As Memorial Day ramps up, automakers are striking hard to clear inventory and counter rising costs. New U.S. tariffs on Mexico-built vehicles and imported EV components have pushed production expenses higher—yet manufacturers are front-loading incentives to keep buyers engaged. Whether you want a rugged truck, a spacious SUV, a family-friendly minivan or the latest electric vehicle, this guide consolidates every major offer, drills into model details, and gives you the insider know-how to lock in the best deal before June 2, 2025.
Top 12 May 2025 Car Deals (All Offers Expire 6/2/25)
| Rank | Model | Offer | Key Specs & Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024 Jeep Gladiator | $10,250 bonus cash or 2.9% APR × 72 mo | 3.6 L V6, standard 4×4, removable doors/roof. One of the largest cash incentives to clear out Gladiator stock. |
| 2 | 2025 Nissan Ariya | 0% APR × 72 mo or $7,500 cash | Up to 304 mi range, ProPILOT Assist 2.0 semi-autonomous. Rebate matches federal EV credit. |
| 3 | 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E | 0% APR × 72 mo (’24 models) or $313/mo lease × 36 mo ($4,029 down) | Up to 300 mi range, SYNC 4A, sporty EV crossover. Zero-interest finance + sub-$320 lease delivers top EV value. |
| 4 | 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning | 0% APR × 72 mo (’24 models) or $418/mo lease × 24 mo ($6,937 down) | Up to 320 mi range, 426 hp, 775 lb-ft torque. America’s #1 truck—now electric—with zero-percent financing or moderate lease payment. |
| 5 | 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | 0% APR × 72 mo or employee pricing + $4,500 cash | 375 hp, 470 lb-ft, 25 mi EV-only. Luxury off-roader that blends power and efficiency for families and adventurers. |
| 6 | 2025 Tesla Model 3 | 0% APR × 60 mo or $349/mo lease × 36 mo ($0 down) | 341 mi range, Autopilot, minimalist interior. Rare zero-interest + zero-down combo makes this even more compelling. |
| 7 | 2025 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV | 0% APR × 72 mo | Seats 7, 32 mi electric range, Stow ’n Go seating, built-in vacuum. The go-anywhere family hauler with extended electric driving. |
| 8 | 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 0.9% APR × 60 mo + $3,500 cash | Tow up to 13,300 lbs, multiple engines, smart trailering. Strong low-rate finance + generous bonus cash for truck buyers. |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe | 0% APR × 60 mo | Seats 9, V8 power, smooth ride. Rare no-interest deal on a full-size SUV with serious capability. |
| 10 | 2024 Chevrolet Suburban | 0% APR × 60 mo | Best-in-class cargo & passenger space, optional 4WD, premium trims. Act quickly—this massive SUV at zero interest won’t last. |
| 11 | 2025 Rivian R1T & R1S | $0-down lease on select trims (ends 5/31) | Up to 400 mi range, Gear Tunnel, Camp Kitchen. $6,500 lease credit + $7,500 federal EV credit for adventure-ready EV trucks/SUVs. |
| 12 | 2025 Toyota Tundra | 2.99% APR × 72 mo (select regions) | Twin-turbo V6 hybrid, up to 12,000 lbs towing, redesigned interior. Rare sub-3% rate in markets like Texas. |
How Financing vs. Cash-Back Deals Work
Average new-car APR sits around 7.4%—so automaker financing at or near 0% can save thousands in interest. By contrast, cash-back rebates put money directly back in your pocket at purchase.
- 0% APR Offers
- E.g., VW Tiguan ’24: 0% APR × 60 mo
- Kia EV9 ’24 & Chrysler Pacifica PHEV ’25: 0% APR × 72 mo
- Ford Mach-E & F-150 Lightning: 0–0.9% APR
- Cash-Back Deals
- Hyundai Kona/Elantra ’25: $1,000 cash back
- Mazda CX-90/VW Tiguan: $2,500 back
- Toyota Tundra/Nissan Z: $3,000 back
- Jeep Gladiator ’25: $7,000 back
- Grand Wagoneer ’24: $8,000 back
- Kia EV9 ’24: $11,000 back
Which to choose?
- If you have excellent credit and plan to finance, low APR beats a one-time rebate.
- If you’re trading in a high-value vehicle, paying cash, or have poor credit, cash back may be more valuable.
Tariff Pressures & Why Incentives Are So Generous
New U.S. tariffs on Mexico-assembled vehicles and on certain imported EV components have increased automaker costs. To stabilize sales and clear out existing stock before further duties bite, manufacturers are front-loading:
- Bonus Cash: Lump-sum rebates to reduce price.
- Zero-Percent Financing: Eliminate interest charges for 3–6 years.
- Zero-Down Leases: Lower barrier to entry for EVs and trucks.
May 2025’s deals reflect a balancing act: protect dealer margins, keep buyers engaged, and beat impending tariff-driven price hikes.
Ford’s Employee-Pricing, Lease & Finance Specials
Through June 2, Ford extends its Employee Pricing to all buyers—meaning you pay the same discounted “A-Plan” rates as Ford staff. On top of that, check out these lease and finance deals:
Lease Offers (48-month term unless noted)
| Model | Payment | Due at Signing |
|---|---|---|
| Mustang Mach-E ’25 (EV) | $313/mo (36 mo) | $4,029 down |
| Maverick ’24 (compact truck) | $329/mo | $2,881 down |
| Bronco Sport ’25 (SUV) | $415/mo | $3,574 down |
| Escape ’25 (crossover) | $423/mo | $3,488 down |
| Escape PHEV ’25 | $530/mo | $4,420 down |
| Bronco ’25 (off-road SUV) | $484/mo | $4,473 down |
| Explorer ’25 (3-row SUV) | $552/mo | $4,690 down |
| F-150 Lightning ’25 (EV truck) | $418/mo (24 mo) | $6,937 down |
| F-150 ’25 (full-size truck) | $586/mo | $4,667 down |
| Mustang ’25 (muscle car) | $473/mo | $3,825 down |
Finance Offers
| Model | APR | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Mustang Mach-E & F-150 Lightning ’24 | 0% | 72 mo |
| Mustang Mach-E & F-150 Lightning ’25 | 0.9% | 36 mo |
| Ranger ’24 & Explorer ’25 | 2.9% | 36 mo |
| Bronco & Bronco Sport ’24 | 4.9% | 72 mo |
Expert Tips to Evaluate & Close Your Deal
- Crunch the Total Cost
- Compare total finance charges vs. rebate savings.
- Factor in down payment, sales tax on rebates, and dealer fees.
- Check Eligibility & Expiry
- Many offers are regional or trim-specific.
- Verify deadlines—missing a cutoff by one day often voids the deal.
- Negotiate Beyond Incentives
- Rebates and 0% rates are pre-set—but you can still haggle on price, trade-in value, and add-ons.
- Mind Your Credit
- Top incentives usually require excellent credit.
- Pull your report early, correct errors, and pay down balances to boost your score.
- Read the Fine Print
- Ensure the final contract matches negotiated terms.
- Watch for dealer-added fees or unwanted extras.
- Shop Multiple Dealers
- Inventory and dealer discount levels vary.
- Cast a wider net—sometimes a nearby town offers better stock or pricing.
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day 2025 could be your best opportunity all year to drive home in a brand-new vehicle with minimal out-of-pocket cost. From zero-percent APR loans on EVs and SUVs to generous cash rebates and zero-down truck leases, there’s a deal for nearly every need. Remember: all incentives expire June 2, 2025, and availability changes daily.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
When do May 2025 car incentives expire?
All of the deals listed in this guide expire on June 2, 2025. After that date, manufacturers may withdraw or revise their offers.
What’s the difference between cash-back rebates and low-APR financing?
- Cash-back rebates (also called bonus cash or cash allowances) reduce the vehicle’s purchase price up front.
- Low-APR financing cuts the interest rate on your auto loan—often down to 0%—which can save you thousands over the life of the loan.
- Choose rebate if you have a strong trade-in or plan to pay cash; choose low APR if you want to finance with minimal interest charges.
How do the new U.S. tariffs affect May Car offers?
Recent tariffs on Mexico-assembled vehicles and imported EV components have increased production costs. To clear out existing inventory and maintain sales, automakers are offering larger rebates, zero-percent financing, and zero-down leases before those additional costs fully impact pricing.
Do I qualify for Ford’s employee-pricing program?
Through June 2, Ford extends its “A-Plan” employee pricing to all customers—no affiliation required. You’ll pay the same discounted rates that Ford employees receive. Verify model availability and exact pricing with your local Ford dealer.
Are zero-down Ford leases really available for May 2025?
A: Yes. For select Ford models like the 2025 Mustang Mach-E and 2025 F-150 Lightning, Ford is offering $0 down lease deals (plus typical taxes and fees) on 36- or 24-month terms. Confirm terms and residency requirements with your dealer.
Which electric vehicles have 0% APR financing for May 2025?
- 2024 Mustang Mach-E and 2024 F-150 Lightning: 0% APR for up to 72 months
- 2025 Mustang Mach-E and 2025 F-150 Lightning: 0.9% APR for 36 months
- Other brands: 0% APR offers on the Kia EV9 (2024) and Chrysler Pacifica PHEV (2025) for 72 months.
How can I verify that my credit score qualifies me for the best car rates?
Automaker 0% and cash-back incentives typically require excellent credit. Pull your credit report at least a few weeks before shopping to correct any errors and pay down balances. Each dealer’s finance department can pre-check your eligibility without harming your score.
Is a lease or purchase better for me?
Lease if you prefer lower monthly payments, drive under mileage limits (usually 10–15K miles/year), and like swapping vehicles every few years.
Purchase if you want unlimited mileage, eventual ownership, and the ability to customize. Compare total costs—including down payment, monthly payment, fees, and residual value—to decide.
Can I stack manufacturer incentives with dealer discounts?
Often, yes. Most manufacturer offers (rebates or low APR) can be combined with additional dealer-specific promotions or negotiated price reductions. Always ask your dealer to “stack” incentives for maximum savings.
What’s the best way to lock in May 2025 car deals?
- Research local inventory online via CarEdge, TrueCar, or the manufacturer’s dealer locator.
- Contact multiple dealers to compare out-the-door pricing and confirm incentive eligibility.
- Get pre-approved financing if you plan to buy—this speeds up the process and gives you bargaining power.
- Review and sign only after confirming the final contract matches negotiated terms and deadline dates.