Best Car Lease Deals Right Now with Sign and Drive Offers in 2025
You want a new car, not a new bill shock. This month, real “sign-and-drive” and low-cash-up-front leases are back in a big way. That means little to nothing due today and a payment you can plan around. Below, I’ll show you the best deals right now, how to spot the fine print, and easy steps to lock in a payment that fits your life.
What “sign-and-drive” really means (and what it doesn’t)
“Sign-and-drive” sounds like $0 out of pocket. Sometimes it is. It’s $0 down payment with your first month, taxes, registration, and a bank fee rolled into the monthly payment or due at signing. Some brands run true “$0 down / $0 due / $0 first payment” events. Others offer “$0 down” but still collect the first payment and fees.
Key terms to know—super simple:
- Down payment (cap cost reduction): Money that lowers your payment. $0 is best for cash flow.
- Money factor: The lease interest. Ask the number and convert it (MF × 2400 ≈ APR).
- Residual value: The car’s end value. Higher residual = lower payment.
- Acquisition & disposition fees: Bank fee at start and turn-in fee at the end.
- Mileage limit: 7,500–12,000 miles/year is common. More miles = higher payment.
Best lease deals right now (September 2025)
Here are standout national and widely-advertised offers you can find today. Exact terms vary by ZIP and credit tier, so enter your ZIP on the brand’s offer page and confirm the fine print before you visit a dealer.
| Models | Terms | Monthly | Cost / Fees (Due at Signing) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 (SE Standard Range) | 24 months | $179 | $3,999 | Includes $7,500 EV lease bonus; offer through Sep 30, 2025. (Edmunds) |
| Subaru Solterra | 36 months | $299 | $0 down ($299 due) + tax/license | Includes $7,500 lease incentive; through Sep 30, 2025. (subaru.com) |
| Toyota Corolla LE | 36 months | $189 | $3,999 | Regional Toyota offer; check ZIP on Toyota site. (Toyota) |
| Volkswagen ID.4 (AWD Pro S) | 24 months | $209 | $4,499 | Includes $7,500 VWFS EV Lease Bonus; through Sep 30, 2025. |
| Honda Prologue (AWD Touring) | 36 months | $189 | $4,899 | Includes loyalty/conquest + $7,500 credit; select states; ends Sep 30, 2025. |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 (SE Standard Range) | 24 months | $169 | $3,999 | National Hyundai program; 12k mi/yr example; ends Sep 30, 2025. |
| Hyundai Kona Electric (SEL) | 24 months | $209 | $3,999 | Includes $7,500 EV lease bonus; ends Sep 30, 2025. |
| Jeep Gladiator (Sport S) | 36 months | $299 | $3,799 | 10k mi/yr example; ends Sep 30, 2025. |
| Honda Civic (Sport / example) | 36 months | $289 | $3,899 | Current Honda lease example for Sep 2025. (U.S. News Cars) |
| Buick Encore GX (FWD Preferred) | 39 months | $372 | $0 due (after offers) | Example ad; dealer sets actual price; via GM Financial. |
Why EV leases look especially good right now
Many EV lease payments are dropping because the $7,500 federal clean-vehicle incentive can be applied to leases at the finance company level and passed through to you as a lower payment—no tax filing needed. Several brands are stacking that with extra cash, which is why you’re seeing sub-$300 EV payments and, in a few hot markets, even sub-$200 ads on smaller models. News outlets are also reporting a rush to lock in deals before certain incentive rules change after September 30, 2025, so timing matters.
Simple playbook to land a sign-and-drive deal
1) Start with programs that actually advertise it. Mitsubishi’s national page is a true “$0/$0/$0 first month” on select models. VW’s Sign Then Drive is common at dealers (but details vary). Buick is quietly strong for returning lessees on Encore GX.
2) Stack loyalty or conquest. Already drive a GM, VW, Subaru, Hyundai, etc.? Ask for loyalty cash. Driving a competitor? Ask about conquest. These can flip a “good” payment into a “must-sign” payment. (You’ll see this called out on many offer pages.)
3) Choose the right mileage. 7,500–10,000 miles/year gives the lowest payment. If you really drive 12–15k, be honest and price it up front. Extra miles later cost more.
4) Keep the term simple. Most sweet-spot leases are 24–36 months. Longer terms may look cheaper but can push you past the bumper-to-bumper warranty.
5) Mind the fees, not just “$0 down.” Ask the dealer to show drive-off, acquisition fee, doc fee, DMV, and taxes in writing. A true sign-and-drive can still have costs rolled into the payment—make sure it’s clear.
6) Get the buy rate. Ask for the lender’s base money factor and residual for your zip and mileage. If the MF seems high, ask the dealer to match buy rate or explain markups.
7) Ask for a worksheet. A one-page lease worksheet shows MSRP, selling price, rebates, fees, residual, MF, and total drive-off. If a dealer won’t share it, shop another store.
Today’s easiest paths by shopper type
Payment-first shopper. Look at Mitsubishi sign-and-drive or Buick Encore GX (if you have GM loyalty). If you’re open to brands and trims, these two paths cut your out-of-pocket the most.
EV-curious commuter. Check Hyundai IONIQ 5/6 and Subaru Solterra. The $7,500 lease incentive on Solterra and strong Hyundai programs make EV payments feel like gas-car payments—sometimes less.
No brand loyalty, just simple paperwork. VW Sign Then Drive events are designed for low-hassle, low-cash starts. Confirm what fees are rolled in at your local dealer.
How to quickly compare two lease quotes (30-second test)
- Effective monthly = (Total due at signing ÷ lease months) + advertised monthly.
- Compare that number across cars. Lower effective monthly = better real-world value.
- If two deals are close, pick the one with the higher residual (less risk) or lower MF (lower interest).
When “$0 due at signing” might not fit you
- You plan to keep the car beyond the lease term (buyout rates can be high).
- You drive way over the mileage limit (heavy mileage is usually cheaper to finance).
- Your credit tier is below the program’s cut line (ask what tier the ad assumes).
In those cases, price a modest down payment or look at low-APR financing instead.
FAQ
Is sign-and-drive really $0 out of pocket? Sometimes. The pure version is $0 down, $0 due, $0 first payment. Many “$0 down” ads still require first month, taxes, or fees.
Can I get sign-and-drive with average credit? Maybe. These programs usually target higher tiers. If your score is lower, ask the dealer to show the payment at your tier before you visit.
Do EV leases include the $7,500 incentive? Most captives apply it automatically to leases, lowering payments. That’s why EV leases look strong this month.
What’s the catch with $0 due at signing loyalty deals? They often require you (or a household member) to currently own or lease an eligible brand. Bring proof. Payments can jump without loyalty cash.
How fast do these change? Monthly. Many offers end September 30, 2025. Holiday weekends can add bonus cash. Always check the brand site for your ZIP.
If you want the smallest start-up cost, target Mitsubishi’s sign-and-drive, VW Sign Then Drive stores, and Encore GX $0-due loyalty offers. If you want the lowest payment, shop Hyundai EVs and Subaru Solterra while the EV lease incentives are still sweet. Get a worksheet, compare the effective monthly, and don’t be shy about asking the dealer to match the buy rate. Simple steps, real savings—and you keep your cash in your pocket on day one.
