63% of Car Shoppers to Use AI, Only 29% of Dealers Adapt
San Antonio – September 24, 2026 -- Sixty-three percent of in-market vehicle shoppers say they will definitely or probably use AI during their next vehicle purchase, while only 29% of dealers report actively adjusting for AI-powered search, according to Cox Automotive's Q2 2026 AI in Auto Retail Tracker. The survey, fielded in May 2026, polled 483 franchise and independent dealership decision-makers and 1,502 consumers planning a vehicle purchase within 12 months.
AI tools now rival automotive websites as a research channel
Cox Automotive found 36% of shoppers now use AI tools for vehicle research, nearly matching the 38% who rely on automotive-specific websites. Among AI users, 26% ask AI to generate questions for dealers and 24% say it makes them feel more prepared for dealership visits, while only 17% cite avoiding dealership staff as a benefit -- indicating AI use is largely preparatory rather than a replacement for dealer interaction.
