In July 2026, we analyzed 5,630 ChatGPT responses across five automotive categories to compile the EMARKETER AI Visibility Index. This index tracks how often brands are mentioned and how they rank against competitors. This is the first edition for automotive, covering electric vehicles (EVs), gas cars, hybrid cars, motorcycles, and utility vans and trucks.

Toyota led the automotive leaderboard, but Honda was close behind. Toyota ranked No. 1 overall with a 38% mention rate, followed by Honda (37%) and Ford (30%). The remaining seven brands in the top 10 were spread between 20% and 11%.

Toyota led the most categories, but Honda reached more top fives. Toyota ranked No. 1 in both hybrid and gas cars. In hybrids, it appeared in 87% of recommendations, 49 percentage points ahead of Honda, the largest gap between a category leader and runner-up in the index. Honda placed in the top five for three of the five categories, leading motorcycles and ranking No. 2 in gas and hybrid cars.

Ford appeared in nearly every utility van and truck recommendation. Its 99% mention rate was the highest of any brand in the index. Ram followed at 74%, with Chevrolet close behind at 72%.

Japanese brands took the top four spots in motorcycles, while Harley-Davidson missed the top five. Honda led the category at 87%, followed by Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Harley-Davidson ranked No. 7, appearing in 24% of the category’s recommendations.

Tesla led EVs by the narrowest margin in the index. It appeared in 51% of EV recommendations, with Hyundai following just behind at 49%. Aside from EV-only brands Tesla and No. 4 Rivian, the rest of the top five went to legacy automakers Hyundai, Chevrolet, and BMW.

About EMARKETER’s AI Visibility Index

Our AI Visibility Index is based on a structured analysis of ChatGPT recommendations. Upcoming reports and articles will also include Google Gemini. Each query uses standardized prompts (e.g., “best electric pickup” or “hybrid SUV for families”) spanning product type, attributes, consumer needs, target audience, and price tier. Prompts are built with EMARKETER analysts and researchers and are validated with search volume, so every brand is measured against the same benchmark.

Want a closer look at the AI Visibility Index? EMARKETER PRO subscribers can access in-depth reports featuring further category breakouts, data cuts, and analysis, while PRO+ subscribers can access the complete data set, including monthly updates across every category cut, in the live dashboard.

To learn more about how EMARKETER’s AI Visibility Index can help your brand, including advisory insights that pinpoint what’s shaping your visibility, visit our AI Visibility Index hub.