Zero percent interest car deals in May 2026
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Zero percent interest car deals in May 2026

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By YourLoanTools Editorial Team · 6 min read

The EV rush of a couple years ago has slowed down with the federal tax credit now gone, making the premium cost for running without gas less attractive to many buyers. Rising gas prices are also keeping people away from dealerships.

Automakers are aggressively trying to move inventory, and dealerships are feeling the pain. Many lots are loaded with vehicles that have been sitting for months, and some for years. This is where the elusive 0% APR comes in. Usually reserved for previous year models or low-selling, short-termed notes (like 0% on 36 months, which often puts payments where buyers still cannot afford them), zero interest is making a comeback in a flailing market.

The key thing to remember is that most 0% APR offers are reserved for well-qualified buyers, and some deals may require giving up additional rebates. Still, if you've been shopping for a new vehicle, May 2026 has some surprisingly strong offers across trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles.

Here are some of the standout zero percent financing deals available right now.

Tesla Model Y — 0% APR for 72 months

You read that right — a Tesla Model Y with 0% for six years. The king of EVs continues to dominate the electric crossover market thanks to its combination of range, performance, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network. Even after several years on the market, it remains one of the most practical EVs available for families and commuters alike. The availability of 0% APR for 72 months on base trims is a major incentive, especially considering how expensive financing has been over the last few years. For buyers considering the switch to electric, this may be one of the strongest Tesla financing offers we've seen in quite some time.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 — 0% APR for 72 months plus $3,000 bonus cash

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with futuristic styling, a roomy interior, and ultra-fast charging capability. Hyundai has been pushing hard to stay competitive in the EV market, and combining zero percent financing with an additional $3,000 bonus cash offer makes this one of the most aggressive deals currently available. The IONIQ 5 also benefits from Hyundai's strong warranty coverage, which adds extra peace of mind for buyers making the jump into electric vehicles. The IONIQ 5 (and most new EVs) now has the NACS charge port compatible with the Tesla charging network.

Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Murano — 0% APR for 60 months

Nissan has been struggling for some time and is offering zero percent financing across several very different vehicles, giving buyers a wide range of options depending on their needs. The Pathfinder remains a solid family SUV with three rows and respectable towing capability. The Frontier continues to appeal to truck buyers who want something midsize and more affordable than a full-size pickup. Meanwhile, the Murano leans toward comfort and daily driving with a smoother, more upscale feel. Offering 0% APR across multiple models signals that Nissan is serious about moving inventory this spring.

Jeep Gladiator — 0% APR for 36 to 60 months

The Jeep Gladiator still occupies a unique place in the market as one of the only true convertible pickup trucks available today. It combines Wrangler-style off-road capability with the practicality of a truck bed, making it especially attractive to outdoor enthusiasts and buyers who want something different from the standard midsize truck options. Gladiator inventory has reportedly been building on dealer lots, which helps explain the return of zero percent financing offers stretching from 36 to 60 months depending on trim and region.

Chevrolet Equinox EV — 0% APR for 60 months

The 2025 and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV models are quickly becoming some of the more affordable entries into the electric SUV market. Chevrolet positioned the Equinox EV to appeal to mainstream buyers who want EV practicality without luxury-level pricing. With modern styling, solid projected range, and a lower starting price than many competitors, the Equinox EV could end up being one of the stronger value plays in the EV space. Adding 0% financing only makes the deal more attractive for budget-conscious buyers.

Final thoughts

Zero percent financing deals can dramatically reduce the true cost of buying a vehicle. On a $45,000 loan, avoiding a typical 6% interest rate could save you more than $7,000 over the life of the loan. But buyers should still compare financing offers carefully, negotiate the vehicle price separately, and check whether taking cash rebates instead of promotional financing might save more overall.

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Run the numbers before you sign

Use our Auto Loan Calculator to compare what a 0% deal actually saves you versus a rebate offer at a standard rate. The difference is often larger than it looks.

One other thing worth remembering: dealers pay interest on their inventory through what's called floor plan financing. The longer vehicles sit on the lot, the more pressure dealers face to move them. In a market where inventory is climbing again, patient buyers may have more negotiating power than they realize.

Updated May 2026