Softwr

Automotive · head to head

AutoTrader vs KBB

AutoTrader logo

AutoTrader

Automotive

Leading online automotive marketplace

From
$199/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
KBB logo

KBB

Automotive

Vehicle pricing and research from Kelley Blue Book

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only KBB has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • They diverge on capability: AutoTrader covers Vehicle listing, KBB covers Vehicle pricing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoTrader and KBB actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoTrader and KBB differ
AttributeAutoTraderKBB
Starting price$199/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
Founded19971926

Identical on both: platforms (Web, Mobile, App), 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
  • Dealer profile
  • Performance metrics
  • Mobile optimization
  • Photo gallery
  • Video integration
  • DMS platforms

Only in KBB

  • Vehicle pricing
  • Trade-in values
  • Depreciation estimates
  • Expert reviews
  • Comparisons
  • Research tools
  • Cost of ownership
  • Inventory search

Both cover

  • Lead generation
  • CRM systems
  • Mobile apps
  • Marketing tools
  • Email services
  • SSL encryption
  • Data protection
  • Secure authentication

What people use each for

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

AutoTrader

  • Dealership Management
  • Service Scheduling
  • Inventory Management
  • Sales Operations
  • Customer Relationship

KBB

  • Dealership Management
  • Service Scheduling
  • Inventory Management
  • Sales Operations
  • Customer Relationship

Both are used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations, customer relationship, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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.

KBB

  • KBB car-values tool is free to consumers with no subscription tier, per the 27 Dec 2022 archive capture

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

KBB

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Vehicle values
    • Pricing data
    • Expert reviews
  • Dealer Instant Offer$299/month
    • Instant offer capability
    • Lead generation
    • Customer tools

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 KBB if

  • You need vehicle pricing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, App.
  • You also want trade-in values.
KBB review

Questions people ask

Is AutoTrader or KBB better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoTrader starts at $199/month and KBB at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoTrader or KBB?
KBB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $199/month for AutoTrader and Free for KBB.
Does AutoTrader or KBB run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, Mobile, App, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use KBB for free?
Yes. KBB has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. AutoTrader starts at $199/month.
What is AutoTrader best used for?
AutoTrader is most often used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations.
What can AutoTrader do that KBB cannot?
AutoTrader covers Vehicle listing, Marketplace visibility, Dealer profile, Performance metrics. KBB covers Vehicle pricing, Trade-in values, Depreciation estimates, Expert reviews. Both handle Lead generation, CRM systems, Mobile apps, Marketing tools.
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