Looking for a dependable vehicle? Kia, Buick and Chevrolet are some of your best nonpremium bets, according to a new report fromJ.D. Power.
The analytics company's annual vehicle dependability study found 186 problems per 100 vehicles on average, a slight improvement from last year’s score of 192.
A year-over-year improvement is expected as manufacturerslearn from past mistakes, according toFrank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power.
"This means as many consumers are keeping their vehicles for a longer period of timethey can expect less issues than they have in the past," he told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. "Looking at what models are holding up over time before purchasing is the best way to avoid problems in the long run."
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The study, released Thursday, looked at how 2020 model-year cars are performing in terms of quality, appeal and component replacement. The findings are based on responses from more than 30,000 owners fielded in August through November 2022.
What is the most dependable car brand?
Here are the brand rankings based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles, according to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. vehicle dependability study. The industry average is 186.
- Lexus: 133
- Genesis: 144
- Kia: 152
- Buick: 159
- Chevrolet: 162
- Mitsubishi: 167
- Toyota: 168
- Hyundai: 170
- Mini: 170
- Nissan: 170
- Dodge: 172
- Cadillac: 173
- Mazda: 174
- GMC: 175
- BMW: 184
- Ram: 189
- Jeep: 196
- Honda: 205
- Infiniti: 205
- Porsche: 208
- Acura: 211
- Subaru: 214
- Volvo: 215
- Volkswagen: 216
- Chrysler: 226
- Jaguar: 229
- Mercedes-Benz: 240
- Ford: 249
- Audi: 252
- Lincoln: 259
- Land Rover: 273
The highest-ranking premium brandwas Lexus, and Kia was the highest-rankingmass market brand.
Mass market brands had a better overall score than premium brands. The gap between the two has been growing, probably because premium brands are the first to roll out new features and offer more technology.
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What is the most dependable car model?
The Toyota C-HR and Lexus RX were tied for the highest-ranked models for dependability in the study, each with 111 problems per 100 cars.
J.D. Powerdeclined to share findings on the least dependable models.
What are the most dependable cars and SUVs?
According to J.D. Power’s survey, here are the most dependable models per segment.
- Compact car: Kia Forte, followed by the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra.
- Compact premium car: BMW 4 Series, followed by the Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series.
- Compact sporty car: Mini Cooper.
- Midsize car: Kia Optima, followed by the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion.
- Compact SUV: Kia Sportage, followed by Buick Envision and Jeep Cherokee.
- Compact premium SUV: Lexus NX, followed by Cadillac XT4 and BMW X3.
- Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe, followed by GMC Yukon.
- Midsize SUV: Chevrolet Blazer, followed by Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Edge.
- Midsize premium SUV: Lexus RX, followed by Lexus GX.
- Small SUV: Toyota C-HR, followed by Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax.
- Small premium SUV: BMW X2, followed by Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1.
- Upper midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander, followed by Kia Sorento and Toyota 4Runner.
- Upper midsize premium SUV: BMW X5, followed by Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90.
- Large heavy-duty pickup: Chevrolet Silverado HD.
- Large light-duty pickup: GMC Sierra, followed by Toyota Tundra.
- Midsize pickup: Toyota Tacoma, followed by Chevrolet Colorado.
- Minivan: Toyota Sienna, followed by Kia Sedona.
What are some common problems?
The study looks at 184 specific problem areas across nine categories, including driving assistance, infotainment, seats, exterior and interior.
The survey found infotainment systems were the most problematic, with drivers reporting issues with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, built-in Bluetooth systems and touch screens. Overall, the category averaged about 50 problems per 100 cars – almost twice as many as exterior, the next highest category.
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As an automotive enthusiast and expert, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to provide insights into the recent findings from J.D. Power's annual vehicle dependability study. With a keen understanding of automotive trends, industry dynamics, and a passion for staying abreast of the latest developments, I am well-equipped to discuss the nuances of this report.
J.D. Power's study, released recently, delves into the dependability of vehicles, focusing on the 2020 model-year cars. The study analyzes various factors, including quality, appeal, and component replacement, based on responses from over 30,000 owners collected between August and November 2022.
The key takeaway from the report is the improvement in overall vehicle dependability, with an average of 186 problems per 100 vehicles, a slight improvement from the previous year's score of 192. This positive trend is attributed to manufacturers learning from past mistakes, contributing to fewer issues for consumers, particularly those keeping their vehicles for extended periods.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts and information presented in the article:
1. Top Dependable Car Brands:
- The study ranks car brands based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles.
- The top brands include:
- Lexus (133 problems per 100 vehicles)
- Genesis (144)
- Kia (152)
- Buick (159)
- Chevrolet (162)
- Notably, Kia is recognized as the highest-ranking mass-market brand.
2. Dependable Car Models:
- The Toyota C-HR and Lexus RX tied for the highest-ranked models for dependability, each with 111 problems per 100 cars.
- J.D. Power did not disclose findings on the least dependable models.
3. Dependable Models by Segment:
- The study identifies the most dependable models in various segments, including compact cars, SUVs, and pickups.
- Examples include:
- Compact Car: Kia Forte
- Compact SUV: Kia Sportage
- Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
- Midsize Pickup: Toyota Tacoma
- Minivan: Toyota Sienna
4. Common Problems:
- The study examines 184 specific problem areas across nine categories, such as driving assistance, infotainment, seats, exterior, and interior.
- Infotainment systems emerged as the most problematic, with issues related to voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, built-in Bluetooth systems, and touch screens.
5. Premium vs. Mass Market Brands:
- Mass market brands outperformed premium brands in overall scores, a trend that has been growing.
- The gap between the two is attributed to premium brands being early adopters of new features and technology.
6. Vehicle Longevity:
- With consumers keeping their vehicles for longer periods, the expectation is a decrease in issues over time.
- The report emphasizes the importance of researching and assessing models that hold up well over time before making a purchase.
In conclusion, the J.D. Power vehicle dependability study provides valuable insights for consumers seeking reliable vehicles. The rankings and findings help individuals make informed decisions based on real-world experiences reported by owners. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, staying informed about the dependability of various brands and models remains crucial for both enthusiasts and everyday consumers.
