Kia Motors Ranks as Highest Brand in 2020 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Once Again

July 1st, 2020 by

It’s that time of year again! Automobile organizations and publications may hold awards and compile lists all year ’round, but J.D. Power & Associates is just beginning to release the results of their studies. J.D. Power & Associates, a household name to some, is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. Conducting a multitude of studies in various industries, many look to J.D. Power to learn about the quality of new automobiles on the market every year. One study, in particular, the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, examines how well a vehicle holds up during the first 90 days of ownership.

Not solely based on the experience of a panel of judges, J.D. Power gets their results by sending out surveys to owners and lessees of new model-year vehicles within 90 days of the owner or lessee buying or renting that vehicle. Now in its 34th year, J.D. Power redesigned the survey, making it the fifth-generation. Made up of 233, the survey breaks down vehicle questions into nine vehicle categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance (new for 2020); interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate. At the end of the survey, vehicles own a score of problems per 100 vehicles, or PP100, where the lower the score the higher the rank. A total of 87,282 surveys from purchasers and lessees of new 2020 model-year vehicles made up the results.

For five years in-a-row, Kia Motors was ranked as the highest non-luxury brand with the fewest issues over time by J.D. Power, from 2015 – 2019, and in 2020 it ties with another competitor known for its stylish and powerful vehicles. With a score of 136 PP100, this will be the sixth consecutive year that Kia is the highest-ranked mass market brand. Its continued success is also highlighted in the Kia Motors lineup.

“Returning to number one in the industry and the top of J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study among all mass-market brands for the sixth consecutive year is an enormous honor and a reminder to keep striving to be the best we can be…With 4 segment winners – and 4 additional models ranking among the top three in their respective segments – Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ brand philosophy continues to bear fruit in the extremely competitive automotive market.” – Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors North America & Kia Motors America

Kia Motors had several vehicles taking the number one rank for their respective segments and several other vehicles close behind. The Kia Forte was ranked highest for the compact car segment, the Kia Soul ranked highest for the small SUV segment, and the Kia Sorento was ranked highest for the Upper Midsize SUV segment. The Kia Rio came close for the Small Car segment, the Kia Optima was third for the Midsize Car segment, the Kia Stinger was also ranked third for the Midsize Premium Car segment, and the Kia Sportage came in second for the Compact SUV segment. Plenty of vehicles to choose from and all worthy of their high rankings.

Looking for a high-ranking vehicle backed by a leader in the automotive industry? Look no further than Miami Lakes Kia.

Posted in Awards