Best Lease Deals For January 2026
Leasing a vehicle has become one of the most popular ways to get behind the wheel of a brand-new car. All this without the long-term commitment or hefty upfront cost of buying. In simple terms, leasing is essentially a long-term rental agreement. You pay monthly to use the car for a set period (usually 24-48 months) and return it at the end, with the option to buy it out or walk away. Not everyone is in favor of this, while others have been going down the lease avenue for years without issue.
Your creditworthiness plays a huge role in the leasing process. Lenders check your credit score to determine both whether you qualify and what interest rate (called the “money factor”) you’ll pay. An excellent credit can unlock the best car lease deals with low or even $0 down payments, while fair or poor credit may require a larger down payment, higher monthly installments, or cause outright denial.
The benefits of leasing a new car include:
- More affordable monthly payments in comparison to financing
- Reduced upfront costs that you have to fork over when buying
- Access to higher trim grades or more expensive cars as leasing overall is less expensive than buying
- Access to new technology (such as safety systems) that is often reserved for more expensive models
- Potential tax benefits for business owners
- Driving new cars more frequently when the lease runs out
