Rivian is getting almost affordable, if a nearly $7500 signing payment doesn’t scare you away. While the Cybertruck is quicker, the R1T is a genuinely attractive design that turns heads and feels so much better to drive. This lease is for the dual-motor Adventure trim on 21-inch wheels, and unlike most automakers, Rivian specifically requires a customer to order silver paint with the black interior to get this price.
Car dealers love Memorial Day more than their mothers, if that extra Monday off means you’ll come in and buy a new car. In the spirit of the holiday, we’re only including American manufacturers for these weekend specials (and also because they’re among the better deals out there). These vehicles span the gamut from compact sedans and crossovers to midsize EVs and large SUVs. Many of these deals expire shortly after the holiday weekend.
Check Our Leasing Guide
Make sure you first read our leasing guide. We’ve covered everything that may get glossed over in the showroom: advertising fees, money factors, residuals, legal implications, and all the other fine print that could cost you thousands more than you’d expect. When comparing similar cars, be aware that a lower monthly price often demands more money up front. As with any national lease special, enter your ZIP code on an automaker’s website to check if these deals apply to your area. Prices do not include taxes or fees and may be higher or lower depending on your location. Research is always your friend.
$399 per month/$5549 at signing
36 months/30,000 miles
Halfway into 2024, Ford dealers have more than 6000 unsold Mach-E models from the previous model year. With the lifted Mach-E Rally that will list for $65,000 about to arrive, Ford has a national deal for around $400 per month on the Premium AWD with the extended range battery. That’s a good deal for a 310-mile EV with included features like heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo. In Florida, the monthly price drops to $375 for roughly $100 less at signing while in Michigan, it’s $449 for $3839 due at signing.
$379 per month/$0 at signing
39 months/32,500 miles
The Terrain ranks second to last in our compact SUV testing, which may explain GM’s generosity on this lease special’s zero down payment and a complimentary first month. The front-wheel drive SLE feels like the base model it is, with subpar interior materials. But at this price, that could be a worthy sacrifice for a roomy, fuel-efficient crossover.
$419 per month/$3749 at signing
36 months/30,000 miles
Shoppers overlook Cadillac sedans for German and Japanese four-doors even while Detroit’s sharp-handling, hot-looking products get better. One issue for Cadillac is that its sedans’ names and sizes keep changing, versus stalwarts like the 3-Series which have stayed consistent for decades. Still, a CT4 Premium Luxury with rear-wheel drive is a good deal at this price. Certain markets restrict this offer to lessees of 2019 or newer GM models.
$219 per month/$3903 at signing
24 months/20,000 miles
The Korean-made Envista is less American in parts content than a Camry, but let’s focus on the Buick badge (which, if you hadn’t noticed, has changed). The Envista is styled like a budget BMW X4 and built atop the bones of the 10Best-winning Chevrolet Trax, so the chassis, tech, and quality are on point. This short lease is for the Preferred, though if you prefer all-wheel drive and any semblance of speed, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
$699 per month/$3599 at signing
36 months/22,500 miles
How about a full-size SUV that’s much cheaper than a Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe? That’d be this base Jeep Wagoneer 4×4, which comes with the new twin-turbo inline-six and a handsome interior. The catch for the low signing payment is the mileage (only 7500 per year) and an offer restricted to “competitive brand” owners and lessees. Without those limitations, this same SUV leases for $689 per month with $5999 at signing in markets like Florida.
$439 per month/$4479 at signing
42 months/35,000 miles
Ram is selling three versions of the 1500—the old-gen Classic, the current 2024 model, and the refreshed 2025 that’s out early with the new inline-six. This lease is for the latter, and while it’s lengthy at 42 months, the signing and monthly payments on this full-size pickup are nearly as cheap as for a compact crossover. It’s not the workaday Tradesman, either, but the Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 with the regular bed.
$559 per month/$7454 at signing
36 months/30,000 miles
Rivian is getting almost affordable, if a nearly $7500 signing payment doesn’t scare you away. While the Cybertruck is quicker, the R1T is a genuinely attractive design that turns heads and feels so much better to drive. This lease is for the dual-motor Adventure trim on 21-inch wheels, and unlike most automakers, Rivian specifically requires a customer to order silver paint with the black interior to get this price.
$699 per month/$4199 at signing
18 months/15,000 miles
A quick lease on one of the quickest and prettiest EVs on sale sounds pretty good at nearly half the Rivian’s signing payment. The deal on this rear-wheel drive Pure is our ideal choice, since it offers 410 miles of range with 430 horsepower. Plus, you won’t pay for charging at Electrify America stations for the entire term.
Clifford Atiyeh is a reporter and photographer for Car and Driver, specializing in business, government, and litigation news. He is president of the New England Motor Press Association and committed to saving both manuals and old Volvos.