Genesis, Hyundai Motor, and Kia Motors swept the top ranks of the 2019 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). Genesis ranked highest in overall initial quality with a score of just 63 (lower is better), among 32 brands (14 premium and 18 mass market). Kia placed second with 70, and Hyundai ranked a close third with 71. The 2019 IQS is based on U.S. buyers and lessees of new 2019 models purchased between November 2018 and February 2019. The survey was conducted from February to May 2019 on the number of problems reported over the first 90 days of ownership. The score is the average number of problems per 100 vehicles.
Genesis, Kia, and Hyundai ranked first, second, and third among 32 brands
J.D. Power is a U.S.-based market research firm that annually ranks new cars with its Initial Quality Study (IQS). The study focuses on issues buyers experience during the first 90 days of ownership and is a dependable industry standard worldwide for the quality control of vehicle production.
An interesting aspect of the consumer is that it is only based on sheer sample statistics from consumer report and not on expert opinion. This method allows the IQS to be virtually free of any subjective evaluations by expert media or reporter, providing a more objective and raw quotient for owner experience and satisfaction. The sample size for the 2019 study was a random selection of 74,606 new-vehicle owners who reported their experiences with 233 potential vehicle problems.
Here are some notable comments by widely read international media on the Hyundai Motor Group’s top-3 scores from the 2019 IQS
How did the media cover the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group taking the top 3 spots?
WIRED: "JD Power Says Korean Cars Beat US and Europe in Quality
Wired, a widely read IT magazine in the U.S., emphasized how Genesis and the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group surpassed U.S. and European brands to take the top three positions. The article reviewed the Korean manufacturers favorably, mentioning that complex infotainment systems and cutting-edge technology in cars have been a major cause of customer complaint in other brands, while "the Korean manufacturers offered relatively simple systems that do the basics well".
Forbes points out that "the ascendance of the Korean brands in initial quality likely comes as a surprise to some"
A Forbes article pointed out that "...many consumers who consider Japanese vehicles to be leaders in quality might be well-advised to re-think their position" with respect to the Genesis and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group brands taking the three highest scores. The article made note that 16 of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group's 18 models were each in the top three of respective categories.
Roadshow on CNET "Genesis and Kia dominate J.D. Power Initial Quality Study again in 2019"
CNET's Automotive media Roadshow also underlined the results for Genesis and Kia, pointing out the competitiveness of Kia which tops the mass market brand 5 years running, and Genesis which outperforms the market average by nearly 30 points (avg. brand point is 93).
USA Today, "These 22 new vehicles are the highest-quality models of the year, according to J.D. Power"
USA Today informed readers of the highest scoring cars by segment as reported by the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The article listed the 22 top models, which included Kia's Rio, Forte (K3), Sportage, Sedona (Carnival), as well as Hyundai's Santa Fe and Genesis' G70.
CNBC, "Korean automakers Genesis, Kia and Hyundai led the industry with the top three marks in J.D. Power’s annual automotive quality survey."
CNBC quoted Dave Sargent, J.D. Power's head of automotive research, commenting, "A decade of quality improvements came to a screeching halt last year... (but) Korean carmakers have made major improvements over the past few years... That was apparent not only in the overall scores for the three brands but the fact that the Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Genesis and Kia, as well as Hyundai, had six individual segment winners, more than any other manufacturer."
Widely recognized by a respected quality study
Hyundai Motor ranked second among mass market brands in the 2019 J.D. Power IQS
J.D. Power 2019 IQS was covered by multiple media that pointed to the marked rise of Korean auto manufacturers, the respective performance of U.S. manufacturers, and the relatively curbed performance of European brands. The coverage made sure to include that the top 3 brands were all part of the Hyundai Motor Group trinity.
Closer look at the J.D. Power IQS rankings 2017 was the Genesis' first year receiving IQS as its own brand. In 2017, the year of its first entry in IQS, Genesis grasped the top position among premium brands, followed by two consecutive years of top overall position. Genesis' quality performance is even more impressive when compared directly against the premium brands. Genesis ranked top among premium brands for 3 consecutive years, and led by a margin of 21 points over Lincoln in second place. Kia Motors also received strong reviews. Kia scored its best ever this year, and placed top among mass market brands for its fifth consecutive year. Rio, K3, Sportage, and Carnival each ranked at the top of their respective class as segment winners.  Hyundai Motor ranked top among mass market brands in 2006, 2009, and in 2014. This year, it returned to the top position with 71 points - its highest ever. Hyundai's Santa Fe was a recognized as a segment winner for best in-class mid-size SUV. |
