WASHINGTON: Hyundai finished in second place for this year’s J.D. Power 2015 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study with merely two points away from its closest competitor in the midsize car segment.
While the Hyundai Sonata finished in second place – from last year’s first, it was found that the other models from the Korean carmaker managed to increase their scores this year, which included the Elantra, Genesis, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veloster.
The study has been around for the last 20 years and examines owners’ assessments of the design, layout and performance of their new vehicle after 90 days of ownership.
The ownership experience is segregated into eight categories of vehicle performance and design, such as engine and transmission; ride, handling and braking; comfort and convenience; seats; cockpit and instrument panel; heating, ventilation and cooling; sound system; as well as styling and exterior.
The second-place Hyundai Sonata managed to garner 817 points this year, just two points shy of category-winner Mazda6 with 819 points, while the Nissan Altima (Teana) came in third place.
The Korean carmaker has been ranked second overall among the non-premium automakers and fourth among all brands in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The Hyundai Tucson was awarded for the highest initial quality in the small SUV segment and the Hyundai Accent earned the highest IQS honour in the small car segment for the second year in a row.
“Finishing among the top two non-premium brands in this year’s J.D. Power APEAL Study shows Hyundai takes design, technology, features and performance seriously across the entire line-up,” said Hyundai Motor America vice president, corporate and product planning Mike O’Brien.
“Having the best-selling Sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a tremendous achievement and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” he added.
