The 25 models with the highest J.D. Power APEAL study ratings for 2016
J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual ‘Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout’ (APEAL) Study for 2016, identifying the highest-ranked vehicles in 25 categories according to the study. The APEAL study examines what consumers in the U.S. like about their new vehicles – often referred to as "things gone right" – after 90 days of ownership. It is based on 77 individual attributes in eight categories of vehicle performance and design: engine/transmission; ride, handling and braking; comfort/convenience; seats; cockpit/instrument panel; heating, ventilation and cooling; sound system; and styling/exterior.
For the 12th consecutive year, Porsche was the highest-ranking brand overall in the APEAL study, with a score of 877 points. BMW ranked second with 859, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz tied for third at 852, and Land Rover, Lexus and Lincoln tied for fifth with 843. Among non-premium brands, Volkswagen (809) ranked, followed by Mini MINI (808), Kia (807), Ford (803), Ram (803) and GMC (802).
The BMW 7 Series was the highest-scoring individual model in the 2016 study, although no award was presented in the large premium car segment as not enough models were represented. Awards were presented in 25 other categories, however. Following are those winners, by category.
Highest-ranked City Car: Smart for-two.
No other model in the segment outperformed the segment average. For an award to be presented there had to be at least four vehicles in the segment or, alternatively, three vehicles that covered 80% of sales in the segment.
Highest-ranked Small Car: Chevrolet Sonic.
Runners up: Scion iA and Ford Fiesta
Highest-ranked Small Premium Car: BMW 2 Series.
Runners-up: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3
Highest-ranked Compact Car: Mini Clubman.
Runners up: Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Beetle
Highest-Ranked Compact Sporty Car: Buick Cascada.
Runners-up: Mini Cooper and Hyundai Veloster/Mazda MX-5 Miata (tie)
Highest-ranked Compact Premium Car: Lexus RC.
Runners-up: BMW 4 Series and BMW 3 Series
Highest-ranked Compact Premium Sporty Car: Porsche Boxster.
Runners-up: Audi TT and Porsche Cayman
Highest-ranked Mid-size car: Kia Optima.
Runners-up: Nissan Altima/Subaru Legacy (tied)
Highest-ranked Mid-size Sporty Car: Chevrolet Camaro.
Runner-up: Dodge Challenger. No other model in the segment outperformed the segment average.
Highest-ranked Mid-size Premium Car: Audi A6.
Runners-up: Lexus GS and Audi A7
Highest-ranked Mid-size Premium Sporty Car: Porsche 911.
No runners-up are listed as no other model in the segment outperformed the segment average.
Highest-ranked Large Car: Nissan Maxima.
Runners-up: Hyundai Azera and Dodge Charger
Highest-ranked Small SUV: Hyundai Tucson.
Runners-up: Subaru Crosstrek and Volkswagen Tiguan
Highest-ranked Small Premium SUV: BMW X1.
Runner-up: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. No other model in the segment outperformed the segment average.
Highest-ranked Compact SUV: Toyota RAV4.
Runners-up: Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5
Highest-ranked Premium Compact SUV: Porsche Macan.
Runners-up: BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
Highest-ranked Compact MPV: Kia Soul.
No other model in the segment outperformed the segment average.
Highest-ranked Mid-size SUV: Kia Sorento.
Runners-up: Ford Edge and Buick Enclave/Jeep Grand Cherokee (tied)
Highest-ranked Premium Mid-size SUV: BMW X6.
Runners-up: BMW X5/Porsche Cayenne
Highest-ranking Mid-size Pickup: Chevrolet Colorado.
Runner-up: GMC Canyon. No other model in the segment outperformed the segment average.
Highest-ranked Minivan: Kia Sedona.
Runners-up: Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey
Highest-ranked Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe.
Highest-ranked Large Premium SUV: Land Rover Range Rover.
Runners-up: Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Highest-ranked Large Light-duty Pickup: Nissan Titan.
Runners-up: GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado
Highest-ranked Large Heavy-duty Pickup: GMC Sierra HD.
Runner-up: Chevrolet Silverado HD. No other model in the segment outperformed the segment average.
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