Car Leasing Deals Are Less Common as Automakers Reduce Incentives
Leasing new vehicles has become harder to find due to a decline in automaker incentives, according to automotive experts. Before the pandemic, leasing accounted for around 30% of new-vehicle transactions; however, by Q2 2026, that share had dropped to just 18.4%. The reduction is attributed to tighter inventory management post-pandemic and a shift away from subsidized lease programs. During the vehicle shortage years (2021–2023), automakers prioritized selling over leasing because they could get more revenue directly from buyers. Even as supply has improved, many of those incentives have not returned. Lease deals are now more selective, often limited to models with high inventory or outgoing model years. Leasing still offers lower monthly payments compared to financing for popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer in 2026. However, fewer options may make it harder for consumers who prefer leasing as a way to drive new cars every few years.
Topics: car leasing post-pandemic market trends vehicle affordability