SEOUL – J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS) has ranked the Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza as leaders in the U.S. Small SUV and Large Car segments, respectively. Furthermore, Kia has moved up four positions over last year’s IQS ranking and now stands at number six (in a tie) in the U.S. automotive industry for initial quality out of a field of 32 car brands. The 2014 Sportage ranked first (in a tie) in the Small SUV segment for the second consecutive year, and the Cadenza ranked highest in the prestigious Large Car category, recognized by IQS for its first U.S. model year.
“The results of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study demonstrate Kia’s long-term strategy to concentrate on quality, strengthen our brand and elevate the ownership experience,” said John Crowe, vice president, service & aftersale operations, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The Sportage and the Cadenza are two prime examples of how far the entire Kia model line-up has progressed in the way of design, performance, sophistication and value.”
Aside from Kia’s highest ranking ever and Sportage’s back-to-back honors, Cadenza’s score was the second best for any Kia model in history. The annual report analyzed responses from 86,118 respondents in the U.S. with regards to 239 vehicle models across 23 segments. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.