XC60 Hybrid

Make
Volvo
Segment
SUV

Following its APEAL study and the Initial Quality Study, JD Power has just published the results of its 2020 US Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, the last of the 90-day new vehicle ownership indexes, which revealed some interesting results. Although intuitive technology is important for automakers to offer, consumers value different pieces of tech more than others.

More camera views, for instance, were a highly requested feature. Features like gesture controls and semi-autonomous systems were lower-rated based on satisfaction and usage. JD Power conglomerated the findings by individual brands to create an Innovation Index score, showing the level of advanced technologies across an entire product lineup.

Volvo ranked at the top of the list with a score of 617. After recently driving the 2020 Volvo XC60 Polestar, we can see why consumers came away impressed with the company's safety, luxury, and audio technology. BMW ranked second with 583, followed by Cadillac with 577, Mercedes-Benz with 567, and Genesis with 559. JD Power profiled Telsa for the first time, and the company would have claimed the number two spot with a score of 593. However, Tesla can not be included in the official list because the company does not allow JD Power to survey owners in 15 of the 50 states.

Hyundai ranks number one in the mainstream segment with a score of 556 based on an above-average level of technology and excellent ratings in execution. Subaru is second with 541, followed by Kia with 538, Nissan with 534, and Ram with 520. Acura, Honda, Jeep, Porsche, and Mini rank at the bottom of the list.

The TXI study also gives out individual model awards based on 34 technologies, which are divided into four categories: convenience, emerging automation, energy and sustainability, and infotainment and connectivity.

The Cadillac CT5 and Subaru Ascent win for convenience with their rear seat reminder technology and rear camera mirror tech. The Cadillac Escalade, Genesis G70, and Chevy Camaro win the emerging automation award for rear cross-traffic warning. Finally, the Cadillac XT5 and Kia Sportage win the infotainment and connectivity award with navigation live traffic technology.