#1
LightStream
A division of Truist for prime borrowers
4.7/5
Editor verified · 9,421 reviews
- APR
- 7.49%–25.29%
- Loan amount
- $5,000 – $100,000
- Min. credit
- 695
Best for: Home improvement and large purchases
Auto loans
Best Auto Loans of 2026
New, used and refinance — we ranked 50+ auto lenders on rate, term flexibility, funding time and dealer network.
🇺🇸Showing lenders for United States
7.14%
New auto avg
7.98%
Used auto avg
6.52%
Refi avg
84 mo
Longest term
Live · US
30-yr fixed mortgage6.42%-0.03%
15-yr fixed5.71%-0.02%
Variable mortgage6.18%+0.01%
HELOC8.52%+0.04%
Personal loan (prime)9.12%-0.05%
New auto7.14%+0.02%
Used auto7.98%-0.01%
Credit card avg (APR)22.70%
Fed funds4.75%
Top savings4.60%
30-yr fixed mortgage6.42%-0.03%
15-yr fixed5.71%-0.02%
Variable mortgage6.18%+0.01%
HELOC8.52%+0.04%
Personal loan (prime)9.12%-0.05%
New auto7.14%+0.02%
Used auto7.98%-0.01%
Credit card avg (APR)22.70%
Fed funds4.75%
Top savings4.60%
Ranked · updated daily
Best best auto loans of 2026 of 2026
Ranked by our editorial team on rates, fees, transparency, flexibility and customer experience.
#2
Upstart
AI-driven underwriting for thin-file borrowers
4.5/5
Editor verified · 18,902 reviews
- APR
- 7.8%–35.99%
- Loan amount
- $1,000 – $50,000
- Min. credit
- 300
Best for: Fair credit and short credit histories
#3
Carvana Auto
Online car buying with instant financing
4.3/5
Editor verified · 22,981 reviews
- APR
- 6.85%–27.9%
- Loan amount
- $1,000 – $85,000
- Min. credit
- 500
Best for: Buying and financing in one flow
Side-by-side
Compare lender terms
| Lender | APR | Amount | Term | Min. credit | Funding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LightStream A division of Truist for prime borrowers | 7.49%–25.29% | $5,000–$100,000 | 24–144 months | 695 | Same day to 3 days | Review → |
Upstart AI-driven underwriting for thin-file borrowers | 7.8%–35.99% | $1,000–$50,000 | 36–60 months | 300 | Next business day | Review → |
Carvana Auto Online car buying with instant financing | 6.85%–27.9% | $1,000–$85,000 | 36–72 months | 500 | Same day | Review → |
Editorial guide
Everything to know before you apply
Dealer financing vs. direct-to-consumer
Dealer financing marks up the rate 1%–3% for a kickback. Arrive with a preapproval from a credit union or online lender — even if the dealer beats it, you'll save thousands.
How long should your term be?
84-month loans are tempting for lower payments but leave you underwater for 4+ years. 60 months is the sweet spot for most buyers.
When to refinance
If your credit score improved 50+ points or rates dropped 1%+, refinancing usually pays off within 6 months.
FAQ
Common questions
Still stuck? Our editorial team answers reader questions weekly.
New or used?
Used cars carry ~1% higher APRs but massively lower depreciation. A 2–3 year old CPO is almost always the best value.
Do I need a down payment?
Not required, but 10%–20% down prevents being underwater and typically qualifies you for lower rates.
How does gap insurance work?
It covers the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth if it's totaled. Essential for long-term financing.