More than two in five (44%) consumers are interested in using artificial intelligence to compare multiple vehicles to one another, the top AI use case for car buying. Consumers are asking for smarter ways to weigh their options before they ever step foot in a dealership. It appears car buyers, for the most part, have been happy with their buying experiences at dealerships.
Consumer Interest in AI for Car Comparison
A significant portion (44%) of consumers express interest in leveraging artificial intelligence for comparing multiple vehicles, highlighting it as the primary AI use case in car buying, according to a report by CarGurus and NielsenIQ in June 2025.
Streamlining the Car Buying Process
Consumers are actively seeking more intelligent and efficient ways to evaluate their vehicle options before engaging with dealerships. This demand for advanced tools exists despite generally positive reported experiences with traditional dealership car buying.
Affordability Concerns & Impact of New Technology
A major concern for car buyers is affordability, with new car transaction prices averaging over $52,000. However, a Cox Automotive study from late 2025 revealed that integrating new technologies, including AI-powered platforms and third-party shopping sites, has created a seamless retail experience, boosting vehicle-buying satisfaction by enhancing transparency and personalization.
Comfort with Autonomous Driving
Beyond car shopping, consumers are also demonstrating a growing acceptance and comfort with fully autonomous vehicles. Data from Obi indicates that 70% of Waymo riders prefer driverless rides over conventional ride-sharing, with more than 40% willing to pay extra for the autonomous experience.
