The influx of new driver-assistance and technology features led some new owners to frustration as they learned the lay of the land, but J.D. Power’s most recent U.S. Tech Experience Index Study found that many are coming around. Owners are embracing the new technologies at an increasing rate, but minor issues remain.
Kathleen Rizk, J.D. Power’s senor director of user experience benchmarking, said, “As the customer approaches and that door opens, they love it. So, it might not open wide enough or fast enough yet, but they love that.” She also noted that the new technologies help anticipate drivers’ needs and “reduce the cognitive workload and some of the difficulties that drivers face with digital systems.”
Genesis was the highest-ranking premium brand, scoring 538 out of 1,000. Cadillac came second with 526, and Lincoln was third with 523. Hyundai was the top mass-market brand for the sixth year in a row, scoring 493. Kia scored 474, and Mitsubishi was third, with 471.
J.D. Power recognized a few individual vehicle models for having excellent tech features, such as the Land Rover Defender, which received the comfort and convenience award for its air purification system. The Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia tied for the award in the mass-market segment.
[Images: Genesis, Hyundai, Land Rover]
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