Why More Car Shoppers Are Turning to the Auto Show for Answers

New research shows hands-on access and expert insight help consumers navigate today’s car buying choices.

With vehicle technology advancing quickly, an abundance of options and features available, many car buyers are asking a more practical question: How do I narrow this down?

The answer for many is the New York International Auto Show, running April 3–12, 2026 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on the west side of Manhattan.

Spanning more than 850,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, the Show brings together more than 35 manufacturers and hundreds of model vehicles in one place. Visitors use that access to compare vehicles side by side, speak directly with knowledgeable product specialists, not salespeople, and resolve questions around design, technology, packaging, and fit before moving forward.

“Today’s buyers are navigating real uncertainty,” said Mark Schienberg, President of the New York International Auto Show. “There are questions about affordability, technology, and which powertrain makes sense for their life. At the Auto Show, visitors can see the newest vehicles, talk directly with experts, and experience the differences for themselves. It helps people move forward with more confidence without any sales pressure.”

What Show Attendees Have Told Us
Independent visitor experience research conducted by Clarify Group, an international automotive research and advisory firm, confirms that attendees are using the Show as a concentrated decision-making tool — not just another event on the calendar.

According to the 2025 study, more than 8 in 10 visitors say the New York Auto Show influences or supports their vehicle purchase decision, reinforcing the value of hands-on access, expert conversations, and the ability to compare options all in one location.

The research shows visitors are making the most of their time at the Show, actively narrowing down their choices:

Visitors spend more than 4 hours on average, treating the Show as a focused research session rather than a walk-through
Attendees sit inside and compare multiple vehicles, compressing what would otherwise take many hours of online and physical shopping into a single visit
Most attendees arrive with a shortlist of 7 to 8 brands, using the Show to quickly confirm or narrow down their possibilities
Many use the experience to resolve specific questions around technology, usability, space, and features before taking next steps
Nearly half of visitors (45%) took advantage of the opportunity to test drive or ride along in a new vehicle at one of the Show’s four different experiential exhibits

Access That’s Hard to Replicate
For many attendees, the value of the New York Auto Show lies in the kind of access that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Shoppers evaluate cabin interior layouts, rear-seat comfort and legroom, and cargo space in real time. Families assess how vehicles work for everyday life, from school runs and sports gear to road trips and longer-term plans, while comparing brands and segments side by side.

Parents explore vehicles that fit growing families, while teens and college-bound students gain exposure to the technology, safety features, and vehicle types that may shape their next chapter.

Clarity Before Commitment
For many visitors, the New York International Auto Show is where the car-shopping journey begins. Attendees leave better informed, more prepared, and excited to take the next step, whether that means continuing research, scheduling a test drive, or visiting a dealership.

In a fast-changing automotive landscape, the New York Auto Show offers a rare opportunity to compare options, and make informed decisions, all in one location.

Be on the lookout in the weeks ahead for additional updates with more details on new features and attractions. Know someone who loves cars or is shopping for their next vehicle? Feel free to share this with them so they can subscribe for updates.

The New York International Auto Show runs April 3–12, 2026 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Come experience it yourself and discover why hundreds of thousands of people attend every year!

2026 SHOW DETAILS
Location
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
11th Avenue between 34th and 40th Streets, Manhattan

Public Show Dates
Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 12, 2026
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW
Since 1900, New York has been the staging location of North America’s oldest and largest-attended auto show. The New York International Auto Show continues to be the best place to experience and learn about new products the auto industry offers. Each year, the Show provides the largest display of cars and trucks in one location to millions of car buyers in a unique environment. No other venue offers this kind of comprehensive and engaging forum, where new technology and designs can be viewed, explored and enjoyed.
autoshowny.com

For inquiries about the show contact:
info@autoshowny.com
Tel: (718) 746-5300