Tech Savvy: Which Car Brands Ace Advanced Features?
A new study has revealed the automotive brands leading the charge in advanced technology, while highlighting the features that leave drivers frustrated. J.D. Power's 2024 Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, which surveyed new car owners, has identified the tech features causing headaches and those genuinely enhancing the driving experience.
The study ranked the problems encountered with new tech features on a "problems per 100 vehicles" (PP100) scale, resulting in a total score out of 1,000 for each manufacturer. Genesis emerged as the top performer among premium brands, while Hyundai secured the top spot in the mass-market category.
Lexus and BMW followed closely in the premium segment, while Kia and GMC claimed the second and third positions among mass-market brands, respectively. J.D. Power's director of user experience benchmarking and technology commented, "A strong advanced tech strategy is vital for all vehicle manufacturers, and numerous innovative technologies are meeting customer needs. However, this year's study clearly shows that owners find some technologies of little use and/or persistently annoying."
The study categorised 40 automotive technologies across four areas: Convenience, Emerging Automation, Energy and Sustainability, and Infotainment and Connectivity. Individual vehicles excelled in specific features, for example, the Toyota Sequoia was recognised for its rearview mirror camera system in the Convenience category.
In the Emerging Automation category, the Genesis GV70 received an award for its front cross-traffic warning systems among premium brands, while the Kia Carnival secured the same accolade in the mass-market segment. The BMW iX was commended for its one-pedal driving systems in the Energy and Sustainability category for premium brands, while the BMW X6 and Hyundai Santa Fe won awards for their phone-based key systems in the Infotainment and Connectivity category.
J.D. Power surveyed 81,296 new vehicle owners who had purchased their vehicle within the past 90 days. This study forms part of J.D. Power's comprehensive research, which also includes the U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL) and the U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). These studies provide invaluable insights into the evolving automotive landscape, highlighting the crucial role technology plays in shaping the consumer experience.
