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Automotive · head to head

AutoTrader vs CDK Global

AutoTrader logo

AutoTrader

Automotive

Leading online automotive marketplace

From
$199/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CDK Global logo

CDK Global

Automotive

Drive your dealership forward

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: AutoTrader covers Vehicle listing, 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 AutoTrader and CDK Global actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoTrader and CDK Global differ
AttributeAutoTraderCDK Global
Starting price$199/monthOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionquote
PlatformsWeb, Mobile, AppWeb, Desktop, Api
Founded19972014

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 AutoTrader

  • Vehicle listing
  • Marketplace visibility
  • Lead generation
  • Dealer profile
  • Performance metrics
  • Mobile optimization
  • Photo gallery
  • Video integration

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.

AutoTrader

  • Dealership Managementnot CDK Global
  • Service Schedulingnot CDK Global
  • Inventory Managementnot CDK Global
  • Sales Operationsnot CDK Global
  • Customer Relationshipnot CDK Global

CDK Global

  • Dealership operationsnot AutoTrader
  • Sales managementnot AutoTrader
  • Service departmentnot AutoTrader
  • Parts managementnot AutoTrader
  • Financial reportingnot AutoTrader

Where each one falls short

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

AutoTrader

Nothing recorded yet. See the AutoTrader review.

CDK Global

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

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoTrader

$199/month
  • Starter$199/month
    • Vehicle listings
    • Basic lead management
    • Dealer profile
  • Professional$499/month
    • Everything in Starter
    • Advanced lead tools
    • CRM integration
  • Premium$899/month
    • Everything in Professional
    • Top placement
    • Priority support

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 AutoTrader if

  • You need vehicle listing.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, App.
  • You also want marketplace visibility.
AutoTrader 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 AutoTrader or CDK Global better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoTrader starts at $199/month and CDK Global at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoTrader or CDK Global?
AutoTrader starts at $199/month and CDK Global at On request.
Does AutoTrader or CDK Global run on more platforms?
AutoTrader runs on Web, Mobile, App. CDK Global runs on Web, Desktop, Api.
What is AutoTrader best used for?
AutoTrader is most often used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations. Of those, dealership management and service scheduling are not what CDK Global is typically brought in for.
What can AutoTrader do that CDK Global cannot?
AutoTrader covers Vehicle listing, Marketplace visibility, Lead generation, Dealer profile. CDK Global covers Dealer Management System, Sales desking, F&I management, Service scheduling.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
CDK Global: Is there a free trial available?

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

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
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