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Software · head to head

KBB vs AutoTrader

KBB logo

KBB

Software

Vehicle pricing and research from Kelley Blue Book

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
AutoTrader logo

AutoTrader

Software

Leading online automotive marketplace

From
$199/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KBB and AutoTrader actually diverge.

Attributes where KBB and AutoTrader differ
AttributeKBBAutoTrader
Starting priceFree$199/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded19261997

Identical on both: platforms (Web, Mobile, App), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 KBB

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

Only in AutoTrader

  • Vehicle listing
  • Marketplace visibility
  • Dealer profile
  • Performance metrics
  • Mobile optimization
  • Photo gallery
  • Video integration
  • DMS platforms

Both cover

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

What people use each for

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

KBB

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

AutoTrader

  • 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.

KBB

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

AutoTrader

Nothing recorded yet. See the AutoTrader review.

Pricing, plan by plan

KBB

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

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

Which should you pick?

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

Choose AutoTrader if

  • You need vehicle listing.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, App.
  • You also want marketplace visibility.
AutoTrader review

Questions people ask

Is KBB or AutoTrader better?
Neither clearly leads. KBB starts at Free and AutoTrader at $199/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, KBB or AutoTrader?
KBB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for KBB and $199/month for AutoTrader.
Does KBB or AutoTrader 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 KBB best used for?
KBB is most often used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations.
What can KBB do that AutoTrader cannot?
KBB covers Vehicle pricing, Trade-in values, Depreciation estimates, Expert reviews. AutoTrader covers Vehicle listing, Marketplace visibility, Dealer profile, Performance metrics. Both handle Lead generation, Marketing tools, CRM systems, Mobile apps.
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