Head-to-head · Used Car Websites
Autotrader vs Carvana
Autotrader leads on 1 check, Carvana on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAutotrader · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresAutotrader · 4 of 4
Autotrader scores higher on our rubric for used car websites: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
On listing types, Autotrader gives you Both where Carvana offers Dealers. Autotrader offers saved search alerts; Carvana doesn't publish it.
Autotrader is the better fit for shoppers comparing dealer and private listings. Carvana is the better fit for buyers who want an online purchase and delivery.
- Autotrader fits best
Shoppers comparing dealer and private listings
- Carvana fits best
Buyers who want an online purchase and delivery
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Side by side
| Feature | Autotrader 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Carvana 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Used Car Websites | #5 in Used Car Websites |
| Best for | Shoppers comparing dealer and private listings | Buyers who want an online purchase and delivery |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Phone, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Autotrader 4/4 · Carvana 3/4 | ||
| Buy online | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delivery available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Saved search alerts | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Financing tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Listing types | Both | Dealers |
| Vehicle condition | Both | Both |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Autotrader is a U.S. vehicle marketplace for buyers and sellers, with dealer and private-party listings alongside research and comparison tools. It suits shoppers who want to filter a broad set of new, used and certified vehicles, keep… Read the review → |
Carvana is an online retailer for shoppers who want to find and purchase a used car online. Its website and mobile apps let buyers filter inventory by vehicle attributes, then compare listings with prices, mileage, shipping information,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Autotrader — where it wins
- Search by location, price, mileage, condition and other criteria
- Save searches for email or text alerts on matching listings
- Explore financing, trade-in values and online purchase steps
Where it doesn't
- Online purchase steps apply only to eligible vehicles
- Delivery or dealership pickup depends on the vehicle and dealer
- Private sellers pay listing and Seller Exchange fees
Carvana — where it wins
- Filter inventory by price, make, model, body type, mileage, and more
- View inspection details and personalized financing terms while shopping
- Choose home delivery or pickup at a Car Vending Machine
Where it doesn't
- Inventory is limited to dealer listings rather than broad marketplace listings
- Home delivery availability varies by location
- Financing and loan payments are tied to Carvana
- Autotrader9.4/10 · Free plan
A free-to-browse marketplace combining vehicle listings, research and online purchase steps.
Visit AutotraderFull verdict → - Carvana8.9/10 · Free plan
An online used-car retailer for buyers who want financing options and delivery or pickup.
Visit CarvanaFull verdict →
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- Autotrader vs CarDekho
- AutoScout24 vs Carvana
- mobile.de vs Carvana
All used car websites comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update