Hyundai Motor Group has once again claimed the top spot in the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), marking the second consecutive year the company has been named the highest-ranked corporation in one of the industry’s most respected benchmarks of new-vehicle quality. The recognition is yet another milestone in Hyundai and Kia’s remarkable rise over the past decade, from value-focused underdogs to industry leaders in both quality and innovation.
Hyundai Can’t Be Stopped
The 2025 IQS, now in its 39th year, evaluated responses from over 92,000 new car owners during the first 90 days of ownership, measuring the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). Hyundai Motor Group— Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands—tied for the top ranking among all automakers, solidifying the brand’s undeniable excellence in vehicle design, engineering, and manufacturing.
The Best Hyundai Models
Among individual standouts, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz took top honors in the Midsize Pickup category, while the Kia Telluride claimed the crown for Upper Midsize SUVs. Hyundai ranked third overall and second among mass-market brands, while Kia landed in eighth place and Genesis climbed to ninth, ranking third among premium nameplates.
But perhaps the most telling metric of the group’s success is in the plants themselves. Three Hyundai Motor Group production facilities were singled out for exceptional build quality: Hyundai Motor’s Ulsan Plant 5 and Kia’s AutoLand Gwangju Plant 1 tied for second place among Asia-Pacific factories, while Kia’s Mexico assembly plant (KMX) ranked third among all North American plants.
This Success Is Years In The Making
Hyundai has had this strategy in motion for years. Over the past decade, Hyundai and Kia have poured resources into R&D, overhauled design language, focused heavily on customer feedback, and committed to tight manufacturing tolerances. What was once an economy brand that offered buy-one-get-one-free deals (literally) has matured into a powerhouse of dependability, tech-savvy features, and segment-defining design that people are proud to own.
“The results speak to a deeper truth,” said a Hyundai spokesperson. “We’ve worked tirelessly to put quality first at every step—from the drawing board to the assembly line—and we’re honored to see that effort recognized by our customers and by J.D. Power.”
Hyundai Isn’t Slowing Down
With this back-to-back IQS win and continued segment success, Hyundai Motor Group shows no signs of slowing down. As the industry transitions into electrification and advanced driver-assist systems, Hyundai and Kia’s hard-earned trust in build quality may prove even more valuable.
In a world where reputation often determines buying decisions, Hyundai Motor Group’s consistent high marks are a strong indicator of why more drivers are making the switch—and why they’re likely to keep coming back.
Read the full article here