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A year ago, there was disapproval among Americans towards the work of car designers. However, there has been a change of heart. According to a recent analysis by J.D. Power, American perceptions of car design are on the rise after experiencing a decrease in satisfaction for two consecutive years.
The U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study by J.D. Power gauges the “emotional connection and excitement level that owners have towards their new vehicles.” The study involves questioning new car owners about “37 traits, ranging from the feeling of comfort upon entering the driver’s seat to the thrill experienced when accelerating.”
Overall, there has been a slight improvement in scores this year, with American consumers awarding automakers a respectable B grade – an average score of 847 out of 1,000, which is two points higher than the previous year.
Preference for Luxury Vehicles Over Mainstream Ones
It comes as no surprise that higher-priced cars tend to be more captivating. On a scale of 1,000, luxury cars scored an average of 870, while non-luxury cars earned an average score of 838.
Porsche secured the top position overall with a score of 891. Rivian, a brand solely focused on electric vehicles, was ineligible for awards due to its lack of cooperation with the study. However, based on the limited available data, J.D. Power indicates that Rivian would have taken the lead with a score of 900.
Ten luxury automakers surpassed Mini, the highest-scoring non-luxury brand, in the rankings. Nonetheless, Mini outperformed luxury brands such as Infiniti, Acura, and Audi.
Ongoing Concerns with Infotainment Systems
“One persistent issue that continues to dampen enthusiasm across all types of vehicles is infotainment,” state the researchers. Infotainment systems “remain among the lowest-rated categories industry-wide.”
Infotainment systems garnered an average score of 805.
Owners are inclined towards systems that allow for phone integration for streaming and navigation. Users of Apple CarPlay rated their infotainment systems at an average of 840, while proponents of Android Auto gave a score of 832.
Related: GM To Phase Out Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Traditional Automakers Surpass Tesla
In previous years, Tesla held a significant lead over other electric vehicles in terms of customer satisfaction. However, this is no longer the case.
Frank Hanley, the senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, stated, “Recent releases from established manufacturers have exceeded Tesla, the long-standing leader, in terms of customers’ emotional attachment and satisfaction with their new vehicles.”
“They are introducing enhanced vehicles that better align with customer preferences, including improved internal storage, higher-grade materials, and ensuring features are user-friendly,” Hanley added.
Performance Ratings for Luxury Automakers
Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian are not included in the rankings due to restrictions on J.D. Power’s access to owner data as required by law. However, based on limited information from states where corporate approval is not mandatory, J.D. Power suggests that Tesla would have achieved a score of 870, Polestar 859, and Rivian would have taken the top spot with a score of 900.
Performance Ratings for Mainstream Automakers
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