These 7 Awesome Cars Are Best Lease Deals in January
Lease deals on really great cars are a rarity, which makes these deals even sweeter.
The last year turned out to be a stellar time for new car sales and lease deals. “Despite challenges, 2025 has been a good year for new-vehicle sales,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive, who notes that despite “headwinds from tariffs, inflation and reduced EV incentives” the car market remained surprisingly strong. Some may belive that the market’s strength will continue. but others see the end of strong sales and the best lease deals as signaling the end of the era.
It may be a while before we know if the car market will continue full steam ahead in 2026. But an early look at new car deals and leases show that the good times may continue for consumers—at least for a while. That’s because really great lease deals at the start of the year can be rare, and leases on popular cars are often unheard of. But these seven model bust that trend.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
What You Need to Know Before Heading to a Dealership
We shopped the best lease deals and looked for the best cars at the best prices. If you’re hoping for something hot and sporty, a fun for the family SUV or you’re ready to trade up in to EV driving, there are some great options.
Before you head to the dealer, however, note these caveats to any lease deal:
- Not all lease deals are available in all markets; shop your local dealerships and if you don’t find what you want, widen your search
- Lease deals are typically only available on cars that are on a dealer’s lot;
- Only certain trims, usually the entry level model qualify for the best deals
- Lease deals have expiration dates by which you must take delivery
- Lessors must qualify for advertised deals and pricing may vary based on your qualifications
- Leased vehicles require a downpayment, typically $3,000-$4,000
- Leases specify a maximum number of miles included in the lease and a number of months that the car is leased for
And then, this silver lining that can often be a hidden gem:
- Leases include a buyout price at the end of the lease; very often, this can represent a significant discount on the price of the car if you decide to buy it at the end of the lease
Be sure to read the fine print on the offer, which must be published, and also, that on a contract before signing. And then, go shop these amazing lease deals we found on the market this month.
Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid: $269 Per Month
This one completely surprised me; this is how much I would have paid for a 3 when I graduated from college which seems like eons ago (was).
Even at the entry level the Civic (or Hybrid version) is roomy, comfortable and fun to drive; you’ll get Apple CarPlay compatibility, LED headlights and Honda Sensing safety and driver assist technology and a multimedia touch screen, all packaged in the Civic’s most recent design that features sleek headlights and a modern interior.
Hyundai Santa Fe: $329 Per Month
When it comes to 3 row SUV leases, they can be pricey, if only for the fact that families who lease them do so because they really need to. So we were really excited to see the Hyundai Santa Fe, one of our favorite cars of the last couple of years, among the lease bargains for January.
We love the Santa Fe for its elevated design and focus on posh details, even at the entry level. “The Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid truly opened my eyes to the brand, which has undergone a renaissance in the last decade,” said writer Kristen Brown after test driving the Hyundai Santa Fe. And with 277 HP in the 4-cylinder gas-only model, 3 comfortable rows of seating, an expansive multimedia screen and a solid suite of driver assist and safety features, this may be one of the best deals on the lease market right now.
Hyundai Palisade: $369 Per Month
Hyundai is full of great news for families who need a 3 row SUV: The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is still on dealers lots and offered at a stellar price. After the introduction of the 2026 model with its dramatic redesign and much more modern look, a hybrid option and an XRT off-road trim, the 2025 model was left a bit in the dust. And, it’s your good luck. Writer Jana Askeland, who bought the Hyundai Palisade before the design change, looked at all its competitors and picked it for its design and features. “I liked the screen and dash aesthetics on the Hyundai Palisade,” Jana said. “The last thing that edged Palisade ahead of Telluride (for me) was the new bold front grille design. I loved the larger, more substantial grille and the sportiness it gave to the design.” And it holds up; while the new design is a departure, this design is still smart and modern, and the space and features inside are hard to beat.
Subaru BRZ: $355 Per Month
This might be one of the hottest hidden-gem cars on the road and now, it can be yours for a song. The Subaru BRZ ideal for solo drivers who prefer to really enjoy the drive, or those who bring along a significant other or a dog on the journey, thanks to its compact coupe design that leaves the rear seat really short on space, though its’ a great place for your handbag or groceries.
“The BRZ is Subaru’s only rear-wheel drive two-door sports car, and it feels like a refined roadster,” says writer Kristen Brown. “There’s no turbo under the hood, but the tuned 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine paired with either an automatic or six-speed manual is plenty powerful.”
The BRZ is built on the same platform and has the same power output as the Toyota GR86, yet this lease deal offers it for about $100 a month less.
Mustang Mach-E: $253 Per Month
I took the Mustang Mach-E for an extended test drive earlier this year and was completely smitten with it. I love its modern, sporty feel; the range that is what it says it is, no surprises no matter how high I ran the A/C I ran and a fast, easy to charge system that never let me feeling angst. Add to that a fun, easy to drive system that really changes how you look at driving— hello one-pedal driving, now my favorite in-car feature ever—and I was a convert to the EV life.
For those early adopters, the Mach-E was pricey, but worth it; for those who waited it out, you win: this lease deal is a fantastic way to drive one of the best cars on the road. And while you won’t get the spoilers like hands-free Blue Cruise and a panoramic sunroof, you’ll get the modern design, Hey Ford voice assistance and a great car for daily and long distance driving.
Kia Niro EV: $169 Per Month
This little guy surprised us earlier this year when we drove it around San Francisco: The Kia Niro EV is cute, roomy enough for a family and boasts Kia’s new design language and features. For this price we’d expect Kia to skimp on even the basics, but no. The entry-level Wind trim includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger and 253 miles of range.
“There’s a lot more to it than what meets the eye,” said writer Kristen Brown. “What surprised me is just how versatile it, with more than enough range to meet your needs, more than enough space and it has the looks to match.”
Toyota Tacoma: $267 Per Month
We had to double check this one—twice. A Toyota Tacoma lease for well under $300 a month? You got it. We love the Toyota Tacoma’s entry level SR model for it’s nice tow capacity (3,500 lbs), comfy seating, multimedia touch screen and capable 4 cylinder turbo engine.
It’s worth noting that this model is rear wheel drive only and 4WD is not an option (not that it would be for a lease deal, anyway) and the Tacoma has a small-ish rear seat.
Still it’s relatively fuel efficient at an average 23 MPG and with the Tacoma’s sharp new looks inside and out. “It’s a beautiful truck,” notes writer Erica Mueller. “And it sealed the deal by handling almost everything I threw at it. So, she’s not only brains, but she’s one hell of a beauty, too. This one is a catch.
Isn’t this a great way to start 2026?
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