Photos
    • Image Credit: Nissan
    For years, J.D. Power has conducted surveys of new car owners to gather data about problems with their vehicles within their first 90 days of ownership. The Initial Quality Study collects this information and rates each model. The results are adjusted based on sales numbers to determine a number of “problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).”

    While J.D. Power does not release the specific numbers for each model, it does rank one vehicle in each of a number of segments as being the best-quality option, meaning it had the fewest problems.

    Click through the gallery to see the best-scoring SUVs in the 2014 J.D. Power IQS.
  • Compact Premium SUV: 2014 Infiniti QX50
    • Image Credit: Nissan

    Compact Premium SUV: 2014 Infiniti QX50

    Sticker Price: $34,850 - $38,600
    Invoice Price: $32,410 - $25,898
    Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway

    The Infiniti QX50 was ranked as the top quality compact premium SUV in the Initial Quality Study. One of the most affordable luxury crossovers, the QX50 offers a comfortable interior, refined ride and a host of standard and optional features. It's well-equipped at its base level, but some notable optional features include the stellar Around View monitor, a lane departure warning/prevention system and intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning.

    Other compact premium SUVs that performed well on the IQS are the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

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  • Compact SUV: 2014 GMC Terrain
    • Image Credit: GM

    Compact SUV: 2014 GMC Terrain

    Sticker Price: $26,465 - $36,905
    Invoice Price: $25,142 - $35,060
    Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway

    The GMC Terrain is the best-quality compact SUV, according to J.D. Power. The Terrain employs polarizing design, a luxurious interior, car-like handling and lots of interior space. It is powered by either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 hp, or a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 301 hp. Both engines achieve solid fuel economy, making this vehicle a practical purchase. Cargo space is a bit more cramped than expected, but the Terrain still boasts a high level of versatility.

    Other high-quality compact SUVs include the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

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  • Large SUV: 2014 GMC Yukon
    • Image Credit: Wieck

    Large SUV: 2014 GMC Yukon

    Sticker Price: $44,455 - $61,315
    Invoice Price: $41,343 - $57.023
    Fuel Economy: 15 mpg City, 21 mpg Highway

    The GMC Yukon is a big, burly eight-passenger SUV, capable of hauling copious amounts of cargo in its spacious interior and towing up to 5,500 lbs. The Yukon is available as a 4x2 or 4x4 and is powered by either a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 or a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 that is E85 fuel compatible. When equipped with the Heavy Duty trailering package, it can tow up to 8,500 lbs.

    The Chevrolet Suburban was also a top pick in the large SUV segment, tying with the Yukon.

    Other Research the GMC Yukon
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  • Midsize Premium SUV: 2014 Lincoln MKX
    • Image Credit: Ford

    Midsize Premium SUV: 2014 Lincoln MKX

    Sticker Price: $38,575 - $40-525
    Invoice Price: $36,637 - $38,499
    Fuel Economy: 18 mpg City, 26 mpg Highway

    The Lincoln MKX was the top-rated midsize premium SUV in the J.D. Power IQS. The MKX is a super comfortable vehicle, coming with loads of standard luxury features, such as dual-zone auto climate control, leather trim, heated and cooled front seats, remote start, MyLincoln Touch driver connect system and a power liftgate. Other optional features include a large glass-paneled sunroof, heated rear seats, navigation system, rear entertainment system and a THX certified audio system

    Other midsize premium SUVs that received mention in the IQS include the Porsche Cayenne and the Infiniti QX70.

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  • Midsize SUV: 2014 Ford Edge
    • Image Credit: Ford

    Midsize SUV: 2014 Ford Edge

    Sticker Price: $28,100 - $39,550
    Invoice Price: $26,484 - $36,881
    Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway

    The Ford Edge is a stylish, roomy crossover powered by either a 285-hp 3.5-liter V6, a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 or a 237-hp 2.0-liter turbo I4. The Edge was the top quality midsize SUV in the J.D. Power IQS. Comfortable, versatile and decently fuel efficient, the Edge is a solid choice if you need a little more room, but don't want to totally sacrifice driving dynamics or exterior design.

    Other midsize SUVs recognized in the study include the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Murano.

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  • Small SUV: 2014 Buick Encore
    • Image Credit: Buick

    Small SUV: 2014 Buick Encore

    Sticker Price: $24,160 - $40,465
    Invoice Price: $23,194 - $29,246
    Fuel Economy: 25 mpg City, 33 mpg Highway

    The Buick Encore has enjoyed some surprising success in both sales and reviews. This compact crossover has risen to popularity with its surprisingly spacious interior, long list of luxury amenities and solid fuel economy. Standard features on the Encore include the Buick QuietTuning acoustics package with active noise cancellation (which makes for a very quiet ride), 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and an IntelliLink audio system with a 7-inch color touch screen.

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  • Small SUV: 2014 Kia Sportage
    • Image Credit: Kia

    Small SUV: 2014 Kia Sportage

    Sticker Price: $21,600 - $28,400
    Invoice Price: $20,727 - $26,504
    Fuel Economy: 21 mpg City, 28 mpg Highway

    The Kia Sportage was another small SUV that received top-quality honors in the 2014 J.D. Power IQS. The Sportage is a five passenger vehicle that is offered in front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). A 182-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on the LX and EX trims and a 260-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on the SX trim. This crossover employs car-like handling and a stylish exterior, making it a versatile and attractive option if you need some more space.

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  • Small SUV: 2014 Nissan Juke
    • Image Credit: Nissan

    Small SUV: 2014 Nissan Juke

    Sticker Price: $19,170 - $28,120
    Invoice Price: $18,480 - $26,938
    Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway

    The Nissan Juke isn't pretty, but it sure is fun to drive and it's one of the best quality crossovers you can buy, according to J.D. Power. The standard engine is a 188-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with direct gasoline injection. The NISMO trim includes an upgraded 197-hp engine. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth bucket seats, 60-40 fold-down rear seat, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system.

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