Kia ranks 1st in JD Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study

Kia has landed the top spot in JD Power’s 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) as the most dependable mass-market automotive brand on the list. The South Korean automaker is followed by Buick and Hyundai with second and third place, respectively.

In addition, the US-built Kia Sorento has been awarded the top spot for the upper midsize SUV category.

“The results of this year’s JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study substantiate Kia’s unrelenting commitment to the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of our award-winning vehicle line. Furthermore, the Sorento’s category win speaks to the world-class ownership experience we deliver to our customers,” said Kia North America and Kia America President and CEO Sean Yoon.

The JD Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) examined the problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles (2019 model year), focusing on the said cars’ overall dependability scores.

The study was comprised of 29,487 completed surveys and included 32 nameplates. JD Power measured the quality of today’s vehicles, particularly related to new technologies and features currently available to buyers.

“Many owners are holding on to their vehicles longer, so long-term dependability is even more critical. Some automakers are performing much better than others at preventing problems from occurring. These problems include the vehicle’s mechanicals, exterior, and interior — but also infotainment systems, driver assistance systems, and all the other electronic systems in today’s vehicles,” said JD Power Director of Global Automotive David Amodeo.

According to JD Power, this is the first year Kia leads the overall ranking after ranking third overall in 2021.

In the premium segment, the Hyundai-owned Genesis brand ranks first followed by Porsche and Cadillac.

Photos from Kia and JD Power

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