
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California – Hyundai’s Santa Fe has come through as ”most dependable SUV” in the 2019 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study whose results were released on February 13.
The handsome Hyundai ranked highest in its class from 2016 (yes, it takes time to determine reliability) thanks, the results say, for ”bold design, high-output powertrains and a host of features to please drivers and passengers with high expectations for functionality, versatility and comfort”.
Barry Ratzlaff, vice-president for customer satisfaction with Hyundai America, told The Corner in a media release: “Long-term ownership satisfaction is a key part of the Hyundai Way.
READ MORE Hyundai features on Carman’s Corner
”We strive to create vehicles that deliver quality, safety, bold design, and great value. This Power award recognizes the effort of our R&D, assembly, and quality teams and our dealers. Along with great vehicles, Hyundai gives customers the assurance of a great ownership experience.”
The latest Power study – the 30th – as have its predecessors scales vehicle problems through the previous 12 months by original owners of 2016 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
READ MORE Santa Fe features on Carman’s Corner
The study covers 177 specific problems grouped into eight major vehicle categories.
For the 2019 model year, the latest Santa Fe adds:
- New safety, comfort and convenience technologies
- Increased visibility, cabin and storage space
- Bolder design language