Kia Takes Top Spot In Latest Vehicle Dependability Study

Just two weeks ago, J.D. Power released the findings of their latest research in an ongoing 32-year study. This study measures the number of problems experienced over the past 12 months across 100 different vehicles, using the original owners of the now three-year old models.

J.D. Power’s research covers an exhaustive 177 specific problems, which have been grouped into eight categories:

- Audio, Communication, Entertainment, & Navigation
- Engine & Transmission
- Exterior
- Interior
- Features, Controls, & Displays
- Driving Experience
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
- Seats

According to their findings, “the 2018 model-year vehicles measured in this year’s study were first examined in the J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study, when new-vehicle quality had improved for the fourth consecutive year and reached its best level ever.” With that being said, it should come as no surprise that J.D. Power’s most recent study shows that vehicle dependability has reached an all-time high.

Now, you might be wondering “where does Kia fit into all of this?” As it turns out, right on top.

J.D. Power has announced that after significant improvements over the past year, Kia jumped six spots to earn the highest rating among mass market brands for the first time ever. In addition to their newfound top spot, Kia is taking home three segment awards, tying them for the most awards among all brands included in the study. Winners include the 2018 Kia Optima for the Midsize Car segment, the 2018 Kia Sorento in the Midsize SUV category, while the 2018 Kia Sportage captures first place among Small SUVs.