Fullpath vs CDK Global
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of features, pricing, and performance to help you choose the right AI foundation for your dealership in 2026.
Which is better: Fullpath or CDK Global?
While both platforms are leaders in the Marketing space, one emerges as the optimal choice for most dealership operations.
Edges out the competition with superior marketing capabilities and deeper automotive specialized features.
A powerful alternative, especially for dealerships prioritizing enterprise dealership managementor existing DMS workflows.
Fullpath
MarketingFullpath (formerly AutoLeadStar) is a Customer Data Platform (CDP) built specifically for automotive, unifying dealership data across CRM, DMS, website, and advertising into a single actionable platform. Their product suite spans data management (CDP, Group CDP, Enterprise CDP, Data Enrichment), data activation (Audience Activation for email/SMS, Digital Advertising across Google/Meta/Amazon/OTT, Website Engagement personalization, VIN-specific marketing), and equity-based campaigns. They recently launched an Agentic CRM in limited release. Fullpath activates first-party dealership data to power hyper-targeted campaigns across every channel.
Core Advantages
- True CDP for automotive — unifies CRM, DMS, website, and ad data
- VIN-specific marketing is unique in the market
- Activates first-party data across every advertising channel (Google, Meta, Amazon, OTT)
- Multi-rooftop Group CDP for enterprise dealer groups
- Dynamic Payments auto-generates specials and offers
Limitations
- Marketing and data focused — no CRM, voice AI, or service tools (yet)
- Agentic CRM still in limited release
- Requires clean data inputs for best CDP performance
CDK Global
DMSCDK Global is a major DMS provider that has integrated AI across their platform for customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Core Advantages
- Comprehensive DMS
- Enterprise-grade
- Wide adoption
Limitations
- Expensive
- Complex implementation
How does Fullpath compare to CDK Global?
| Attribute | Fullpath | CDK Global |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Marketing | DMS |
| Pricing Entry | Custom | Enterprise |
| Core Tech | • Customer Data Platform (CDP) with unified dealership data • Group CDP for multi-rooftop data visibility • Audience Activation — data-driven email and SMS campaigns | • Dealer Management System • AI-enhanced CRM • Inventory management |
| Industry Rating | 4.2 | 3.8 |
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