Owners Are Most Satisfied With These 5 Mass Market Brands
The 2024 J.D Power APEAL study was released last week with interesting insights for would-be car shoppers.
The J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study evaluates new vehicles based on owner feedback after 90 days, focusing on design, performance, safety, usability, comfort, and perceived quality. The APEAL study is based on more than 40 individual vehicle attributes across 10 key experiences including: walking up to your vehicle, getting in and out, start-up, powertrain performance, fuel usage, infotainment, feelings of safety, and comfort, among others.
Vehicles that score higher in the J.D. Power APEAL Study tend to retain their value better over time compared to those with lower scores. This also indicates that owners of highly appealing vehicles are more likely to recommend them to friends and family, demonstrating the long-term positive impact of a high APEAL score on market perception and value retention.
Based on the study, these are the 5 highest ranking mass-market brands across their entire model lineup according to owner feedback.
5) GMC
In 2024, GMC continued to rank favorably among mass-market brands, demonstrating the brand's strong appeal through models like the GMC Sierra and Terrain. The high scores reflect GMC's commitment to providing vehicles that deliver robust performance, quality interiors, and advanced features. These attributes resonate well with consumers, leading to high levels of owner satisfaction and strong market perception, as evidenced by the positive feedback in the APEAL Study
4) Hyundai
Hyundai's strong performance is attributed to high marks in consumer appeal, satisfaction, and innovative features–particularly highlighted by the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, which topped the midsize SUV segment. The brand advanced to fourth place among mass-market automakers, showcasing improvements across various categories, including design and comfort. This success demonstrates Hyundai's commitment to delivering high-quality, appealing vehicles that resonate well with consumers.
3) Kia
In 2024, models like the Kia Telluride continued to impress, particularly in the midsize SUV segment. Kia's vehicles are frequently recognized for their appealing design, innovative features, and overall driving experience. The brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in these high APEAL scores, showcasing Kia's successful transformation into a leader in automotive and electrification. The Kia EV6, Carnival MPV, and K5 are notable examples, having topped their respective segments, further underscoring the brand's appeal and market strength.
2) Ram
In 2024 the brand achieved second place among mass-market brands, bolstered by strong performances from models like the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500. These vehicles were highly rated for their design, performance, and overall customer satisfaction. This success underscores Ram's commitment to delivering high-quality, appealing vehicles that resonate well with owners.
1) MINI
MINI has achieved notable success in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. APEAL Study, ranking as the highest mass-market brand. This accolade highlights MINI's strong appeal through attributes like design, performance, and overall driving satisfaction. The MINI Countryman, in particular, received a model-level award for the second consecutive year, underscoring the brand's commitment to delivering engaging and high-quality vehicles.
This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.
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