Some automakers integrate advanced technologies much better than others. That’s the key finding of JD Power’s 2024 Tech Experience Index Study, which asked new-car owners which tech features give them headaches and which they really value.
JD Power ranked the problems car owners had with new tech features on a “problems per 100 vehicles” (PP100) scale. Based on this ranking, automakers received a total score out of 1,000, with Genesis taking first place among premium brands and Hyundai winning the mass-market brands category.
Lexus and BMW rounded out the top three premium brands, while Kia and GMC came second and third among mass-market brands. JD Power’s director of user experience benchmarking and technology said, “A strong advanced technology strategy is critical for all vehicle manufacturers, and many innovative technologies meet customer needs. At the same time, this year’s study makes it clear that owners find some technologies of little use and/or find them a constant nuisance.”
The organization divided 40 automotive technologies into four categories: convenience, emerging automation, energy and sustainability, and infotainment and connectivity. The study found that individual vehicles stood out with some features, such as the Toyota Sequoia, which received a convenience award for its rearview camera system.
The Genesis GV70 received an award for emerging automation among premium brands for its rear cross-traffic alert system, while the Kia Carnival took the award in the mass market segment. The BMW iX received an energy and sustainability award in the premium segment for its one-pedal driving systems, while the BMW X6 and Hyundai Santa Fe won infotainment and connectivity awards for phone-based key systems.
JD Power surveyed 81,296 new car owners who had made a purchase in the past 90 days. The organization conducts several studies each year beyond the US Tech Experience Index Study. It also surveys buyers for its US Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL) and the US Initial Quality Study (IQS).
