It’s been a tricky year for the automotive industry. With the changes due to the semiconductor chip shortage, the major shift to going electric (like Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030), and the somewhat futuristic features being introduced, it would seem that some automakers have bit off more than they can chew. According to J.D. Power, the data from the 2023 Initial Quality Study (IQS) shows that consumers are being left more unsatisfied than ever, with new vehicles more problematic than ever in the past two years. Again, this is all thanks to the problems that came after the 2020 pandemic, but there are some automakers that continue to prevail and outshine amongst the rest. Here are the rankings for the J.D. Power 2023 IQS.

What is the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study? The IQS takes a look at how well a new vehicle fares in its first few months off the lot. Like many studies by J.D. Power, during the time the study is conducted (February and May 2023 this time around), surveys are sent out to consumers, owners and lessees of a new model-year vehicle within 90 days of buying or leasing their vehicle. Each survey is made up of 223 questions designed to rank each vehicle in a number of categories: the infotainment system; features, controls and displays; exterior styling; driving assistance systems; interior cabin comfort; the powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate control/comfort. All-in-all, each vehicle receives a ranking based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). The rankings this year come from a total of 93,380 survey responses from purchasers and lessees of new 2023 model-year vehicles. Going on for 37 years, with more than 50 years reporting on data in the industry for a number of consumer products, J.D. Power is a trusted name when it comes to such studies.

Even with the problems of new and exciting technology not completely satisfying owners, there are some strong rankings for a number of automakers. Starting with overall brands, Dodge is the highest ranked automaker with a score of PP140, followed by Ram (PP141). In the top five are also Alfa Romeo, Buick, and Chevrolet – Buick is actually the top third ranking amongst mass-market brands, whereas Alfa Romeo is the top contended for premium brands. The top ten include GMC and Kia. Many of these brands also took homes for several models and their respective segments.

The Kia Rio won the award for Small Cars, the Kia Stinger won out over the Midsize Premium Car segment, BMW 8 Series for Large Premium Car, and the Chevrolet Camaro was highest ranked for the Midsize Sport Car segment. Moving onto SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox was highest ranked for the Compact SUV segment, the Chevrolet Tahoe won over the Large SUV segment, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio was highest ranked for the Compact Premium SUV segment, and Nissan won the Midsize SUV segment with its Murano. When it comes to minivans and pickup trucks, the Kia Carnival was highest ranked for minivans, the Jeep Gladiator tied with the Ford Range for the Midsize Pickup segment, and the Ram 1500 won the Large Light Duty Pickup segment. There are other winners that weren’t highest ranked, but still worth mentioning, such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 4 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Cass, BMW 5 Series, Kia Soul, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, GMC Terrain, Jeep Wrangler, BMW X4, BMW X5, BMW X6, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Blazer, Mercedes-Benz GLS, the Nissan Titan, and GMC Sierra.

Wow, it seems like there are a lot of vehicles winning awards even with all the hardships the industry is facing. Goes to show which brands consumers can rely on. Care to find one of the highest-ranked vehicles according to the J.D. Power 2023 IQS? Find a new car when you buy a new car online with NowCar.

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