Porsche Tops JD Power's APEAL Study for Third Consecutive Year
Porsche earns highest overall score in JD Power's 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
Key Takeaways
- Porsche tops JD Power’s APEAL Study for the third year in a row.
- The Porsche 911 is ranked as the best Premium Sporty Car.
- BMW AG takes home the most model-level awards, with six wins.
- Hyundai and Kia also have a strong showing, with multiple models earning top scores in their respective segments.
- The APEAL Study measures owner satisfaction with their new vehicles after 90 days.
What is the APEAL Study?
The APEAL Study is an annual survey conducted by JD Power that measures how much owners enjoy living with their new vehicles after 90 days.
The study evaluates 37 attributes, including performance, comfort, technology, and styling, to determine which vehicles leave the strongest overall impression.
The study is based on responses from more than 78,000 new-car owners.
How Did Porsche Perform in the Study?
Porsche earned the highest overall score with 896 points on a 1,000-point scale.
The Porsche 911 was ranked as the best Premium Sporty Car, while the Panamera and Cayenne were also major in-segment standouts.
Porsche’s success in the study is a testament to the brand’s focus on delivering exceptional driving experiences.
How Did BMW Perform in the Study?
BMW AG had a strong showing in the APEAL Study, with six model-level wins.
The BMW 7 Series and BMW X6 tied as the top-scoring models in the entire study.
BMW’s MINI brand was also the highest-ranked mass market brand, with a score of 875.
What Other Brands Performed Well in the Study?
Hyundai and Kia also had a strong showing in the study, with multiple models earning top scores in their respective segments.
The Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Kia Carnival, Kia K4, and Kia K5 all earned top scores.
These brands’ success in the study highlights the importance of delivering exceptional driving experiences and meeting owner expectations.
What Does the Study Reveal About the Automotive Industry?
The APEAL Study suggests that the brands that leave the strongest lasting impression are those that excel in every aspect of driving.
While 0-60 mph times and horsepower numbers grab headlines, they are only part of the ownership experience.
The study highlights the importance of delivering exceptional driving experiences and meeting owner expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the APEAL Study?
The APEAL Study is an annual survey conducted by JD Power that measures how much owners enjoy living with their new vehicles after 90 days.
Q: Which brand topped the APEAL Study for the third consecutive year?
Porsche topped the APEAL Study for the third consecutive year.
Q: Which BMW models earned top scores in the study?
The BMW 7 Series and BMW X6 tied as the top-scoring models in the entire study.