J.D. Power APEAL Study: Hyundai Santa Fe Reigns Supreme in Midsize SUV Category
July 31 2024,
J.D. Power's 2024 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study has crowned the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe as the top choice in the midsize SUV segment. This accolade underscores the Santa Fe's strong consumer appeal and its ability to exceed owner expectations in a fiercely competitive market.
Study Details and Methodology
J.D. Power's APEAL Study measures consumer satisfaction and overall vehicle appeal. The research firm utilizes proprietary datasets, advanced analytics, and AI tools to assess various aspects of vehicle ownership. J.D. Power has been a respected authority in automotive industry research since 1968.
Santa Fe's Winning Attributes
The 2024 Santa Fe impressed consumers with its bold, rugged design and spacious interior. The vehicle's family-friendly features, smart technology integration, and safety innovations contributed to its high marks in the study.
Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, stated, "This achievement highlights Santa Fe's bold, rugged design, spacious interior, and smart tech that deeply resonate with the community."
Hyundai's Overall Performance
Hyundai's success extended beyond the Santa Fe, with the brand advancing three ranks to secure fourth place among mass-market automakers. This improvement indicates a broader enhancement in consumer satisfaction across Hyundai's vehicle lineup.
Kona's Strong Showing
The 2024 Hyundai Kona also performed well, securing second place in the Small SUV segment. This achievement demonstrates Hyundai's consistent ability to deliver appealing vehicles across different size categories.
Market Implications
The Santa Fe's top ranking in the APEAL Study could potentially boost consumer interest and sales in the competitive midsize SUV market. It also reflects evolving consumer preferences for vehicles that combine rugged styling with family-oriented features and advanced technology.
For Hyundai, these results validate their design and engineering approach, potentially influencing future product development strategies. The recognition may also strengthen Hyundai's position in the SUV market, a crucial segment for many automakers.
As the automotive industry continues to advance, studies like J.D. Power's APEAL provide valuable insights into consumer preferences and satisfaction. For consumers, these results offer an additional perspective when considering their next vehicle purchase.
