Photo: Dominic Boucher
Just like they did last year, Korean brands highlight J.D. Power’s 2022 Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study released this week.
The TXI is based on responses from more than 84,000 owners of new 2022 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. It combines the level of adoption of new technologies for each brand with excellence in execution. The execution measurement examines how much owners like the technologies and how many problems they experience while using them.
With an Innovation Index score of 643, Genesis ranks highest overall and highest among premium brands. Hyundai (534) and Kia (495) rank highest among mass-market brands. Tesla (681) would have been the overall leader, but once again the company fails to meet all of the criteria in the study. Same thing for Polestar (603).
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Here is how the top 10 stacks up:
- Genesis (643)
- Cadillac (584)
- Mercedes-Benz (539)
- Hyundai (534)
- Volvo (526)
- BMW (516)
- Land Rover (509)
- Kia (495)
- Infiniti (492)
- Lexus (491)
At the bottom of the ranking are Ford (444), Porsche (439), Chrysler (429) and Honda (429), with Mazda (387) well below every other brand due to its infotainment system that seems to annoy most drivers.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
It’s worth pointing out that not all new technologies in modern vehicles require a steep learning curve or generate plenty of frustration and distraction. However, some car brands are better than others at integrating them and ensuring user-friendly operation.
Some of the most appreciated tech features in 2022 include digital rear-view mirrors and apps that turn a smartphone into a virtual key. Conversely, fingerprint readers and gesture control systems are the most problematic ones.
Photo: BMW
“Automakers should consider benchmarking brands that innovate well for a technology, which would allow them to identify and then integrate best practices,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power. “Effective innovators understand that new technologies can be introduced successfully with proper design and execution.”
Also, a dealer demonstrating almost all advanced and emerging technologies at the time of delivery results in owners being less likely to abandon a technology after trying it. “When a dealer educates a new owner, it elevates the entire ownership experience,” Rizk noted.