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Automotive · head to head

Autel MaxiSys vs CDK Global

Autel MaxiSys logo

Autel MaxiSys

Automotive

Professional diagnostic solutions

From
$2295/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CDK Global logo

CDK Global

Automotive

Drive your dealership forward

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Autel MaxiSys a hardware diagnostic tablet rather than software that runs on a machine you already own; CDK Global no pricing information is published on the website
  • They diverge on capability: Autel MaxiSys covers OE-level diagnostics, CDK Global covers Dealer Management System.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Autel MaxiSys and CDK Global actually diverge.

Attributes where Autel MaxiSys and CDK Global differ
AttributeAutel MaxiSysCDK Global
Starting price$2295/one-timeOn request
Pricing modelone-timequote
PlatformsAndroid-tablet, DesktopWeb, Desktop, Api
Founded20042014

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Automotive).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Autel MaxiSys

  • OE-level diagnostics
  • ECU coding & programming
  • Bi-directional controls
  • Active tests
  • Key programming
  • TPMS service
  • Battery registration
  • DPF regeneration

Only in CDK Global

  • Dealer Management System
  • Sales desking
  • F&I management
  • Service scheduling
  • Parts inventory
  • Accounting
  • CRM integration
  • Digital retailing

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Autel MaxiSys

  • Vehicle fault diagnosis across multiple manufacturer systemsnot CDK Global
  • ECU coding and programming in a workshopnot CDK Global
  • Electric vehicle diagnostics with the MaxiSYS Ultra EVnot CDK Global
  • Pre and post repair scan reportingnot CDK Global

CDK Global

  • Dealership operationsnot Autel MaxiSys
  • Sales managementnot Autel MaxiSys
  • Service departmentnot Autel MaxiSys
  • Parts managementnot Autel MaxiSys
  • Financial reportingnot Autel MaxiSys

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Autel MaxiSys

  • A hardware diagnostic tablet rather than software that runs on a machine you already own
  • Software updates come with a period of free coverage after purchase and need renewing afterwards
  • Aimed at professional workshops rather than owner-mechanics

CDK Global

  • No pricing information is published on the website
  • Pricing model is not disclosed; buyers must contact sales directly

Pricing, plan by plan

Autel MaxiSys

$2295/one-time
  • MaxiSys MS906 Pro$2295/one-time
    • Full system diagnostics
    • Bi-directional controls
    • ECU coding
  • MaxiSys MS909$4995/one-time
    • Advanced diagnostics
    • Topology mapping
    • Repair database
  • MaxiSys Ultra$7495/one-time
    • 5-in-1 VCMI
    • Oscilloscope
    • Waveform generator

CDK Global

On request
  • Drive$undefined/month
    • Core DMS functionality
    • Sales & F&I
    • Service & parts
  • Drive+$undefined/month
    • Everything in Drive
    • Advanced CRM
    • Digital retailing
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Everything in Drive+
    • Custom integrations
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose Autel MaxiSys if

  • You need oe-level diagnostics.
  • You work on Android-tablet, Desktop.
  • You also want ecu coding & programming.
Autel MaxiSys review

Choose CDK Global if

  • You need dealer management system.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Api.
  • You also want sales desking.
CDK Global review

Questions people ask

Is Autel MaxiSys or CDK Global better?
Neither clearly leads. Autel MaxiSys starts at $2295/one-time and CDK Global at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Autel MaxiSys or CDK Global?
Autel MaxiSys starts at $2295/one-time and CDK Global at On request.
Does Autel MaxiSys or CDK Global run on more platforms?
Autel MaxiSys runs on Android-tablet, Desktop. CDK Global runs on Web, Desktop, Api.
What is Autel MaxiSys best used for?
Autel MaxiSys is most often used for vehicle fault diagnosis across multiple manufacturer systems, ecu coding and programming in a workshop, electric vehicle diagnostics with the maxisys ultra ev, pre and post repair scan reporting. Of those, vehicle fault diagnosis across multiple manufacturer systems and ecu coding and programming in a workshop are not what CDK Global is typically brought in for.
What can Autel MaxiSys do that CDK Global cannot?
Autel MaxiSys covers OE-level diagnostics, ECU coding & programming, Bi-directional controls, Active tests. CDK Global covers Dealer Management System, Sales desking, F&I management, Service scheduling.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Autel MaxiSys: What is the pricing for Autel's MaxiSYS diagnostic tools?

Autel offers diagnostic tools at various price points: the MaxiSYS Ultra S2 is 6,499 dollars (regular 7,499 dollars), MaxiSys Elite II Pro is 2,569 dollars (regular 2,599 dollars), MaxiIM IM608S II Full Kit is 3,895 dollars (regular 4,195 dollars), and MaxiTPMS TS508WF starts at 279 dollars (regular 319 dollars).

Source
CDK Global: How much does CDK Global cost?

CDK Global does not publish pricing on its website. The vendor requires customers to contact their sales team directly at 833.620.2129 or through their contact form to obtain quotes.

Source
Autel MaxiSys: Does Autel include shipping and warranty with equipment purchases?

Autel provides free shipping from US local warehouse with 3-5 days delivery on all products. Each purchase includes a 1-year warranty and 30-day risk-free return policy.

Source
CDK Global: What is CDK Global's pricing model?

The pricing model is not disclosed. CDK Global directs all pricing inquiries to their sales team, suggesting a custom quote or negotiated pricing structure.

Source
Autel MaxiSys: What customer support does Autel offer?

Autel includes lifetime customer support with 24/7 online support access with every purchase at no additional cost.

Source
CDK Global: Is there a free trial available?

No information about free trials is provided on CDK Global's website.

Source
Autel MaxiSys: What payment methods does Autel accept?

Autel accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, Klarna, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

Source
CDK Global: Who should I contact for pricing information?

Contact CDK Global's sales team at 833.620.2129 or 847.397.1700, or visit their Contact Us page to request pricing information.

Source
Autel MaxiSys: Does Autel offer a wholesale or affiliate program?

Autel offers separate wholesale and affiliate programs that require inquiry for enrollment details.

Source
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