The results of the JD Power 2017 US Initial Quality Study are out, with Korean automaker Kia Motors ranking highest in overall initial quality for the second consecutive year.
“Initial quality” in this annual study is measured by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study measures more than 200 vehicle parameters, tabulating responses from nearly 80 000 verified new vehicle owners in the United States.
JD Power says quality in 2017 has improved across seven of the eight categories measured, with 27 of the 33 brands in the study improving their quality compared with 2016.
Kia placed first overall with a score of 72 PP100, while Hyundai’s Genesis luxury sub-brand ranked second with 77 PP100. Porsche registered a score of 78 PP100, giving it the final place on the podium, while Ford and Ram tied for fourth with 86 PP100 each.
The study suggests that Mini is the most improved brand, with owners reporting 33 PP100 fewer problems than in 2016.
Volkswagen managed 93 PP100, putting it on par with Nissan, while Toyota (95 PP100) only just snuck in above the industry average of 97 PP100. Mercedes-Benz returned a score of 102 PP100, while Audi was even further down the table on 115 PP100.
And the three worst performers in the study? Volvo (134), Jaguar (148) and Fiat (163).
Kia bagged the most model-level awards, with the Cadenza, Forte (what we know as the Cerato), Niro, Sorento and Soul each topping their respective segments.
Check out the full brand rankings below…
