Which vehicle boasts the best initial quality? Something from Porsche? A BMW, perhaps? Maybe a Mercedes-Benz?
Nope, according to the 2016 US Initial Quality Study by JD Power, Korean automaker Kia claims top spot for initial quality.
The US study, now in its 30th year, examines problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership. According to JD Power, initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
The study shows that Kia ranks highest in initial quality with a score of 83 PP100, the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the list. It is also the second consecutive year that Kia, which ranked second in 2015, has led all non-premium makes in initial quality.
Porsche (84 PP100) is just behind in second, followed by Hyundai (92 PP100), Toyota (93 PP100) and BMW (94 PP100). Smart lurks at the foot of the table, with Fiat only one place better off.
The study furthermore indicates that new vehicle quality has improved by some 6% in 2016, double the rate of improvement in 2015 and the largest increase since 2009. JD Power said quality improved across all eight problem categories measured, with 21 of the 33 brands included in the study improving in 2016 and one remaining the same.
The 2016 US Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80 000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership.
The study is based on a 233-question battery organised into eight problem categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2016.
See the table below for the full rankings…
