3 Hyundais Tops in Initial Quality

Hyundai was originally known as a value brand that needed a 10-year/100,000 mile-warranty because its vehicles were perceived as cheap. Now that perception is in the rearview mirror because six Hyundai models are among the best in initial quality, according to J.D. Power.

J.D. Power has presented three Hyundai vehicles – 2014 Genesis, 2014 Elantra and 2014 Accent – its highest award for initial quality in their respective segments. Hyundai ranked fourth overall in initial quality, climbing six spots from last year, and was the highest-ranked non-premium brand. In total, Hyundai had six vehicles in the Top Three positions in their segments, including two second-place finishes for Santa Fe and Sonata and a third-place finish for Equus. This year’s results mark the third time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the past 10 years, and the third time it finished among the Top Four brands overall, according to J.D. Power.

“Receiving IQS awards in multiple vehicle segments acknowledges Hyundai’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction across our entire product lineup, not just our luxury vehicles,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America., in a news release. “Today’s awards are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of all the Hyundai team members here, in Korea and Montgomery, Alabama.”

The IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality and has proven to be an excellent predictor of long-term reliability, which may significantly impact new-vehicle purchase decisions. The focus of the study is model-level performance and comparison of individual models to similar models in respective segments, which helps manufacturers worldwide to design and produce higher-quality vehicles.

In addition to victories in three vehicle segments, the Hyundai brand substantially reduced problems per 100 vehicles and finished fourth overall, gaining six rank positions compared with 2013. The Hyundai overall score was 94 problems per 100 vehicles, 12 fewer than last year and 22 fewer problems than the industry average which actually deteriorated three problems per 100 compared with 2013. Also, Genesis scored back-to-back segment while Accent, with a mere 65 problems-per-100, was the second highest performing vehicle in the study.