Genesis, Kia, Hyundai – marques under Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group – swept the top 3 places on J.D. Power’s annual quality study of new cars sold in the United States for the second year in a row.

According to the Initial Quality Study released by U.S.-based J.D. Power on Wednesday (local time), Genesis ranked highest among 32 automotive brands in overall initial quality with a score of 63. Its siblings Kia Motors came second and Hyundai Motor third with a score of 70 and 71, respectively. It is the second consecutive year for the trio to dominate quality rank. Distant fourth was Ford with a score of 83, followed by Lincoln with 84.

J.D. Power’s measures initial quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score meaning higher quality. The latest study was based on responses from 76,256 purchasers and lessees on new 2019 model-year cars. It was conducted from February through May this year.

G70, compact model of Hyundai Motor Group’s premium sedan line Genesis, was named the winner of the respective segment. G80 ranked No. 2 in luxury midsize car category.

Kia that came second in overall initial quality retained its crown in the mass market segment for the fifth year in a row.

Hyundai Motor, No.3 in overall quality with its best-ever score of 71, was named the second-best in the mass market segment.

Six of Hyundai Motor Group models received the highest score in their respective segments. They are Genesis G70, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Forte, Kia Rio, Kia Sedona, and Kia Sportage.​

By Lee Jong-hyuk and Cho Jeehyun

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]