. Better yet, aim for less than 10%. Also,

calculate how much cash you can pay upfront

. The bigger the down payment, the lower your monthly costs.

Calculate your annual mileage: Most leases have annual mileage caps between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Assess your driving habits and make sure you don’t go over your agreed mileage limit. Otherwise, you could risk paying a penalty for every extra mile.

Once you’ve figured out your finances and set a clear budget, it’s time to head to your local Ford dealership to

compare lease offers

The final step: shop for insurance

Can’t decide if you want to buy or lease? Either way, you’ll need car insurance for your Ford Escape SEL. For leased vehicles, you'll likely be required to carry

collision

and

comprehensive coverage

by your dealer in addition to whatever minimums your state requires.

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How much does a Ford Escape SEL lease cost?

The average price range for a Ford Escape SEL is between $17,757 to $19,764 for a 36-month lease. This could possibly run you about $400 to $600 a month.

Your exact cost will depend on any upgrades or technology packages you choose at the dealership. Additionally, your credit score, lease term, down payment, location, and time of year are also important factors to consider.

Upgrades and technology packages are some of the biggest factors that will determine how much you pay to lease an Escape SEL. Standard features include rear parking sensors, a remote-start feature, and a hands-free power liftgate—among other great driver-assistance features. But if you’re looking for more power or convenience, that will cost you.

You can upgrade to the 2.0L EcoBoost engine with all-wheel drive for $3,870 or add on the Technology Package for $1,250. But keep in mind, these upgrades and packages will add to your monthly payment, so if you want to save, just stick to the standard features of the SEL trim.

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Services included in a Ford Escape SEL lease

Leasing a Ford Escape SEL will come with a Red Carpet Lease, which includes unique benefits and features, such as:

A variety of popular lease terms

Seven mileage options to choose from

The ability to customize your vehicle at the time of purchase

Another perk at the end of your lease will include purchasing your leased vehicle at a predetermined price.

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What to do when your Ford Escape SEL lease is up

When you reach the end of your Ford lease, you’ll have three basic options. You can:

Return the SUV and lease a new Ford (either another Escape or a different model)

Complete the

Vehicle Return Checklist

and turn your vehicle in

Request a payoff quote to buy the vehicle you’re currently driving

How to return a leased Ford Escape SEL

If you’re ready to return your Ford Escape SEL or if you simply don’t need a vehicle anymore—you can return the SUV. Follow Ford’s Vehicle Return Checklist for the smoothest transition.

Before you return your vehicle, you must examine the Escape SEL for excess wear and tear.

Ford’s

Wear and Use Evaluator Card & Guidelines

details the amount of wear and tear that’s acceptable when you return your SUV.

In general, there are no additional charges for any dings, dents, or scratches (not including holes) as long as they do not surpass three total per panel with diameters up to four inches or surpass 15 paint chips per panel. This guideline also includes a Wear and Use Self-Assessment Checklist that you should complete before scheduling the final inspection.

Excessive mileage will also be subject to additional charges. Refer to your Red Carpet Lease for details about mileage allowance and excess mileage charges.

You can schedule an inspection within 60 days of your Lease-End date. To schedule an appointment, you can use Alliance Inspection Management’s (AIM) Self-Scheduling tool to make an

appointment online

or call by phone at (877) 320-1343 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday.

Once your compact SUV passes inspection, you can call your originating Ford dealer to arrange a return appointment. Before you head to your return appointment, make sure to bring all keys and key fobs, your vehicle inspection report (if one was completed), and receipts from any completed vehicle repairs.

How to purchase a leased Ford Escape SEL

If you fell in love with your Escape SEL over the last 36 months, you can purchase it outright! With the Red Carpet Lease, you have the option to purchase your Ford Escape SEL at lease-end. When you purchase your leased vehicle, you are no longer responsible for Excess Wear and Use or excess mileage charges.

Your Red Carpet Lease Agreement includes the purchase option price at the end-lease. To view your vehicle’s purchase price, log into your

Account Manager

or contact

Customer Support

Make sure to contact your originating Ford Dealer to discuss your vehicle purchase options and to obtain a final purchase price, including taxes and additional charges. To fulfill your lease obligations, you’ll need to satisfy any remaining financial agreements, review and sign the Odometer Statement, then complete your vehicle purchase transaction.

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How to find the best car insurance for a Ford Escape SEL lease

Finding the best insurance for your leased Ford Escape SEL is quick and easy with the

trusted super app

for insurance shopping,

Jerry

Just download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.

On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance.

“
Jerry
is an awesome tool to find rates personalized to your specific needs! I’m literally still sitting at the dealership and already finalized my new insurance so I can drive my new car off the lot.” —Charity R.

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