Edison Research’s Q2 2025 Share of Ear study shows AM/FM radio capturing 56% of all U.S. in-car audio time, far ahead of ad-free SiriusXM at 13% and ad-free Spotify at 6%. For ad-supported listening, AM/FM’s share soars to 85%, offering unmatched reach for advertisers.
Even among Tesla drivers, where AM tuners have been phased out, AM/FM holds 51% of all in-car audio time, topping podcasts at 12%, ad-free SiriusXM at 10%, and other streaming services. In the ad-supported category, Tesla drivers devote 74% of listening to AM/FM, followed by podcasts at 17%.
Other major automakers see even stronger AM/FM dominance: Chevrolet owners give 64% of in-car audio time to radio, Honda 62%, Subaru 60%, Toyota 56%, and Ford 55%. Luxury brands like BMW, Audi, and Lexus still rank AM/FM as the leading in-car audio source despite advanced infotainment systems.
The share of AM/FM listening that occurs in cars has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, holding steady at 50% of all AM/FM usage in 2024 and 2025. This is up from the 40% low reached during the pandemic, when reduced commuting and travel curtailed in-car audio consumption.
The findings suggest automakers should preserve AM/FM capability in future designs and highlight radio’s continuing value to marketers seeking a broad and engaged audience.