Rising Discontent Among US Vehicle Owners
According to JD Power’s 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study, U.S. vehicle owners are increasingly dissatisfied, marking a continued decline over the past few years. This year’s overall satisfaction score stands at 845 out of 1000, slipping by two points from 2022 and three from 2021. The study examines ten aspects of vehicle ownership, with nine showing reduced satisfaction, particularly in exterior design and infotainment systems.
Interestingly, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have outshone internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in fuel economy, with BEVs scoring 797 compared to ICE vehicles’ 758. Despite the overall drop in satisfaction, BEVs, excluding Tesla, and plug-in hybrids, have shown impressive performance. Models like the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya lead in their segments, while Tesla, despite its dominance in the BEV sector, saw a significant drop in satisfaction across all factors, highlighting the need for manufacturers to address these growing concerns.
Insights and Future Outlook
Frank Hanley, senior director at JD Power, emphasized that despite technological advancements, vehicle owners are not fully impressed. Innovations such as charging pads and advanced audio systems have not significantly improved owner satisfaction, suggesting that manufacturers must better align with consumer needs. The study underscores the importance of addressing specific pain points to enhance overall vehicle experience.
In terms of model rankings, Hyundai Motor Group emerged as a leader, with nine models including the Genesis GV60 achieving high satisfaction scores. BMW also performed well with several models, including the BMW iX, while the Porsche 911 was recognized for its exceptional performance, with an electric version reportedly in development.