The survey found that two-thirds of Gen Z respondents now use a private car weekly or more, up to 66 percent this year from 62 percent in 2024. More than half—52 percent—reported driving more often this year than last, marking the steepest increase among any generation. Conversely, the share of Gen Z respondents who said they use a private vehicle only a few times a month dropped sharply, from 7 percent in 2024 to just 3 percent in 2025.
While Gen Z’s use of public transportation and ride-hailing apps remains comparatively high, their habits reveal a nuanced mobility mindset rather than a wholesale rejection of car culture. Fourteen percent of Gen Z participants reported using mass transit weekly—more than Baby Boomers or members of the Silent Generation. They were also more frequent users of ride-hailing services, at 16 percent, and buses, at 18 percent, compared to older groups.
“Gen Z’s transportation habits defy easy categorization,” said Will Withington, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Enterprise Mobility. “The mobility landscape is changing fast, and consumers are shaping what comes next. This survey gives us valuable insight into how we can deliver mobility solutions that are people-centric and forward thinking.”
A Generation Seeking Balance
The study found that Americans across all age groups are wrestling with how much technology they actually want in their cars. More than half of drivers said they would prefer a mix of touchscreen and physical buttons rather than fully digital interfaces. Fifty-four percent believe new vehicles have too much technology altogether, and 72 percent worry about the costs of repairing complex systems. Nearly seven in ten drivers said they would gladly forgo some tech features if it meant buying a more affordable car.
Yet not all technology is being rejected. GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity remain near-universal expectations, while almost half of drivers said advanced safety systems—such as blind spot detection and automatic emergency braking—are must-haves. Only a minority, fewer than one in five respondents, expressed a desire for high or fully automated driving capabilities. Even so, Gen Z and Millennials were the most open to those technologies, signaling generational comfort with automation that could influence future adoption trends.
Testing the Tech Through Rentals
The survey also revealed that American drivers increasingly view car rentals as a low-risk way to test new automotive technologies before committing to a purchase. Nearly half of respondents said they expect rental cars to feature the latest innovations—a reflection of how consumer expectations are evolving in an era when vehicles are as much about software as hardware.
A Cautious Public Meets Autonomous Vehicles
While awareness of self-driving technology continues to rise—up eight percentage points since 2024—public comfort with autonomous vehicles has dipped slightly. Among those who have ridden in a self-driving car, however, perceptions improved dramatically: 92 percent said the experience either reinforced or enhanced their view of the technology.
“Experience changes perception,” said Chris Haffenreffer, Vice President of Strategy at Enterprise Mobility. “It’s not surprising that a technology this new is met with caution. But every interaction helps build understanding.”
The leading anxieties remain consistent: technical failures (67 percent), loss of control (63 percent), and safety fears (54 percent). Still, a majority of Americans who are optimistic about AVs see potential benefits. Sixty percent believe self-driving cars could transform mobility for people unable to drive, while just over half said they value the ability to use travel time for relaxation or productivity.
Electric Vehicles Hit a Plateau
Interest in electric vehicles, meanwhile, appears to have flattened. Although more Americans are now driving hybrids or EVs as their main vehicles—a 7-point increase year-over-year—overall willingness to buy an EV rose only one point to 41 percent. Saving money on fuel (38 percent) and environmental benefits (30 percent) remain key motivators, but high upfront costs and range anxiety, both cited by 35 percent of respondents, continue to deter many potential buyers.
The survey points to a growing polarization among drivers: nearly all who were already inclined to buy an EV remain committed (93 percent), while almost all who were disinterested continue to resist (98 percent). Regional gaps persist as well, with respondents in the western U.S. showing the strongest enthusiasm for electric vehicles.
Mobility, Commuting, and Cost Concerns
Beyond technology, Americans’ day-to-day travel habits are shifting. Roughly one in five respondents said they are choosing to drive rather than fly more often this year, and about a quarter reported commuting to the office more frequently. Among those whose commutes have lengthened, most added fewer than 20 minutes to their daily travel time. More than half of workers said they would be more inclined to return to the office if employers offered commuter benefits.
Car affordability also remains a defining issue. The top barriers to purchasing a vehicle were familiar: high prices, elevated interest rates, and rising maintenance costs. Gen Z and Millennials, more likely to rent cars monthly than their older counterparts, appear to be experimenting with flexible mobility models while still valuing access to personal vehicles.
“For nearly 70 years, Enterprise Mobility’s business has been grounded in listening to the people we serve,” Withington said. “The results of this survey make clear that no matter how mobility evolves, the goal remains the same: Solutions that keep people at the center.”
The 2025 On the Move survey, conducted by TRUE Global Intelligence, polled 3,000 adults across the U.S. and U.K. between April and May. The findings paint a complex portrait of how generational shifts, economic realities, and emerging technologies are reshaping the way Americans move—from the enduring allure of car ownership to the cautious optimism surrounding a more connected, automated future.