Hyundai Motor Group Reigns Supreme in 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study for Second Consecutive Year
Hyundai Motor Group has once again solidified its standing as a global leader in automotive quality and innovation, claiming the top position in the prestigious 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). This marks the second consecutive year the Group has earned this distinction, a testament to its unwavering commitment to product excellence, cutting-edge engineering, and customer satisfaction across its three automotive brands: Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
Industry-Leading Performance Across All Brands
In the 39th annual edition of the U.S. Initial Quality Study, Hyundai Motor Group tied for the highest overall ranking among all corporations, placing it at the very top of the automotive industry in terms of initial quality. This achievement is based on real-world feedback from nearly 93,000 verified new-vehicle owners, who provided detailed evaluations during the first 90 days of ownership of their 2025 model-year vehicles.
The J.D. Power IQS measures initial vehicle quality by assessing the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) — a lower PP100 score signifies better quality. The study encompasses a wide range of criteria, including vehicle performance, design, technology, comfort, and craftsmanship. Hyundai Motor Group’s brands consistently delivered strong results across multiple segments, indicating broad-based excellence across their entire vehicle lineup.
Hyundai: Third Overall and a Mass-Market Standout
Among individual brand rankings, Hyundai secured third place overall, making it one of the highest-rated automakers in the industry. More notably, it ranked second among mass-market brands, affirming Hyundai’s ability to deliver premium quality and value to a broad consumer base.
A standout vehicle in the Hyundai portfolio was the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ, which earned the top honor in the Midsize Pickup segment for the second year in a row. Known for its unique blend of SUV utility and pickup versatility, the SANTA CRUZ continues to win over drivers with its reliability, driving dynamics, and thoughtful design. This repeat segment victory underscores Hyundai’s strategic success in blending innovation with consumer needs in emerging categories.
Kia: Segment Winner and Consistently Strong Performer
Kia, another pillar of the Group’s global operations, also performed strongly in the 2025 IQS. The brand ranked eighth overall, showcasing its consistent delivery of quality vehicles that resonate with a wide audience.
One of Kia’s most celebrated models, the Kia Telluride, was named the segment winner in the Upper Midsize SUV category. Since its debut, the Telluride has gained recognition for its spacious interior, refined styling, and dependable performance. Its repeat accolades reflect Kia’s deep understanding of customer expectations in the competitive SUV market and its ability to translate that insight into superior vehicle offerings.
Genesis: Premium Quality That Rivals Industry Veterans
Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury brand, continues to build momentum in the premium automotive segment. In the 2025 IQS, Genesis improved its standing to ninth place overall, while maintaining its position as the third-highest ranked premium brand. This performance is particularly noteworthy given the brand’s relative youth compared to long-established luxury competitors.
Genesis’ rise in the rankings illustrates the brand’s rapid progress in luxury craftsmanship, technology integration, and customer satisfaction. As it expands its lineup of sedans and SUVs, Genesis continues to challenge traditional luxury brands with a value-driven yet uncompromising approach to vehicle quality.
Manufacturing Excellence: Plants Recognized for Build Quality
Hyundai Motor Group’s success in the 2025 IQS was not limited to vehicle performance alone—it also reflected outstanding results at the manufacturing level. Three of the Group’s assembly plants were recognized for superior build quality, demonstrating that Hyundai’s dedication to excellence extends to every corner of its production ecosystem.
In the Asia-Pacific regional plant rankings, Hyundai Motor Ulsan Plant 5 and Kia AutoLand Gwangju Plant 1, both located in South Korea, tied for second place. These facilities were honored for producing vehicles with minimal defects and malfunctions, underscoring the meticulous attention to quality control embedded in the Group’s manufacturing operations.
In addition, Kia Mexico (KMX) earned third place in the American assembly plant category, further highlighting Hyundai Motor Group’s ability to maintain high-quality standards across its global network. KMX’s performance reflects a seamless blend of local manufacturing efficiency and global production expertise.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Hyundai Motor Group attributes its exceptional performance in the 2025 IQS to its long-term investments in research and development, as well as a deep-rooted culture of continuous quality improvement. Over the years, the Group has prioritized customer-centric innovation, resulting in vehicles that not only meet but often exceed driver expectations in quality, reliability, and functionality.
The Group’s quality management strategy is grounded in rigorous testing protocols, real-time customer feedback loops, and a proactive approach to addressing emerging concerns. This strategy has paid dividends, as evidenced by the consistent recognition across multiple brands, segments, and manufacturing plants.
Moreover, the integration of advanced technology — including AI-powered diagnostics, predictive maintenance systems, and smart manufacturing — continues to enhance the Group’s ability to detect and resolve issues before they impact the customer experience.
J.D. Power IQS: A Benchmark for Vehicle Quality
The J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative benchmarks in the automotive industry. First launched in 1987, the IQS provides a comprehensive snapshot of how new vehicles are performing in the crucial early ownership period.
The 2025 study gathered data from 92,694 purchasers and lessees of new vehicles, assessing 10 categories that include driving experience, infotainment systems, seating, climate controls, engine/transmission, and interior and exterior quality. This broad scope ensures a holistic assessment of how vehicles perform from the moment they leave the dealership.
For manufacturers, strong IQS scores serve not only as a marketing advantage but also as a critical internal diagnostic tool to guide future improvements. For consumers, the results help guide informed purchasing decisions in an increasingly complex automotive market.
Sustaining Leadership in a Changing Market
As the global automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation — with trends like electrification, connected vehicles, and autonomous driving reshaping consumer expectations — Hyundai Motor Group remains steadfast in its pursuit of quality leadership. The company’s performance in the 2025 IQS affirms that even as the product landscape evolves, foundational values like reliability, customer satisfaction, and engineering precision remain central to long-term success.
With each brand — Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis — continuing to elevate its product offerings, Hyundai Motor Group is well-positioned to lead not just in initial quality but also in overall customer loyalty and long-term vehicle satisfaction.
Hyundai Motor Group’s triumph in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study is more than just a statistical achievement — it is a reflection of a deeply ingrained commitment to delivering superior vehicles through innovation, craftsmanship, and customer focus. By topping the rankings for two years in a row, the Group has set a high bar for the industry and reaffirmed its role as a standard-bearer for automotive quality in a competitive global market.
