J.D. Power has released the results of its 20th annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) automotive study, which surveys owners and lessees about the appeal of their new cars after 90 days of ownership. With 874 points (out of 1000), Porsche retains its top spot for the 11th year in a row. Following Porsche’s lead is Jaguar (855 points), BMW (854), Mercedes-Benz (853), and Audi (852). Mini (825) ranks the highest among non-premium brands.
Chevrolet, Ford, and Porsche each took home three model-level APEAL awards. Chevrolet took home awards for the all-new Colorado, Corvette, and Sonic, while Ford received recognition for the C-Max, Expedition, and F-150. Porsche held the top spots for the Cayenne, Cayman, and Macan. Automakers earning two awards include Audi (A3, Q3), BMW (4-Series, 6 Series), Dodge (Challenger, Charger), Mazda (CX-5, Mazda6), and Mini (Cooper, Countryman). Additionally, the Fiat 500; GMC Sierra HD; Infiniti QX80; Kia Sedona; Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Nissan Murano; and Volkswagen Golf also snagged honors in each of their respective segments.
Owners are surveyed on 77 key vehicle attributes with a combined overall index score of 1,000 points. This year, the average score for the industry climbed to 798 points – a year-over-year increase of 4 points per year, according to J.D. Power. The survey has been adapted over the years to include newer technologies including active safety features and more. Vehicles with blind-spot monitoring and warning systems generally score 38 points higher than vehicles without them. “Unlike other technologies, such as voice recognition, that can be challenging to operate, most safety features provide information in a more intuitive way, giving owners a greater sense of security,” said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive quality at J.D. Power, in a release. “Not only are models increasingly offering systems that improve safety and visibility, but owners are also using them on a regular basis.
This can go a long way toward generating positive feelings about their vehicle overall.” The 2015 J.D. Power APEAL study also shows the gap between premium and non-premium makes is the smallest it has been in the past 10 years with a spread of just 16 percent. The average APEAL Index score has increased 5 points to 790 for non-premium models and just 1 point to 841 for premium brands from last year.
