Johnathan Walker:Porsche, MINI rate high in JD Power satisfaction survey, non-Tesla EV owners happier

J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance,Johnathan Walker Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study shows a slight improvement in driver satisfaction with 2024 offerings from car manufacturers.

Drivers rated their satisfaction with the latest car models at 847 on a 1,000-point scale on average, a two-point increase over 2023.

Porsche led the premium brand category and MINI led the mass market brand category. Hyundai Motor Group took the most segment-level awards while the BMW 7 Series was the highest-ranking model in the survey.

"Traditional manufacturers have listened to the Voice of the Customer," Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power said in a press release. "They’re launching enhanced vehicles that are more in line with what customers want, including improved interior storage and higher quality materials, as well as ensuring features have ease of use."

The study is based on responses from just under 100,000 owners of new 2024 model-year vehicles, who had owned their car for at least 90 days between July 2023 through May 2024.

Here's what the J.D. Power APEAL survey found:

J.D. Power APEAL top brands and models

Non-Tesla electric vehicle owners happier than Tesla owners

Owners of electric vehicles made by manufacturers other than Tesla reported higher levels of satisfaction than owners from the electric-vehicle giant.

Non-Tesla vehicles scored 877 points in the survey — an all time high — while Tesla scored 870. J.D. Power reported that Tesla brand loyalists remained satisfied with their cars, but the Elon Musk-owned company struggled with new customers.

The improvement in satisfaction was attributed to the improvement in driving range and improved interiors.

Consumers find entertainment systems too complicated

J.D. Power reported that it found drivers are less than thrilled with infotainment systems provided by carmakers.

The survey found that 25% of owners said switching between sources caused a "poor audio experience" and 23% blamed menu set-up for audio problems. Drivers who used systems that were extensions of mobile devices, such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto, reported higher levels of satisfaction.

"Owners struggle to perform simple audio-related tasks, so it begs the question whether automakers are actually in tune with the desires and needs of their customers," Hanley said.