Top-Ranked Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study

Abstract:

J.D. Power's 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study measures the quality of new vehicles after 90 days of ownership. Explore the best rated cars, trucks, and SUVs in the 2016 IQS.

Year:

2 016

• For 30 years, the annual J.D. Power Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS) has examined the problems reported by owners of new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. The study measures more than 200 individual vehicle parameters, and the 2016 U.S. IQS captures responses from more than 80,000 vehicle owners.
  
  This year, a total of 27 models receive an award for initial quality. Displayed in alphabetical order by make and model on the pages that follow, these are the top-ranked cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans in their respective segments.

• 2016 Audi Q3

  In the Small Premium SUV segment, the Audi Q3 ranks highest in initial quality in 2016. Following its debut for the 2015 model year, the 2016 Q3 receives a minor refresh (this model had been on sale in other global markets for several years). Highlights include revised styling, updated interior, and more standard equipment.

• 2016 Audi TT

  In the Compact Premium Sporty Car segment, the Audi TT is the top-ranked model. Redesigned for 2016, the turbocharged and all-wheel-drive Audi TT is offered as a coupe or a convertible, while a performance-oriented version called the TTS comes only as a coupe.

• 2016 BMW X5

  In the Midsize Premium SUV category, the BMW X5 ranks highest. Debuting in 2016 is a new plug-in hybrid version, providing an estimated 14 miles of electric driving range combined with an EPA estimate of 56 MPGe.

• 2016 Buick Cascada

  In the Compact Sporty Car category, the Buick Cascada is the top-ranked model in initial quality in 2016. A new entry to the U.S. market, the Cascada is a 4-seat convertible based on an Opel model that is sold overseas. The Cascada was designed and engineered in Germany and comes with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

• 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

  In the Compact SUV segment, the Chevrolet Equinox ranks highest. For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet makes minor changes to the styling, adds more standard equipment, and offers a new blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

• 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD

  In the Large Heavy Duty Pickup category, the Chevrolet Silverado HD is the top-ranked model. New features for 2016 include digital steering assist technology, optional factory-installed fifth-wheel trailering package, and improved MyLink infotainment systems. Tow ratings are now measured to SAE J2807 standards.

• 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

  In the Large Light Duty Pickup category, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks highest in initial quality. Chevrolet updates the Silverado’s styling for 2016, adds new driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, and offers the truck with several new special-edition appearance packages.

• 2016 Chevrolet Spark

  In the City Car segment, the Chevrolet Spark is the top-ranked model for initial quality in 2016. Redesigned this year, the Spark matures with a more conservative appearance, more powerful engine, the latest infotainment and collision-avoidance technologies, and more.

• 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe

  In the Large SUV segment, the Chevrolet Tahoe takes top honors. New driver-assistance and collision-avoidance technologies debut for the 2016 Tahoe, as well as a next-generation infotainment system with smartphone-projection technology.

• 2016 Chrysler Town & Country

  In the Minivan segment, the Chrysler Town & Country ranks highest in initial quality in 2016. In its final year on the market (the T&C is replaced by the all-new Chrysler Pacifica for 2017), Chrysler’s minivan is offered in an Anniversary Edition model featuring popular equipment.

• 2016 Dodge Challenger

  In the Midsize Sporty Car segment of the 2016 U.S. IQS, the Dodge Challenger leads the pack in terms of the fewest customer-reported quality problems. Aside from a new Blacktop appearance package, new Plum Crazy paint color, and more standard equipment for the Hellcat variant, the Challenger is unchanged for the 2016 model year.

• 2016 GMC Terrain

  In the Compact SUV segment, the GMC Terrain is the top-ranked model in initial quality in 2016. This year, GMC expands the availability of the Terrain Denali’s blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert to make it optional on lower trim levels. Revised styling and an improved interior also debut for 2016.

• 2016 Hyundai Accent

  In the Small Car segment, the Hyundai Accent ranks highest in initial quality. A new SE trim level serves as the base model for both the hatchback and sedan, and Hyundai provides a revised infotainment system with improved voice-recognition technology.

• 2016 Hyundai Azera

  In the Large Car segment, the Hyundai Azera is the top-ranked model for initial quality in 2016. The Limited trim level adds dynamic cruise control with automatic stop-and-go capability this year, making the automaker’s full-size sedan easier to drive in traffic.

• 2016 Kia Soul

  In the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment of the 2016 U.S. IQS, the Kia Soul ranks highest. Kia shuffles standard and optional equipment this year, introduces a new Designer Collection option, and offers new collision-avoidance technologies.

• 2016 Kia Sportage

  The Kia Sportage is the top-ranked model in initial quality in 2016 in the Small SUV segment. In its final year before a complete redesign, the Sportage EX and SX trim levels add standard equipment, and Kia offers new option packages for the LX and EX versions.

• 2016 Lexus CT

  In the Small Premium Car segment, the Lexus CT is the top-ranked model. Chrome trim is added to the grille for 2016, a power sunroof is now optional, and Lexus provides new subscription-based service packages to CT owners.

• 2016 Lexus GS

  In the Midsize Premium Car segment, the Lexus GS ranks highest in initial quality in 2016. A new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine debuts as the standard power plant, the GS F performance model joins the lineup, and all GS variants have new styling details. Improved infotainment and collision-avoidance technologies also arrive for 2016.

• 2016 Lincoln MKZ

  In the Compact Premium Car segment, the Lincoln MKZ is the top-ranked model. Lincoln makes no changes to the car for 2016, aside from minor color variations, in advance of a significant freshening for the 2017 model year.

• 2016 Lincoln Navigator

  In the Large Premium SUV segment, the Lincoln Navigator ranks highest in initial quality in 2016. Following a substantial update for the 2015 model year, the 2016 Navigator is unchanged aside from the installation of a new infotainment system called Sync 3.

• 2016 Nissan Frontier

  In the Midsize Pickup segment, the Nissan Frontier is the top-ranked model in initial quality in 2016. Built for a decade straight, and with few changes, the Frontier offers new paint colors and expanded availability of a power sunroof for 2016.

• 2016 Porsche 911

  In the Midsize Premium Sporty Car category of the 2016 U.S. IQS, the Porsche 911 ranks highest. Porsche continues to flesh out the extensive 911 model range this year, adding new Targa GTS and GT3 RS variants to the lineup.

• 2016 Porsche Macan

  In the Compact Premium SUV category, the Porsche Macan is the top-ranked model. Additional standard equipment improves the Macan for 2016, which continues in S and Turbo trim levels.

• 2016 Scion tC

  In the Compact Sporty Car segment, the Scion tC is the top-ranked model in terms of initial quality. For its final year on the market, the tC adds standard equipment as well as a final special-edition variant.

• 2016 Toyota Camry

  In the Midsize Car segment, the Toyota Camry ranks highest in initial quality in 2016. A new Special Edition version was briefly available, equipped with unique paint, different aluminum wheels, special interior upgrades, and extra standard equipment.

• 2016 Toyota Corolla

  In the Compact Car segment, the Toyota Corolla is the top-ranked model in initial quality. A new Special Edition version of the Corolla was offered for a short time, featuring blacked-out aluminum wheels, unique interior trim, and more equipment.

• 2016 Toyota Highlander

  In the Midsize SUV segment, the Toyota Highlander ranks highest in initial quality in 2016. Most versions come with a standard towing package for 2016, and rain-sensing wipers are new for the top-of-the-line Platinum package.
  
  Additional Research:

  • Learn More about the 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study

  • View 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study Ratings

  • View All Automotive Study Ratings

  • View All Automotive Study Articles

  • Search Local Inventory

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