Hyundai ranked fourth overall in initial quality, climbing six spots from last year, and was the highest ranked non-premium brand. In total, Hyundai had six vehicles in the top three positions in their segments, including two second place finishes for Santa Fe and Sonata and a third place finish for Equus. This year's results mark the third time Hyundai has been the highest ranked non-premium brand in the past ten years, and the third time it finished among the top four brands overall.
The award comes from the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. initial quality study (IQS). Now in its 28th consecutive year, IQS is the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality, measured at 90 days of ownership.
"Receiving IQS awards in multiple vehicle segments acknowledges Hyundai's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction across our entire product line-up, not just our luxury vehicles," said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "Today's awards are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of all the Hyundai team members here, in Korea and Montgomery, Alabama."
The IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality and has proven to be an excellent predictor of long-term reliability, which may significantly impact new vehicle purchase decisions. The focus of the study is model level performance and comparison of individual models to similar models in respective segments, which helps manufacturers worldwide to design and produce higher quality vehicles.
In addition to victories in three vehicle segments, the Hyundai brand substantially reduced problems per 100 vehicles and finished fourth overall, gaining six rank positions compared with 2013. The Hyundai overall score was 94 problems per 100 vehicles, 12 fewer than last year and 22 fewer problems than the industry average which actually deteriorated three problems per 100 compared with 2013. Also, Genesis scored back-to-back segment while Accent, with a mere 65 problems per 100, was the second highest performing vehicle in the study.
