Gen Z On the Move: Younger People Driving More & Embracing Mobility

Despite the narrative that Gen Z drivers are abandoning car ownership, new findings from Enterprise Mobility’s second annual “On the Move” mobility survey show that the frequency of their private vehicle use is quietly rising—with weekly or more usage increasing to 66% in 2025, up from 62% in 2024. More than half of Gen Z respondents report driving their car this year more than last year, the biggest increase among any generation.

In addition, the share of Gen Z respondents who reported using a private vehicle only once or a few times a month decreased year-over-year to 3% in 2025, down from 7% in 2024.

At the same time:

• Gen Z (14%), millennials (13%) and Gen X (11%) are more likely than baby boomers (2%) or the Silent Generation (1%) to use mass rapid transit weekly or more.
• Gen Z (16%) and millennials (12%) are more likely than other generations to use ride hailing services weekly or more.
• Gen Z (18%), millennials (14%) and Gen X (16%) are more likely than baby boomers (4%) or the silent generation (3%) to use the public bus system weekly or more.

“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.”

Americans Want Balance With Automotive Technology

From touchscreens to self-driving vehicles, technology continues to reshape the driving experience. Rather than embracing every new feature, many drivers are calling for balance, with more than half of the respondents indicating they would prefer a mix of touchscreens and physical buttons.

In addition, more than half (54%) of Americans believe new cars have too much technology, while nearly three-quarters (72%) worry about things like repair costs if something breaks. More telling, nearly 7 in 10 drivers say they would willingly give up the latest tech for a more affordable vehicle (68%).

Yet, everyday tools like GPS and Bluetooth are still considered must-haves, and safety is a key consideration for consumers, with nearly half (47%) preferring to have advanced driver assistance features in their vehicles, including blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.

Although fewer than 1 in 5 respondents said they desire high or full automation, Gen Z (born between 1997-2012) and millennials (born between 1981-96) were most likely to prefer high or full automation in their vehicles, indicating younger generations are more accepting of advanced vehicle technology.

As drivers navigate this tech shift, rentals are becoming more than just a convenience. U.S. drivers may be viewing rentals as a good way to test new features before making a long-term commitment. In fact, nearly half (48%) of U.S. drivers say they expect rental vehicles to have all the latest technology.

Has the Electric Vehicle Movement Plateaued?

Though more Americans are using hybrid or electric vehicles as their primary ride (up 7 percentage points year over year), overall EV consideration has hit cruise control, inching up just 1 percentage point since 2024 to 41%. The top purchase motivators are saving money on gas (38%) and using a vehicle that’s “better for the environment” (30%), while the top deterrents are up-front costs (35%) and range anxiety (35%).

The market appears to be splitting into two camps:

• Committed enthusiasts, who are likely to purchase an EV as their next car, are as likely—or more likely—to consider purchasing an EV than they were 12 months ago (93%).
• Holdouts, who are unlikely to purchase an EV as their next car, remain firm in their reluctance (98%).

Regional divides also stand out, with Americans in the West (52%) more likely than those in other regions to consider EV adoption.

“For nearly 70 years, Enterprise Mobility’s business has been grounded in listening to the people we serve,” said Withington. “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.”

Other Findings

The survey also revealed:

• Nearly a quarter (21%) are choosing to drive rather than fly more often this year than last year.
• Around 1 in 4 employees are commuting to the office more this year than last, with the majority seeing increased commute times.
• The majority (54%) of Americans say they would be more willing to go into the office if their employer provided commuter benefits.
• Nearly one-quarter (21%) of respondents who travel for work prefer company or rental vehicles, and the top motivation for doing so is to avoid wear and tear on personal vehicles.
• Gen Z and millennials are most inclined to use rental cars at least monthly compared to Gen X, baby boomer and Silent Generation respondents.