Canadian Auto Loan Rates Expected in 2022

Financing an auto should not be hard to do, especially with rates being as low as they currently are. The lender will determine the rates being offered, but the rates should all be aligned with the current economy situation.

Investing in a vehicle is a great thing to do, and if you can get a low interest rate on the vehicle; you’ll be in a better position because of it. Learning more about the available interest rates, as well as types of vehicle loans is going to help you make a more informed decision on where to obtain the financing from and what to look out for.

We’ve compiled all of the data and information you need right here. Learn more about the interest rates of vehicle loans and what to expect in the coming year 2022.

What is an Interest Rate?


Interest rates are the amount you pay on top of the monthly amount for the money you’ve borrowed from a financial institution. This is like a payment you provide to the financial institution for allowing you to borrow the money in the first place.

The lower the rate, the less you will have to pay back on top of the loan. This is essential when considering the many ways, you can finance a vehicle and how much more you will end up having to pay back on top of the amount you’ve borrowed.

The interest rate matters when looking at financing anything. Consider the interest rates for the auto loans in Canada for 2022 before financing one of your own.

The Current and Expected Auto Loan Rates


Currently, a Canadian car buyer can expect to get between 4 and 6% on their auto loan. This is expected to stay around the same for the upcoming year. This is ideal for many Canadians, as it is a low interest rate to pay.

Some financial institutions will offer lower rates, such as through credit unions where the members keep the rates lower. The newer cars generally have a higher APR than the used vehicles, too. Keep this in mind, as the price tag is also higher.

Those who have credit scores higher than 780 are expected to have interest rates below the 4% going rate for those with average credit scores between 650 and 780.

The worse the credit score, the worse the interest rate is going to be. Knowing your credit score prior to financing a vehicle is going to put you in the best position to know what to expect for your financing options, but also for the interest you’ll likely pay on the loan you take out.

Some vehicle financing options will go as high as 10% on a vehicle loan if you do not have the appropriate credit score, or if the institution has enacted that amount for their loan rates. This is something to look into while shopping around for an auto loan with the right interest rate. Even if you have bad credit there are bad credit auto loans available on the market in Canada.

Fixed or Variable Auto Loan Rates


Having a fixed or variable auto loan is going to make a difference on the interest rates that you end up paying over the life of the auto loan.

Fixed rates are ideal for those who want to keep the interest rate the same as when they first obtain the loan, even when market conditions take this interest rate lower than what they have. Your repayment will always remain the same and so will your interest rate. It’s locked into place.

Variable rates are ideal for those who want to change their rate based on the market conditions. Your rate might stay lower, or even go lower as the market changes. Unfortunately, the same is true if the rate decides to go higher for the market. Your interest rate is also going to go higher, changing your monthly payment. This will change with the market, which changes how much you pay on the loan each month, too.

Which you choose depends on how you feel about either option. Asking more about it from the financial institutions can help you make a more informed decision on which might be the best suited for your particular financial situation. Also make sure to consult a mechanic about the condition of the car. If repairs are required there are car repair loan options available in most cities in Canada.

Shop Around for an Auto Loan


You don’t have to stick with just one loan because you are familiar with the bank. You can choose to work with any financial institution offering a vehicle loan. This is going to help you get the best rate when you shop around. If you already have a car loan and want to save money on interest you may want to explore auto refinancing as an option.

An auto loan is a big purchase and a big decision to make. Make sure you’re making the right decision with the right loan for the vehicle you’re purchasing. Your auto loan is something that will stick around for some time, so you want to make the most affordable, informed decision that you can when choosing who to finance through.

If you are looking to buy a new or used car, truck or even a trailer, an auto loan is a great financing option to consider. Pre-apply for a car loan here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Auto Loan Rates


Do I have to go to my own bank to finance an auto?

You are able to use any financial institution to finance the auto loan you are looking to have. You don’t have to use your own bank, or someone else’s. You can choose to finance through whatever bank you want, or even choose to finance through the dealership itself and the many financial options it provides.

What should I expect with a vehicle loan?

Applying for a vehicle loan should mean that they are going to look into your credit worthiness, but also your financial background to make sure you’re making the right decision. Once approved, they ask for proof of income, credit, and other paperwork.

You can become pre-approved before choosing a vehicle or choose a vehicle and then go with the vehicle loan from the institution of your choice.

Will I know what the interest rate is on the auto loan before I sign on with it?

Yes. You will know the interest rate of the vehicle loan before you sign on completely. Make sure you’re okay with the amount prior to agreeing to the terms. Reading all of the paperwork during the signing process can help you determine if you’re signing on with the right auto financing.

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Smarter Loans Staff

The Smarter Loans Staff is made up of writers, researchers, journalists, business leaders and industry experts who carefully research, analyze and produce Canada's highest quality content when it comes to money matters, on behalf of Smarter Loans. While we cannot possibly name every person involved in the process, we collectively credit them as Smarter Loans Writing Staff. Our work has been featured in the Toronto Star, National Post and many other publications. Today, Smarter Loans is recognized in Canada as the go-to destination for financial education, and was named the "GPS of Fintech Lending" by the Toronto Star in 2019.