Hyundai’s Santa Fe has received one of the world’s most highly respected awards for long-term owner satisfaction, being named as the most dependable mid-size SUV in the J.D. Power 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study.
The United States-based study, now in its 30th year, examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by 80,000 original owners of 2016 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
The study covers 177 specific problems, with cars grouped into eight major vehicle categories. The Santa Fe ranked highest in its class, demonstrating real-world dependability based on the experience of real owners.
“Dependability is the foundation of Hyundai’s success as a brand, so this is an important award for us as a company,” said Hyundai’s Middle East and Africa Head of Operations, Mike Song. “We offer customers bold design, powerful performance, versatility, and a host of advanced technologies to keep drivers and passengers comfortable, happy and safe. Most of all, we promise all of this in a car that people can depend on year after year.”
As a long-term test, the 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study assessed a model-year of the previous third-generation Santa Fe. Hyundai launched an all-new fourth generation during 2018.
Mike Song said he believes the current Santa Fe goes even further to create satisfied customers. For 2019 models, the Santa Fe features new safety, comfort and convenience technologies, better visibility, increased cabin and storage space, and bolder design language.
J.D. Power is a global market information consultancy, known for its research into customer satisfaction and product quality. Its automotive surveys include the Vehicle Dependability Study each year, and also the Initial Quality Study which looks at problems people have with new cars during the first 90 days of ownership.
Hyundai has achieved strong results in previous J.D. Power surveys, including the Hyundai Tucson being named as most dependable small SUV in the 2018 Vehicle Dependability Study.
Also in 2018, the Hyundai Kona was the top-rated small car in the J.D. Power Tech Experience Study, which measured owners’ experience, usage and interaction with driver-centric vehicle technology. Kona topped the small segment in technology categories such as entertainment and connectivity, driving assistance, collision protection and smartphone mirroring.
