Hyundai Motor tops J.D. Power's innovation rankings

Hyudai Motor's Elantra N Line sedan / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

By Baek Byung-yeul

Hyundai Motor's technological capability has been recognized by a U.S. research institute as the carmaker topped J.D. Power's latest innovation rankings.

According to J.D. Power's 2020 U.S. Tech Experience Index, Tuesday, Hyundai Motor received a score of 556 in the overall innovation ranking of the mass market segment to top the index that classes automakers on technological innovation.

Hyundai was followed by Subaru with a score of 541, Kia Motors with 538, Nissan with 534 and Ram with 520. “Hyundai offers an above average level of technologies and scores well for excellence in execution,” J.D. Power said.

When combining with the index for luxury cars, Volvo topped the list with 617, followed by BMW with 583 and Cadillac with 577. Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's luxury car brand, ranked fifth in the overall ranking with 559.

The Tech Experience Index research is based on responses from 82,527 owners of new 2020 model vehicle who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

The study analyzes 34 technologies, which are divided into four categories ― convenience; emerging automation; energy and sustainability; and infotainment and connectivity.

Hyundai Motor's sister company Kia Motors' SUV brand Sportage won the infotainment and connectivity award in the mass market segment. Genesis' G70 compact sedan received the luxury model emerging automation award for rear cross traffic warning technology.