Study: the best automotive brands for techno in 2024
Once again, Korean brands shine when it comes to technological experience, dominating the 2024 ranking of American firm J.D. Power.
It surveyed nearly 82,000 owners of 2024 models three months after taking possession. The survey covered some 40 technologies in four categories: infotainment, convenience, fuel efficiency and assisted driving.
With a score of 584 on a scale of 1,000, Genesis again ranks first overall, as well as among luxury brands, while Hyundai (518) and Kia (499) lead the way among popular brands, as with the new Santa Fe below.
Tesla (786) and Rivian (666) could have comfortably topped the ranking, but their scores are unofficial as they do not meet all the study's eligibility criteria. Ditto for Polestar (578).
The following chart shows the complete ranking:
Mazda (415), which had been in last place for some years, mainly because of its unintuitive multimedia system and non-touch screens (except via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps in certain models), has slightly improved its position. Ford (406) and MINI (396) have both fallen, but it's Dodge (392) that closes the gap this year, handicapped mainly by its new Hornet.
J.D. Power points out that semi-autonomous driving systems - whether requiring hands on the wheel or not - continue to generate a great deal of frustration among drivers. In addition, few people see the need for a screen in front of the front passenger as this trend begins to spread throughout the industry.
On the other hand, while new AI-enabled technologies such as smart air conditioners are rapidly gaining in popularity among those who have experienced them, facial/digital/gesture recognition devices are very often perceived as poor solutions to problems that users didn't even know existed, according to the American firm.
