Introducing New Search Categories: Helping More Buyers Find the Right Cars
Today’s buyers often begin their journey with a need, not a specific make or model. They might be looking for a “large family car”, “something cheap to run”, or simply “a car with a big boot”. But with so many new and unfamiliar models hitting the market, discovering the right fit can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’re excited to launch Search Categories. A smarter, simpler, and more intuitive way for buyers to explore Autotrader using everyday language. These new categories open up more possibilities for buyers and, just as importantly, make it even easier for them to discover your stock.
What are Search Categories?
Search Categories appear in search as the new “I’m Looking For…” filter. They include 13 carefully designed categories shaped by in‑depth consumer research and powered by Autotrader’s advanced AI.
You’ll find popular types like Small cars and Luxury cars, practical lifestyle categories like Big boot, Family cars, and First cars, plus a few playful options, including the OMG category, created to surprise, delight, and surface some truly standout vehicles. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it’s the kind of experience consumers are genuinely going to love using.
Behind the scenes, every vehicle is automatically assigned to the right categories using data science and innovative AI that evaluates a wide range of characteristics. The result is a search experience that feels simpler, more intuitive, and far more engaging, powered by machine learning that adapts in real time.
It’s smart. It’s seamless. It’s always evolving. And it’s seriously enjoyable for buyers to explore.
How Search Categories benefit retailers
More visibility for your full range of stock
Categories help buyers discover a wider mix of vehicles, including the models they may not recognise or search for directly. This means your newer, niche, and less familiar stock (like more recently released EV models) get surfaced to the right people, giving them a stronger chance of being seen. Early testing shows that category users view more unique models and are more engaged overall.
Discovery based on needs, not brand familiarity
Instead of relying on people knowing specific makes and models, Categories guide buyers straight to cars that genuinely match their lifestyle - space, performance, running costs, and more. This levels the playing field, helping suitability win over brand recognition.
More relevant, better‑qualified views
When someone selects a category, they’re already telling us what matters to them. That means the views your vehicles receive are more likely to come from buyers who are actively narrowing in on the right options, resulting in meaningful engagement.
This innovation is part of our ongoing investment in making the car‑buying journey better to deliver greater value to retailers. Helping bring more motivated, informed, and high‑intent buyers straight to your stock.
What do I need to do?
Nothing at all.
There’s no tagging, configuration, or setup required. Each vehicle is automatically analysed and categorised overnight, so your stock appears in the right places without any extra work.
Just make sure your vehicle data is complete and accurate, that gives each advert the best chance of being categorised correctly.
What happens next?
Search Categories are live now for all buyers across desktop and app.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be launching exciting consumer marketing activity to promote this new way to search, helping more buyers understand, use, and benefit from Categories from day one.
We’ll continue refining and expanding categories over time, and we’re always keen to hear your feedback. Share your thoughts with us through our social channels.