Study: Genesis, Hyundai Have the Best Tech Experience

Sean Tucker 08/27/2025 12:42pm

A new study finds frustration growing with the technology in modern cars
Owners rated the technology in cars from Hyundai and its Genesis luxury brand highest

Drivers are growing more frustrated with the technology in new vehicles, according to a new study.

J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Study asked 76,230 owners of new 2025 model-year vehicles about problems they’d experienced in the first 90 days of owning their new cars, and their satisfaction with their cars’ features. The result?

Scores were lower in both the luxury and mainstream car categories. Researchers found some enthusiasm for new “smart” features that reduce a driver’s workload. But even the highest-rated brand earned a score of just 538 on a 1,000-point scale, down 46 points from last year’s result.

For the fifth straight year, Hyundai’s Genesis luxury brand scored highest. Hyundai finished first among non-luxury brands for the fifth year in a row.

‘Smart’ Features Have Growing Appeal

Features like smart climate control and profiles that remember driver preferences scored well
This reflects a growing trend – technologies once widely rejected are gaining prominence

Researchers created a new category for this year’s study, which “includes seven AI-based technologies designed to enhance the driver experience by anticipating their needs.”

They proved popular. “Several smart technologies, including smart ignition, climate control, and driver preferences, rank among the top 10 in the study for both low problems experienced and high customer satisfaction,” J.D. Power says.

That fits with a growing trend in the auto industry — high-tech features buyers once rejected are winning the public over. A similar survey released last month found partial self-driving systems now the most in-demand option after years of public rejection.

It helps that they’re growing more reliable. Smart climate systems that adjust the cabin temperature without driver input “have shown a notable improvement year over year in user experience, with a reported drop of 6.3 problems per 100 vehicles,” the researchers write.

Even in-vehicle payment systems, once widely rejected, “are gaining interest, with 62% of owners expressing a desire for this feature.”

Overall Scores Down

Though some high-tech features poll well, owners are reporting more problems than last year

Genesis won despite a 46-point drop in its score from last year. Hyundai won among mainstream brands with a performance 25 points worse than last year.

Ironically, two brands that refuse to participate in the survey could have won it.

J.D. Power does not rank Tesla, Rivian, or Polestar because the companies do not permit researchers to see user data in states that require consent. Based on partial results, Tesla would have had the highest overall score at 873, a rare improvement from last year’s unofficial score of 786. Rivian would have scored 730, up from 666.

Scores on a 1,000-Point Scale

Mainstream Brands:

Brand	Score
Hyundai	493
Kia	474
Mitsubishi	471
GMC	465
Mini	461
Buick	457
Chevrolet	457
Toyota	436
Volkswagen	432
Ford	431
Nissan	430
Subaru	428
Mazda	415
Honda	412
Jeep	412
Ram	381
Chrysler	346