According to J.D. Power’s 2024 APEAL study, which measures new-car buyers’ attachment to their purchases, Porsche and Hyundai owners are among the happiest. This year’s study also noted a significant increase in satisfaction among electric vehicle (EV) owners.
Top Findings:
- Porsche owners reported the highest excitement and satisfaction levels.
- Hyundai and Kia also ranked highly, with models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia EV9 receiving top awards in their segments.
- EV Satisfaction: Non-Tesla electric vehicles now surpass Tesla in owner satisfaction, scoring 877 compared to Tesla’s 870 and gasoline vehicles’ 842.
Key Insights:
- Infotainment Systems: Despite improvements, infotainment remains one of the lowest-scoring categories. Systems like Android Auto (832) and Apple CarPlay (840) fared better due to user familiarity.
- Emotional Attachment: The study highlights that emotional satisfaction is highest among non-Tesla EV owners. Loyal Tesla owners rated their vehicles higher than conquest buyers, suggesting a strong brand loyalty.
Brand Highlights:
- Porsche scored highest among premium brands with 891 points.
- Mini led the mass-market brands with 858 points.
- Hyundai and Kia received seven model-level awards, showcasing their strong performance across various segments.
Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the APEAL study, which evaluates 37 attributes across 10 factors of new vehicle ownership, from comfort to driving exhilaration. This year’s study included responses from nearly 100,000 owners of 2024 vehicles after 90 days of ownership.
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