Carmax vs Carvana: which does AI recommend?

· ChatGPT and Google AI Mode

Based on every AI answer that names bothReviewed by

How we measure

When AI names both, it lists and first about equally often. It recommends both about as often.

Listed first when AI names both

CarmaxCarmax: 52%CarvanaCarvana: 48%

Recommended when named

CarmaxCarmax: 94%
CarvanaCarvana: 92%

Topic by topic

Mentioned in, as a share of each topic’s answers

is ahead in more shared topics, including used car financing and auto loans for first-time buyers.

Carmax named more1Carvana named more2

Carmax named more

Carvana named more

Only Carmax is ranked in1

What people ask AI about Carmax and Carvana

is listed first more often for online car-buying sites. is usually listed first for a used-car dealer with a warranty and no-haggle pricing.

Carmax listed firstCarvana listed first
  1. what are my best online car buying sites?Carvana often first
  2. I am looking for a used car dealer that offers a warranty and does not use haggle pricing.Carmax usually first

Who AI mentions first

Carmax listed firstCarvana listed first

has been listed first more often since August; before that, the lead moved between them.

  1. JunCarmax listed first: 45%Carvana listed first: 55%
  2. JulCarmax listed first: 52%Carvana listed first: 48%
  3. AugCarmax listed first: 64%Carvana listed first: 36%
  4. SepCarmax listed first: 53%Carvana listed first: 47%

Google AI Mode and ChatGPT Search list and first about as often.

  • Google AI ModeCarmax listed first: 52%Carvana listed first: 48%
  • ChatGPTCarmax listed first: 51%Carvana listed first: 49%

Sources cited in the comparisons

Carmax favouredNeither favouredCarvana favoured

Also named alongside Carmax and Carvana

and also appear in most of these answers.

  1. AutoTrader64%
  2. Cars.com63%
  3. CarGurus57%
  4. TrueCar32%
  5. AutoTempest26%
  6. Bring a Trailer23%
  7. Driveway21%
  8. Edmunds21%
  9. Cars & Bids21%
  10. AutoNation18%
  11. Kelley Blue Book18%
  12. Facebook Marketplace15%

Carmax vs Carvana: common questions

Is Carmax better than Carvana?
Carvana is listed first more often for online car-buying sites. Carmax is usually listed first for a used-car dealer with a warranty and no-haggle pricing.
Do ChatGPT and Google AI Mode recommend Carmax or Carvana?
Google AI Mode and ChatGPT Search list Carmax and Carvana first about as often.
What are the alternatives to Carmax and Carvana?
AutoTrader and Cars.com also appear in most of these answers.

How would your brand compare?

Find out where you stand in AI answers—and who you’re up against.