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Cars Hyundai Motor Group Claims Five Segment Awards in JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study
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Cars Hyundai Motor Group Claims Five Segment Awards in JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study
Cars Hyundai Motor Group Claims Five Segment Awards in JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study
Cars Hyundai Motor Group Claims Five Segment Awards in JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study
Cars Hyundai Motor Group Claims Five Segment Awards in JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study
SEOUL, July 1, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) demonstrated outstanding product quality in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM, earning five segment awards for achieving the lowest number of reported problems in their respective vehicle categories.
The Group also had 12 models finish in the top three of their respective segments — the highest among all automotive groups — further reinforcing its leadership in vehicle quality across a broad range of vehicle categories.
Hyundai Motor Group's exceptional performance in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study reflects our unwavering commitment to product quality. Earning five segment awards, together with Genesis rising to second in the overall brand rankings, demonstrates the strength of our global quality management and our ability to deliver vehicles our customers can trust from day one.
President and Global Chief Safety and Quality Officer at Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group delivered one of its strongest performances in this year’s study, earning five segment awards and placing 12 models in the top three of their respective segments — the highest total among all automotive groups.
The Group’s manufacturing excellence was also recognized with Kia Mexico plant in Nuevo León receiving the Gold Plant Quality Award for the Americas, while Genesis climbed to second place in the overall brand rankings.
Three Hyundai Motor models ranked highest in their respective segments. SANTA CRUZ claimed the midsize pickup title for the third consecutive year, while SONATA and VENUE topped the midsize car and small SUV segments, respectively. KONA and ELANTRA also finished second in their respective segments, highlighting the breadth of Hyundai Motor’s competitive lineup.
Hyundai Motor has outperformed the industry average for three consecutive years, with continued improvements across most of its vehicle lineup. The brand also recorded particularly strong results in infotainment, further demonstrating its focus on delivering a high-quality ownership experience.
Genesis advanced to second place in the overall brand rankings, a significant improvement from ninth place in 2025. Genesis also ranked second among premium brands while continuing to outperform the premium industry average.
The improvement was driven by meaningful quality gains across its core lineup, particularly GV70 and GV80. Both models recorded significant reductions in reported problems, with GV70 posting notable improvements in infotainment and features, controls and displays (FCD), while GV80 showed broad improvements across multiple quality categories.
Genesis also delivered exceptional results across multiple vehicle categories, with G70, G80 and GV80, each finishing in the top three of their respective segments. These results underscore the brand’s continued focus on craftsmanship, engineering excellence and owner satisfaction during the first 90 days of ownership.
Kia earned two segment awards in this year’s study, with Carnival ranking highest among minivans and K4 leading the compact car segment. K5 and Sorento ranked in the top three of the midsize car and upper midsize SUV segments, respectively.
Beyond vehicle quality, Kia’s manufacturing excellence was also recognized. The company’s assembly plant in Nuevo León, Mexico, received the Gold Plant Quality Award for the Americas after recording the region’s lowest level of defects and malfunctions. It marks the first Hyundai Motor Group manufacturing facility to receive the prestigious award, underscoring the Group’s commitment to manufacturing quality.
| Segment Awards | 5 Winners
|
| Top 3 by Segment | 12 Models (Hyundai 5 / Kia 4 / Genesis 3)
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| Manufacturing | Gold Plant Quality Award (North/South America) – Kia Mexico Plant |
Sunnah Baek
sunnah.baek@hyundai.com
Global PR Team 2 · Hyundai Motor company
Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor Group believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
About JD Power
JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance. Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication, and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at:
http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Newsroom, Genesis Newsroom
