Top 5 CRMs for Automotive Dealerships in 2025

In today’s automotive industry, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. The right CRM can help dealers manage leads, improve follow-up, track customer interactions, and close more deals. However, not all CRMs are created equal. Some are outdated, clunky, or lack the automation features that modern dealerships need.

After testing and analyzing multiple CRMs, here are my top five picks for 2025, ranked based on features, ease of use, and benefits to the dealership.

1. DriveCentric – The Best CRM for Automotive Dealers

⭐ My Pick for Best CRM

Features:
✅ AI-driven automation and communication tools
✅ Advanced texting, video, and chat capabilities
✅ Deep integration with DMS and third-party tools
✅ Real-time lead scoring and customer engagement tracking
✅ Mobile-friendly with an intuitive interface

Benefits:

• Engagement-Focused: Unlike traditional CRMs that rely heavily on email and manual notes, DriveCentric encourages real-time customer interaction via text, video, and chat.

• AI-Driven Follow-Ups: The AI assistant helps BDCs and sales teams follow up with leads automatically, reducing the workload.

• User-Friendly Interface: Sales teams can navigate and update DriveCentric effortlessly, cutting down on training time.

❌ Negatives:

• Learning Curve: While the system is intuitive, sales teams used to traditional CRMs may take time to adjust.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why It’s the Best: In my experience, DriveCentric is the most modern, intuitive, and engagement-focused CRM available today. It allows sales teams to interact with customers in real time, making it feel more personal than the usual email-heavy CRMs. If you’re looking for a CRM that maximizes engagement and simplifies the sales process, DriveCentric is the clear winner.

2. Tekion – The Most Advanced, Cloud-Based CRM

Features:
✅ Fully cloud-based and built on modern technology
✅ Seamless integration with DMS and third-party tools
✅ AI-powered predictive analytics
✅ Built-in communication tools (text, email, and chat)
✅ Unified platform for sales, service, and F&I

Benefits:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Tekion is built from the ground up on a modern cloud platform, making it faster and more flexible than legacy CRMs.

• All-in-One System: Unlike traditional CRMs that require multiple third-party integrations, Tekion provides a unified dealership experience across departments.

• Predictive Insights: Uses AI to analyze customer behavior and recommend follow-ups automatically.

❌ Negatives:

• Expensive: Pricing can be high, making it a tough investment for smaller dealerships.

• Newer to Market: Not as widely adopted yet, meaning some third-party integrations may still be catching up.

• Limited User Customization: Some features are locked into predefined workflows.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why It’s Good: Tekion is perfect for dealers who want a next-gen, all-in-one platform that streamlines every aspect of dealership operations. While it’s relatively new compared to other CRMs, it’s quickly gaining traction for its cloud-first, modern approach.

3. VinSolutions – Best for OEM Dealerships

Features:
✅ Deep integration with major OEMs
✅ AI-powered insights and reporting
✅ Automated follow-ups and task reminders
✅ Customizable workflows

Benefits:

• Strong Manufacturer Integration: Ideal for franchise dealerships working with OEM-mandated systems.

• Advanced Reporting: Great for tracking sales performance, follow-ups, and campaign effectiveness.

• Scalability: Works well for small and large dealership groups.

❌ Negatives:

• Complex Interface: Can feel overwhelming for new users.

• Slower Performance: Some users report lag, especially in high-traffic dealership environments.

• High Cost for Smaller Stores: Pricing may not be justified for independent dealers.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐

Why It’s Good: VinSolutions is an industry staple for franchise dealers, but it can feel overcomplicated for smaller stores or independent dealers. The interface isn’t as intuitive as DriveCentric, but its powerful integrations make it a solid choice.

4. Elead CRM – Best for Large Dealer Groups

Features:
✅ Call tracking and recording
✅ Built-in desking tools
✅ AI-driven marketing automation
✅ Comprehensive customer journey tracking

Benefits:

• All-in-One CRM: Includes marketing automation, follow-up tools, and reporting in one system.

• Strong Call Management: Tracks every call, making it easy to hold the team accountable.

• Powerful Lead Management: Helps large dealerships or groups manage high lead volumes.

❌ Negatives:

• Outdated User Interface: Not as modern as DriveCentric or Tekion.

• Can Be Too Complex: Designed for large dealership groups, which might make it too bulky for single-store operations.

• Slow Customer Support: Some dealers report delays in getting technical assistance.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐

Why It’s Good: Elead is a powerhouse, but it feels outdated in some areas, especially with user experience and interface design. It’s great for larger dealerships but might be too bulky for smaller teams.

5. DealerSocket – Best for Used Car Dealerships

Features:
✅ Customizable workflows
✅ Strong inventory management integration
✅ Lead scoring and automated follow-ups
✅ Service and retention tracking

Benefits:

• Good for Used Car Operations: Works well for dealerships focused on pre-owned sales.

• Service Department Integration: Helps retain customers for future service work.

• Customizable: Can be tailored for different sales processes.

❌ Negatives:

• Steeper Learning Curve: Requires more training compared to other CRMs.

• Not as Feature-Rich as Competitors: Lacks some of the engagement tools found in DriveCentric or Tekion.

• Slower Updates: Can feel outdated in some areas.

Ease of Use: ⭐

Why It’s Good: DealerSocket offers solid features but has a steeper learning curve. If you have a well-trained team and want customization, it’s a strong option.

Final Thoughts: DriveCentric is the Best Choice

While every CRM on this list has unique strengths, DriveCentric is the clear winner in my book. It’s the most modern, engaging, and user-friendly CRM on the market. Sales teams don’t want to spend all day logging notes and updating data; they want to connect with customers and close deals—and DriveCentric makes that happen.

But no matter what CRM your dealership uses, the key to success isn’t just the technology—it’s how you use it. That’s where the 800% Elite Automotive team comes in. We train automotive employees across the USA and Canada, helping dealerships maximize their CRM potential, improve lead management, and turn opportunities into sales. Whether you're using DriveCentric, Tekion, VinSolutions, or another platform, our training ensures your team is mastering follow-ups, optimizing workflow, and closing more deals.

What CRM is your dealership using? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss! 🚀