Should I lease or finance in 2026?

It depends on how you drive and how long you keep cars. Leasing can win when residual values and manufacturer rate subvention are high — especially on EVs and some luxury brands — and you drive under 12,000 miles a year and want a new car every three years. Financing wins when you drive a lot, plan to keep the car past five years, want to modify it, or need to roll equity from a current loan.

The number most buyers miss on a lease is the money factor — the lease equivalent of an interest rate. Multiply it by 2,400 to get the APR equivalent. If a salesperson won't give it to you, walk. Bring a worksheet to a consult and I'll read every line with you.