The JD Power Survey is a meticulous measure of customer satisfaction, including build quality and reliability, handling and much more.
Customer satisfaction of what some one perceives to be a good car doesn’t actually paint a true picture, in the sense that it is what the owner thinks and if enough people own that particular car and happen to take the survey, logic say its going to score high regardless.
Let me put it another way. I took a test drive of the Sportage and the Tuscon which took delivery of a couple of weeks ago solely because the Sportage was not on the scheme at the time. I can tell you without a shadow of doubt the sportage will score better in any survey solely because it will sell more and will be perceived a better vehicle than the Tuscon, Yet technically they are the same vehicles with different coats on.
To put it another way. In a JD power survey I would score the Tuscon 10/10 apart from fuel economy for reliability, build quality handling and so on. Yet if I were to compare it to my brothers 21 plate X3 the Tuscon wouldn’t necessarily loose. but I would class the X3 a more upmarket Vehicle. It has more precise and weighted steering the interior build quality has less scratchy plastics a better soft touch materials the leather seats don’t have a shiny plastic look and feel plusher etc and if I want to be picky the doors shut with more of a resounding thud. Yet I have given the Tuscon 10/10 just like I would the Sportage because nothing distracts from there overall quality, the way they drive or how comfy they are.
Hyundai / Kia have come along way and hopefully continue to do so, the standard equipment they put into their cars is unbelievable, which further perceives high end and for a every mans/woman’s car they are bloody brilliant. I’m in no doubt its giving the Germans something to think about, making them pay close attention whats fast approaching them from behind, which is a good thing.