Good car leasing deals are harder to find, automotive experts say—here's why
Leasing can still be a cheaper way to drive a new car, but the discounts that were common before the pandemic have become harder to find, experts say.
TL;DR
- Leasing has become less affordable due to fewer automaker-subsidized programs compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Leasing accounted for 18.4% of new-vehicle transactions in Q2 2026, down from around 30% pre-pandemic.
- The pandemic-era vehicle shortage led automakers to reduce reliance on discounting and lease subsidies, a practice they've continued.
- Current attractive lease deals are more selective, often applying to vehicles with high inventory, unpopular configurations, or outgoing model years.
- While EV leasing has fallen, incentives for EVs remain better than for gas vehicles.
- Leasing can still offer lower monthly payments and down payments compared to financing, but such deals are less common.
- Choosing financing over leasing requires careful consideration of how long the vehicle will be kept to avoid owing more than its value.