Kia is Highest-Rated Non-Luxury Car Brand in Annual JD Power Study

Monday, 02 July, 2018

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Kia has been recognized by J.D. Power as the number one non-premium car brand in the 2018 Initial Quality Study . This is the fourth consecutive year for Kia to receive the top honor from the car ratings and research division of J.D. Power.

Kia vehicles reported 72 problems per 100 vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership, which is the same as in 2017 and 2016. This is less than all other non-luxury car and truck brands in the U.S. covered by the study. It also makes it the best performance for a car brand in the last 21 years.

Kia retained the title of number one non-premium car brand with first-place performances from the Sorento (midsize SUV) and Rio (small car). The Optima (midsize car), Sportage (small SUV) and Sedona (minivan) placed second in their categories while the Forte (compact car) placed third.

For the 2017 study, the Soul (compact multi-purpose), Forte (compact car), Cadenza (large car), Niro (small SUV) and Sorento (midsize SUV) took first place in their categories. The Sorento took home the first place prize for the midsize SUV category two years in a row.

“Ranking number one among all mass market brands for four consecutive years leaves no doubt as to the world-class quality and craftsmanship instilled in every car and SUV that Kia builds,” Kia Motors America COO Michael Cole said in a news release . “With two segment winners and four additional models finishing in the top three of their respective segments, the evidence of Kia’s progression and focus on the ownership experience is overwhelming.”

The 2018 Initial Quality Study examined responses from 75,712 purchasers and lessees of 240 different 2018 model-year vehicles in 26 segments. The vehicles were evaluated on engine and transmission performance, driving experience and a wide range of other quality issues reported by vehicle owners.

Categories : Awards

Tags : Initial Quality Study , JD Power , Sedona , Optima , Forte , Sorento , Sportage , Rio , 2018 Models , Awards