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JD Power Tech Experience Index Study 2016

Mar 25, 2017
  • Image Credit: BMW

A Love/Hate Relationship with Technology

  • Image Credit: Kia

Compact: Kia Forte

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Customers loved safety systems in the TEI Study, and the Forte's tech suite is quite robust. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking are optional on everything but the most basic Forte LX. Combine that with Kia's likable UVO infotainment system (standard on mid-range S and top-end EX), which includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the Kia's top-spot ranking makes sense.

Runners Up: Scion iM, Mitsubishi Outlander

Kia Forte Information

Kia Forte
  • Image Credit: Hyundai

Small: Hyundai Tucson

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While we know the latest Tucson is competent enough to drive, its ranking here is something of a surprise. While it offers a modern alphabet soup of safety features – everything we listed on the previous slide – many of the features are only available on the top-end Limited trim, including the autonomous emergency braking system. Still, pairing phones and working the navigation system are both easy feats in the Tucson, which could explain the first of Hyundai's two wins.

Runners Up: Scion iA, Fiat 500X

Hyundai Tucson Information

Hyundai Tucson
  • Image Credit: Chevrolet

Midsize: Chevrolet Camaro

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Doubtless Chevrolet's standard OnStar system and MyLink infotainment system paid dividends for the Camaro in the midsize segment. Both systems are dead simple to work with, which we suspect allows the Chevy's muscle car to buck the trend of disappointing navigation system results in this year's TEI.

Runners Up: Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano (tied)

Chevrolet Camaro Information

Chevrolet Camaro
  • Image Credit: Nissan

Large: Nissan Maxima

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Nissan Maxima Information

Nissan Maxima
  • Image Credit: BMW

Compact Premium: BMW 4 Series

Despite terrible beginnings, BMW's knob/dial-controlled iDrive has transformed into one of the best, most intuitive infotainment systems on the market. Like the Camaro, while drivers in the TEI were quick to hate on navigation systems, we suspect iDrive raked in more points here than some competitors.

Runners Up: Lexus IS, Lincoln MKC

BMW 4 Series Information

BMW 4 Series
  • Image Credit: BMW

Small Premium: BMW 2 Series

You can apply everything we said about the 4 Series to the 2er. iDrive is here and accounted for, likely helping BMW score its second win in this year's TEI. Pairing a smartphone with the system is a breeze, and the addition of Apple CarPlay for 2016 is great – we just wish it didn't carry a $300 price tag. Safety tech is also a cost extra, even though it functions just as well as the competition.

Runners Up: Audi A3, BMW X1

BMW 2 Series Information

BMW 2 Series
  • Image Credit: Hyundai

Midsize Premium: Hyundai Genesis

A lovely head-up display, loads of safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, makes the Genesis an easy car to live with. The infotainment system isn't as good as iDrive – the knob/dial setup just doesn't function the way you might think – but the overall package is still good enough for Hyundai to record a second victory in the 2016 TEI.

Runners Up: Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Hyundai Genesis Information

Hyundai Genesis
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