Experian: Hybrids Reach 16.8% of New Financing as Average New Payment Climbs to $765

Why it matters

The results connect powertrain demand with the payment conversation taking place in the showroom. Experian reported an average new-loan payment of $646 for hybrids, compared with $692 for EVs and $721 for gasoline vehicles. Hybrid leases also carried the lowest average payment at $566, versus $602 for gasoline vehicles and $641 for EVs.

Those averages do not prove that a hybrid will be cheaper in every store or for every customer. Vehicle price, incentives, term, credit profile, trade equity and lender program all affect the final structure. They do show why hybrid availability and payment positioning deserve their own reporting rather than being combined with every electrified vehicle.

Lower rates have not reversed the balance increase

The average used-vehicle amount financed reached $27,852, up $875 from the second quarter of 2025, while the average used payment increased to $542 from $532. The average used rate declined to 11.19% from 11.57%.

Early-stage delinquencies also moved higher. Experian reported 30-day delinquency at 2.39%, up from 2.32%, and 60-day delinquency at 0.90%, up from 0.87%. The changes are small at the national level, but stores can use them as a prompt to watch funding quality, stipulations, first-payment performance where available and the affordability of the vehicle being delivered.

Refinancing creates a separate customer-retention signal

Experian said the average refinance rate was 7.97%, compared with a 10.40% average original rate, producing average monthly savings of $83. Credit unions delivered the largest average savings at $102, followed by banks at $65 and finance companies at $38.

A dealership should not promise refinance eligibility or savings. It can, however, recognize that a customer lowering an existing payment may improve retention and future purchase timing. F&I and BDC teams can keep ownership reviews focused on the customer's current equity, vehicle needs and verified lender options instead of treating a national average as an offer.

What dealerships should do now

Inventory leaders can compare hybrid lead volume, turn, gross and lost-sale reasons with incoming supply by model. Sales and F&I teams should show payment, amount financed, term and total cost together, then separate the effect of the vehicle, the trade and the financing structure.

Management should also compare its own loan and lease mix with the national result. Experian reported that new loans increased to 59.57% of financing from 57.45%, while leasing declined to 23.75% from 24.04%. Local lender mix, customer credit and manufacturer programs may produce a materially different pattern.

AI-assisted reporting disclosure

This article was researched and generated with AI-assisted systems using the references listed below. Dealership Tech Report applies automated accuracy and risk checks, but errors or later changes remain possible. Verify time-sensitive information with the cited primary references before acting.