The J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study results are in and there are quite a few surprises.
The annual study is now in its 30th year and examines the number of problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days. An initial quality score is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score representing higher quality.
SEE ALSO: The Best Automaker in Initial Quality is a Big Surprise
This year’s study also marked the first time that a non-premium brand ranked at the highest, with Kia scoring 83 PP100, besting Porsche that finished second with 84 PP100. If quality if your primary concern when shopping for a new car, here are the top models per segment.
City Car – Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is the sole model to be ranked in the City Car segment, since no other model performed above segment average.
Small Car – Hyundai Accent
In the Small Car category, the Hyundai Accent claims top honors with the Chevrolet Sonic and Kia Rio finishing in the top three as well.
Small Premium Car – Lexus CT
The Lexus CT, a luxury version of the Toyota Prius, beat out the BMW 2 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class for top honors in the Small Premium Car segment.
Compact Car – Toyota Corolla
Always a consistent performer in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, the Toyota Corolla ranked best in the Compact Car category. Also being recognized is the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra.
Compact Sporty Car – Buick Cascada / Scion tC
There is a tie this year for the highest quality Compact Sporty Car, with the Buick Cascada and Scion tC both being recognized in the category. Also in the top three is the Hyundai Veloster.
Compact MPV – Kia Soul
Although Kia ranks best among all automakers, it only has one model that is recognized. The Kia Soul is the highest-ranked Compact MPV and is actually the only Compact MPV on the list since no other model in the segment performs above average.
Compact Premium Car – Lincoln MKZ
Leading the way in the Compact Premium Car segment is the Lincoln MKZ, followed by the Lexus ES and BMW 3 Series.
Compact Premium Sporty Car – Audi TT
The Audi TT receives top honors in the Compact Premium Sporty Car segment, scoring better than the Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman.
Midsize Car – Toyota Camry
Like the Toyota Corolla, the Toyota Camry consistently finds itself recognized in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. It’s the best Midsize Car, although the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord also finished in the top three in the segment.
Sporty Car – Dodge Challenger
Surprisingly, only the Dodge Challenger performs above segment average in the Midsize Sporty Car category, making it the undisputed leader in quality within the segment.
Minivan – Chrysler Town & Country
It’s hard to believe there are even three minivans to compete, but there are. Only two, however, perform above segment average and they both come from FCA. The Chrysler Town & Country is rated higher than the Dodge Grand Caravan.
Midsize Premium Car – Lexus GS
The Midsize Premium Car category is getting competitive, but Toyota’s luxury arm is still best. The Lexus GS ranked highest while the Audi A7 and Hyundai Genesis are also in the top three.
Midsize Premium Sporty Car – Porsche 911
Like the Midsize Sporty Car category, only one vehicle performed above segment average and it is the Porsche 911.
Large Car – Hyundai Azera
In the Large Car category, the Hyundai Azera paves the way, while the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala follows.
