Electric cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrids continue to feature some stellar deals in October. We’ve uncovered cheap leases from $149/month and discounts worth up to $12,500. We’ve even uncovered cases in which they're less-expensive than their smog-producing counterparts.
Plug-in shoppers benefit from a number of special incentives. In California, there’s no longer a limit on the number of green HOV lane stickers. The Clean Vehicle Rebate (CVRP) was also increased for low-income applicants to as much as $7,000*.
We analyzed hundreds of offers and listed the best deals on electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, diesels and other fuel-efficient choices below. We’ve also listed every lease offer by effective cost.
*The CVRP is currently on a bit of a hiatus. Funding was approved but checks may not resume being mailed out until November. Except for low-income applicants, most applications are being added to a waiting list.
Updated 8:30 am Monday, October 9
Best Electric Car Deals This Month
- Best Deal: Lease from $169 for 36 months
- Due at Signing: $1,769
- Mileage: 10,500 miles/year
- MSRP: $29,995
- Expires: January 2, 2018
- MPGe (City/Hwy/Comb): 118/96/107
- Estimated Range: 114 miles
*Other Incentives: $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, $2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate + HOV lane access in CA
Why it's a top pick: With an effective cost of just $218, the Focus Electric is just about the cheapest lease on an EV. This month, the payment has risen $30 but the amount at signing has fallen $970.
Although the numbers look a lot different compared to before, this translates to an increase in effective cost of just $3/month ($218 vs. $215).
The car continues to be cheaper to lease than a regular Focus SE thanks to $12,500 in lease discounts and a $25/month advantage in effective costs ($218 vs. $243).
Where you can find this deal: This is a regional offer available in California. Leases in other states will vary considerably. Get your custom quote»
- Best Deal: Lease from $299 for 36 months
- Due at Signing: $502
- Mileage: 12,000 miles/year
- MSRP: $37,495
- Expires: October 2, 2017
- MPGe (City/Hwy/Comb): 128/110/119
- Estimated Range: 238 miles
*Other Incentives: $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, $2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate + HOV lane access in CA
Why it's a top pick: In California, Oregon and parts of the Northeast, the 200+ mile Chevy Bolt EV features an attractive $299/month lease. A closer look reveals this is remarkably close in price to that of the Volt plug-in hybrid.
With an effective cost of $322, the Bolt LT is actually just $6/month more expensive than a 2017 Volt LT ($316). Based on our analysis, the main reason appears to be a 10% advantage in residual value for the Bolt.
Nationally, the Bolt is available from $329 for 36 months with $3,369 at signing. If you're coming from a non-GM lease, there's an additional $500 that can help reduce your cost.
Where you can find this deal: The featured deal is available in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. Get your custom quote »
Best Plug-in Hybrid Car Deals This Month
- Best Deal: Lease from $249 for 36 months
- Due at signing: $1,999
- Mileage: 12,000 miles/year
- MSRP: From $36,105
- Expires: October 31, 2017
- MPGe (Combined): 103
- Estimated Range: 29 miles (EV), 610 total
*Other Incentives: $4,919 Federal Tax Credit, $1,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate + HOV lane access in CA
Why it's a top pick: With a well-tuned ride and 610-mile range, the Optima Plug-In is a remarkable value when you lease. Interestingly, it's just $30 more to lease than the regular Optima Hybrid despite a $9,215 difference in MSRP.
Next to a Hyundai Sonata Plug-In, the Optima actually has a $73/month advantage when comparing effective lease costs ($305 vs. $378). To top it off, it features a superior electric range of 29 miles (compared to 27 in the Sonata).
Where you can find this deal: This is a regional offer available in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indianapolis, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New England, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Get your custom quote »
- Best Deal: Lease from $294 for 39 months
- Due at signing: $859
- Mileage: 12,000 miles/year
- MSRP: From $34,095
- Expires: October 31, 2017
- MPGe (Combined): 106
- Estimated Range: 53 miles (EV), 420 total
*Other Incentives: $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, $1,500 Clean Air Rebate + HOV lane access in CA
Why it's a top pick: The Volt deserves little introduction with an impressive electric range of 53 miles and a flexible design that will meet the needs of many drivers. Leasing continues to be an affordable way to get behind the wheel of one, with a $294/month deal in California and select states.
Factoring in the payment and amount due at signing, the effective cost of the Volt LT comes in at $316/month. If you can believe it, that's actually less than a plain-old Chevy Cruze LT ($335) despite a $11,770 difference in MSRP.
Nationally, the Volt is available from $299 for 39 months with $1,969 at signing. Interestingly, the 2018 Volt LT is being advertised with a lower payment but much larger amount at signing ($289 per month with $2,859 at signing).
Where you can find this deal: The offer listed here is available in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. Get your custom quote »
Best Hybrid Car Deals This Month
- Best Deal: Lease from $149 for 36 months
- Due at Signing: $2,549
- Mileage: 10.5 miles/year
- MSRP: $24,995
- Expires: October 2, 2017
- MPG (City/Hwy/Comb): 42/38/40
Why it's a top pick: The C-Max continues to be the absolute cheapest lease on a hybrid with an effective cost of just $220. If you can believe it, that's $105 (per month!) less than a Toyota Prius Two ($325).
Prefer to buy? Ford is also offering 0% APR for 60 months plus $3,000 bonus cash. Or, if you choose to finance for 72 months, well-qualified buyers may be eligible for 1.9% APR.
Where you can find this deal: The features offer is available in California, but other regions feature aggressive discounts, too.
Key selling points: Extremely attractive price point, spacious cabin, more powerful than the Prius. Get your custom quote »
- Best Deal: $3,000 cashback
- MSRP: $21,045
- Expires: October 31, 2017
- MPG (City/Hwy/Comb): 48/43/46
Why it's a top pick: We've reached the sweet spot for picking up a Prius c at the best possible price. As before, Toyota is offering a $3,000 factory rebate. Alternatively, well-qualified buyers can take 0% APR for 72 months.
Now that the 2018 Prius c is here, dealers will be especially motivated to sell last year's model. As before, all versions of the Prius c feature standard Toyota Safety Sense and 2 years of complimentary maintenance.
Where you can find this deal: The featured deal can be found in Southern California, but we're seeing similar offers in a number of other regions. Get your custom quote »
- Best Deal: $5,000 cashback
- MSRP: $26,860
- Expires: October 31, 2017
- MPG (City/Hwy/Comb): 39/46/42
Why it's a top pick: Kia took last month's $4,000 incentive and added a $1,000 bonus, making the Optima Hybrid one of the best deals on a hybrid. All versions now feature a whopping $5,000 off. And that's before dealer discounts!
To put that in perspective, the regular Optima is only eligible for $3,000. As a result, upgrading to the Hybrid won't command as much of a premium as some might think.
Where you can find this deal: This is a national offer available in all regions. Get your custom quote »
Top Diesel Car Deals This Month
- Best Deal: 20% off MSRP
- MSRP: From $24,670 w/Manual
- Expires: October 31, 2017
- MPGe (City/Hwy/Comb): 31/47/37
- Estimated Range: 507 mi
Why it's a top pick: Once again, Chevy is offering a 20% off discount on all versions of the Cruze, including the 47 mpg diesel model. Alternatively, you can choose to finance at zero percent APR for 72 months. However, we suspect most shoppers will opt to simply take the discount since there's nearly $5,000 in savings on the table with the Cruze LT Diesel.
Where you can find this deal: This is a national offer available in all regions. Get your custom quote »
- Best Deal: $4,750 + Supplier Pricing
- MSRP: From $31,435
- Expires: October 16, 2017
- MPGe (City/Hwy/Comb): 28/39/32
- Estimated Range: 477 mi
Why it's a top pick: The Equinox Diesel may be all-new, but Chevy isn't letting that stop it from offering some very aggressive deals. The way it works is incredibly convoluted, but here's how it works.
First, LT models are eligible for $2,000 all month. There's also a $1,000 trade-in assistance bonus. In addition to a national $500 rebate, there's a $500 bonus good through October 16.
In California and select markets (listed below), there's an additional $750. Altogether, that's $4,750 in potential savings.
But wait, there's more.
Costco members can stack these offers with GM Supplier Pricing, which amounts to factory invoice plus a $200 fee.
If you can jump through all these hoops, there's a mountain of savings to be had on this brand-new model.
Where you can find this deal: The featured deal is available in California, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Phoenix, Washington D.C. and several other areas. Get your custom quote »
Best Fuel-Efficient Car Deals This Month
- Best Deal: $2,000 cashback
- MSRP: From $16,845 w/Manual
- Expires: October 2, 2017
- MPG (City/Hwy/Comb): 32/40/35
Why it's a top pick: The Yaris iA continues to be a stellar value with more standard features than just about anything in its class. Once again, a $2,000 rebate helps make it an outstanding choice for those on a tight budget. Alternatively, you can choose a promotional financing rate of 0% APR for 72 months.
Leasing is a different story, however, at least here in Southern California. At $169 for 36 months with $1,999 at signing, the car is actually $10/month more expensive than the 2017 Corolla SE. Given the $3,619 difference in MSRP, we consider the Corolla the superior value if your goal is to lease.
Where you can find this deal: This is a regional offer available in Southern California. However, we're seeing similar levels of discounts in other parts of the country. Get your custom quote »
Best Fuel-Efficient SUV Deals This Month
- Best Deal: Up to $2,500 cashback
- MSRP: From $24,780
- Expires: October 31, 2017
- MPG (City/Hwy/Comb): 26/33/29
Why it's a top pick: Once again, the Rogue benefits from up to $2,500 in savings on all styles. That factors in a $2,000 rebate and $500 bonus when financing at non-promotional rates.
As before, we recommend asking for a 2017.5 model if you can. Several months ago, Nissan added automatic emergency braking as a standard feature, but dealers have both the old and new versions in stock.
Since the difference in price is only about $400 and both are eligible for the same deals, we consider the 2017.5 Rogue a superior value. This could be helpful later on when it comes to resale values, too.
Where you can find this deal: This is a regional offer available in California, but we're seeing similar promotions in other parts of the country, too. Get your custom quote »
See this month's top discounts ranked by segment »
All Green Car Leases Ranked By Effective Cost
Leases for many green cars are often heavily subsidized by manufacturers. As a result, shoppers can often find attractive offers.
If you aren't interested in one of our top picks ranked by value for the money, feel free to browse all leases we track for each type of vehicle, ranked by effective lease cost.
Unless specified otherwise, these offers exclude special incentives like college grad, conquest and loyalty discounts sometimes factored in dealer advertisements.
All Electric Car Lease Deals
| Effective Lease Cost | Year/Make/Model/Trim | Pmt | Term | Mileage | Due at Signing | More Info |
| $215 | 2017 Kia Soul EV EVe (CA only) | $159 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $218 | 2017 Ford Focus Electric Base | $169 | 36 | 10.5k | $1,769 | Get Details |
| $224 | 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE 4dr | $159 | 36 | 10k | $2,349 | Get Details |
| $235 | 2017 Kia Soul EV EV Base | $179 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $236 | 2017 FIAT 500e Base (CA, OR) | $180 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $255 | 2017 Kia Soul EV EV+ | $199 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $285 | 2017 Nissan LEAF S (30 kWh) | $229 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $316 | 2017 Chevrolet Volt [CA/OR/Northeast] LT | $294 | 39 | 12k | $859 | Get Details |
| $322 | 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT [CA/OR/Northeast] | $299 | 36 | 12k | $833 | Get Details |
| $344 | 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf SE | $279 | 36 | 10k | $2,349 | Get Details |
| $344 | 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Base (CA Only, Unlimited Miles) | $275 | 36 | N/A | $2,500 | Get Details |
| $349 | 2017 Chevrolet Volt [National] LT | $299 | 39 | 12k | $1,969 | Get Details |
| $362 | 2018 Chevrolet Volt [National] LT | $289 | 39 | 12k | $2,859 | Get Details |
| $374 | 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Limited (CA Only, Unlimited Miles) | $305 | 36 | N/A | $2,500 | Get Details |
| $406 | 2017 BMW i3 Base 94 ah | $289 | 36 | 10k | $4,214 | Get Details |
| $413 | 2017 Mercedes-Benz B-Class B250e Hatchback | $299 | 36 | 10k | $4,093 | Get Details |
| $423 | 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT [National] | $329 | 36 | 12k | $3,369 | Get Details |
| $434 | 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Limited Ultimate (CA Only, Unlimited Miles) | $365 | 36 | N/A | $2,500 | Get Details |
| $447 | 2017 BMW i3 Base w/Range Extender | $329 | 36 | 10k | $4,254 | Get Details |
| $464 | 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL | $399 | 36 | 10k | $2,349 | Get Details |
All Plug-in Hybrid Lease Deals
| Effective Lease Cost | Year/Make/Model/Trim | Pmt | Term | Mileage | Due at Signing | More Info |
| $305 | 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Premium | $249 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $336 | 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Base (Conquest) | $289 | 36 | 12k | $1,699 | Get Details |
| $378 | 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Base | $289 | 36 | 12k | $3,199 | Get Details |
| $405 | 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Plus | $349 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $427 | 2017 BMW 330e Base Sedan | $309 | 36 | 10k | $4,234 | Get Details |
| $515 | 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350e Premium Sedan | $389 | 36 | 10k | $4,543 | Get Details |
| $581 | 2018 BMW 330e Base Sedan | $459 | 36 | 10k | $4,384 | Get Details |
| $687 | 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Momemtum AWD | $575 | 36 | 10k | $4,025 | Get Details |
| $697 | 2018 BMW 530e i Sedan | $559 | 36 | 10k | $4,984 | Get Details |
| $708 | 2017 BMW X5 eDrive xDrive40e | $569 | 36 | 10k | $4,994 | Get Details |
| $797 | 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design AWD | $675 | 39 | 10k | $4,775 | Get Details |
| $818 | 2017 Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design AWD | $695 | 39 | 10k | $4,795 | Get Details |
| $853 | 2017 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription AWD | $729 | 39 | 10k | $4,829 | Get Details |
| $853 | 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription AWD | $729 | 39 | 10k | $4,829 | Get Details |
| $948 | 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE550e Base | $779 | 36 | 10k | $6,073 | Get Details |
| $1,267 | 2018 BMW 740e i Sedan | $1,059 | 36 | 7.5k | $7,484 | Get Details |
| $1,373 | 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550e Premium Sedan | $1,179 | 36 | 10k | $6,973 | Get Details |
All Hybrid Lease Deals
| Effective Lease Cost | Year/Make/Model/Trim | Pmt | Term | Mileage | Due at Signing | More Info |
| $220 | 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 200A | $159 | 36 | 10.5k | $2,189 | Get Details |
| $275 | 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue | $219 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $275 | 2017 Kia Niro LX DCT | $219 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $275 | 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium | $219 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $304 | 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Base CVT | $229 | 36 | 12k | $2,699 | Get Details |
| $310 | 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Base (Conquest) | $249 | 36 | 12k | $2,199 | Get Details |
| $315 | 2017 Toyota Prius c One | $259 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $325 | 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE Hybrid | $269 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $325 | 2017 Toyota Prius Two | $269 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $335 | 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE AWD | $279 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $338 | 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Base | $249 | 36 | 12k | $3,199 | Get Details |
| $344 | 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L CVT | $269 | 36 | 12k | $2,699 | Get Details |
| $345 | 2017 Toyota Prius v Two | $289 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $355 | 2018 Toyota Prius c One | $299 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $385 | 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE AWD | $329 | 36 | 12k | $1,999 | Get Details |
| $403 | 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring CVT | $309 | 36 | 12k | $3,399 | Get Details |
| $417 | 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Reserve w/Moon | $309 | 36 | 10.5k | $3,884 | Get Details |
| $421 | 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE (Southeast) | $329 | 36 | 12k | $3,299 | Get Details |
| $507 | 2017 Lexus ES 300h Premium | $379 | 36 | 10k | $4,599 | Get Details |
| $528 | 2017 Lexus NX 300h Navigation 4x2 | $389 | 36 | 10k | $4,999 | Get Details |
| $538 | 2018 Lexus NX 300h Navigation 4x2 | $399 | 36 | 10k | $4,999 | Get Details |
| $547 | 2018 Lexus ES 300h Premium | $419 | 36 | 10k | $4,599 | Get Details |
| $610 | 2017 Lexus RX 450h Base with Navigation | $499 | 36 | 10k | $3,999 | Get Details |
| $672 | 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Premium | $589 | 42 | 10k | $3,499 | Get Details |
| $719 | 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited | $636 | 42 | 10k | $3,499 | Get Details |
All Diesel Lease Deals
| Effective Lease Cost | Year/Make/Model/Trim | Pmt | Term | Mileage | Due at Signing | More Info |
| $457 | 2017 BMW 328d i Sedan | $339 | 36 | 10k | $4,264 | Get Details |
| $509 | 2017 BMW 328d xDrive SportsWagon | $389 | 36 | 10k | $4,314 | Get Details |
| $612 | 2018 BMW 328d i Sedan | $489 | 36 | 10k | $4,414 | Get Details |
| $653 | 2018 BMW 328d xDrive SportsWagon | $529 | 36 | 10k | $4,454 | Get Details |
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