Hyundai Finishes Second Among Mass-Market Brands in J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study; Santa Cruz Named Top Midsize Pickup

Rhea-AI Summary

Hyundai (OTC:HYMTF) achieved significant recognition in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study, ranking second among mass-market brands and third overall in the industry for the second consecutive year. The company's Santa Cruz model topped the Midsize Pickup category for the second year running, while other models also performed exceptionally well: Sonata (2nd in Midsize Car), Elantra (3rd in Compact Car), and Palisade (3rd in Upper Midsize SUV).

The study, based on responses from 92,694 new vehicle owners, measures initial quality through problems per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. Notable improvements were seen in the IONIQ 5 with updates from the new Georgia metaplant, and the New Santa Fe launched with improved scores compared to its previous generation.

Positive

• Ranked 2nd among mass-market brands and 3rd overall in industry quality
• Santa Cruz named top Midsize Pickup for second consecutive year
• Multiple vehicles ranked in top 3 of their segments (Sonata, Elantra, Palisade)
• IONIQ 5 showed significant quality improvements
• New Santa Fe launched with better quality scores than previous generation

Negative

• None.

• Hyundai rises to second among mass-market brands
• Hyundai ranks third in the industry overall for the second year in a row
• Santa Cruz Top Midsize Pickup for the second consecutive year
• Hyundai Sonata finishes second in the Midsize Car segmentⁱ
• Hyundai Elantra finishes third in the Compact Car segment
• Hyundai Palisade finishes third in Upper Midsize SUV segmentⁱⁱ

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai ranked second among mass-market brands and third overall in the industry for the second consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)℠. For vehicles, the Hyundai Santa Cruz was the highest-ranked Midsize Pickup for the second year in a row. This recognition reinforces Santa Cruz's reputation for bold design, everyday versatility, and exceptional quality. Additionally, the Sonata finished second and the Elantra and Palisade each secured third place in their respective segments.

Hyundai's rise to second among mass-market brands in the J.D. Power 2025 IQS reflects our entire Hyundai Motor Group team applying relentless collaboration and focus on quality," said Barry Ratzlaff, chief customer officer, Hyundai Motor North America. "Santa Cruz leading the midsize pickup segment for the second year in a row is no coincidence; this vehicle was designed to be different, and thanks to the dedication of our teams, it's not just turning heads, it's delivering where it matters most: quality, and driver confidence. IONIQ 5 improved significantly with key updates and the launch from the new metaplant in Georgia. The New Santa Fe from HMMA launched with a better score than the prior generation. Recognition for Sonata, Elantra, and Palisade further reinforces the strength and consistency of our entire lineup."

Underneath its distinctive styling, the Santa Cruz delivers refined driving dynamics, clever storage solutions, and an interior packed with technology. These features make it equally at home on city streets and backcountry roads. With a robust powertrain, standard safety features, and intuitive connectivity, it offers the versatility of a pickup with the polish of a crossover.

Study Highlights:

• The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 92,694 purchasers and lessees of new 2025 model-year vehicles surveyed early in their ownership period. This is the study's 39^th year.
  
  
• J.D. Power measures initial quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership. A lower score reflects higher quality.
  
  
• Conducted between June 2024 through May 2025, the J.D. Power 2025 IQS study is the result of Voice of the Customer (VOC) questions plus relevant repair data survey results organized into 10 categories: infotainment; features, control and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; climate; and unspecified (unique to repair). The study is designed to provide automakers with information to help identify problems and drive product improvement.

About J.D. Power
J.D. Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. J.D. Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to help its clients optimize business performance. J.D. Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit jdpower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto-shopping tool can be found at jdpower.com.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

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i	Tied in 2025 with the Chevrolet Malibu
ii	Tied in 2025 with the Nissan Pathfinder

 

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

FAQ

How did Hyundai perform in the J.D. Power 2025 Initial Quality Study?

Hyundai ranked second among mass-market brands and third overall in the industry for the second consecutive year.

Which Hyundai models received top rankings in the 2025 J.D. Power IQS?

The Santa Cruz ranked first in Midsize Pickup, Sonata ranked second in Midsize Car, while Elantra and Palisade each ranked third in their respective segments.

How many vehicle owners participated in the 2025 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study?

The study was based on responses from 92,694 purchasers and lessees of new 2025 model-year vehicles.

What improvements did Hyundai make in their vehicle quality for 2025?

Hyundai reported significant improvements in the IONIQ 5 with updates from their new Georgia metaplant, and the New Santa Fe launched with better quality scores than its previous generation.

How does J.D. Power measure initial quality in their study?

J.D. Power measures initial quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.