Kia tops mass market category of J.D. Power ranking

A US market 2020 Kia Sportage

FOUR Kia models were ranked among the top 10 best-performing vehicles listed in a US quality study.

Kia was named the number one non-luxury automotive brand in the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) released recently. This is the fifth consecutive year Kia topped the study.

Kia owners reported 70 problems per 100 vehicles, a two-point improvement over last year’s results, the carmaker said. It added the result placed Kia second among all brands, meaning both luxury and mainstream ones.

Kia said its performance in the IQS was led by the Kia Rio, Forte, Sportage and Soul, which all made the top 10 list. The models bested their segment — the Rio for Small Car, Forte for Compact Car, Sportage for Small SUV and Sedona for Minivan.

Kia said the J.D. Power’s annual report analyzed responses from 76,256 customers regarding 257 vehicle models across 26 segments. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners.

“Being ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study among all mass market brands once is a tremendous honor, but capturing this leadership position for five consecutive years unequivocally affirms Kia’s commitment to quality and the ownership experience,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP at Kia Motors America.

Cole noted three additional Kia models ranked among the top three in their respective segments, but did not specify which models were these.