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

Abstract:

This year, a total of 25 models receive an award for their overall appeal to consumers. Displayed in alphabetical order by make and model on the pages that follow are the models that rank highest in their respective segments.

Year:

2 016

• Introduction

  Conducted annually, the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study^SM measures owner satisfaction with the design, performance, content, and layout of new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. The study is based on owner responses regarding 90 individual vehicle attributes, and more than 80,000 new car, truck, SUV, and van owners responded to the 2016 U.S. APEAL Study.
  
  This year, a total of 25 models receive an award for their overall appeal to consumers. Displayed in alphabetical order by make and model on the pages that follow are the models that rank highest in their respective segments.

• 2016 Audi A6

  In the Midsize Premium Car segment, the Audi A6 is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. While it looks mighty similar to the previous A6 model, the 2016 version receives subtle styling updates, more powerful engines, a new standard transmission, and more modern infotainment and subscription service technologies.

• 2016 BMW 2 Series

  In the Small Premium Car segment, the BMW 2 Series is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. This year, BMW introduced the high-performance M2 Coupe model and made numerous changes to standard and optional equipment for both the coupe and convertible variants.

• 2016 BMW X1

  In the Small Premium SUV segment, the BMW X1 is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Redesigned for 2016, the X1 supplies what BMW calls “best-in-class performance (and) cargo space.” A 228-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powers the rear or all four wheels.

• 2016 BMW X6

  In the Midsize Premium SUV segment, the BMW X6 is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. More standard equipment and several changes to optional upgrades help to make BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe more appealing than ever.

• 2016 Buick Cascada

  In the Compact Sporty Car segment, the Buick Cascada is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016 in its first year on the market. A 4-passenger convertible based on an older Opel model that was designed and engineered in Europe, the Cascada features a turbocharged, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.

• 2016 Chevrolet Camaro

  In the Midsize Sporty Car segment, the Chevrolet Camaro is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. For the 2016 model year Chevy redesigned the Camaro, offering it with a choice between a turbocharged 4-cylinder, V-6, or a V-8 engine. Coupe and convertible body styles can be fitted with LT or SS trim.

• 2016 Chevrolet Colorado

  In the Midsize Pickup segment, the Chevrolet Colorado is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. In addition to new appearance options, the 2016 Colorado now offers a 2.8-liter, Duramax turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine as an option. Updated versions of MyLink infotainment also arrive this year, and Chevy has reduced the truck’s powertrain warranty.

• 2016 Chevrolet Sonic

  In the Small Car segment, the Chevrolet Sonic is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Few changes are made for the 2016 model year, and a reduced powertrain warranty evidently hasn’t hurt the Sonic’s overall appeal.

• 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe

  In the Large SUV segment, the Chevrolet Tahoe is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Improved infotainment and driver-assistance technologies debut for 2016, and though Chevrolet reduced the Tahoe’s powertrain warranty, owners still rate the Tahoe as the most appealing full-size SUV on the market.

• 2016 GMC Sierra HD

  In the Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment, the GMC Sierra HD is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Despite a powertrain warranty reduction and a new requirement to pay extra for metallic paint, the Sierra HD leads its segment in terms of appeal with new Digital Steering Assist technology, improved infotainment systems, and a factory gooseneck fifth-wheel trailering package.

• 2016 Hyundai Tucson

  In the Small SUV segment, the Hyundai Tucson is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Hyundai redesigned the Tucson for 2016, improving it in every conceivable way. Highlights include attractive styling, more powerful and efficient engines, and next-generation infotainment and safety technologies.

• 2016 Kia Optima

  In the Midsize Car segment, the Kia Optima is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Redesigned for 2016, the Optima offers a choice between four drivetrains, including a more efficient hybrid version. The SX Limited trim returns, too, an entry-luxury variant in all respects but its name.

• 2016 Kia Sedona

  In the Minivan segment, the Kia Sedona is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Looking more like a crossover SUV than a minivan, the Sedona follows up a 2015 redesign with added standard equipment and expanded availability of upscale options in an 8-passenger seating configuration.

• 2016 Kia Sorento

  In the Midsize SUV segment, the Kia Sorento is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Kia completely redesigned the Sorento for 2016, adding a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine option and moving the swanky SX Limited version further upscale. Kia offers the SUV in both 5- and 7-passenger configurations.

• 2016 Kia Soul

  In the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment, the Kia Soul is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. This year, the Soul is available with forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, and Kia adds standard equipment and shuffles option package contents.

• 2016 Land Rover Range Rover

  In the Large Premium SUV segment, the Land Rover Range Rover is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. New SVAutobiography and special-order Sentinel variants debut for 2016, the latter a factory-prepped armored vehicle. Hands-free tailgate operation, expanded infotainment capabilities, and an upgraded surround-view camera system highlight additional changes.

• 2016 Lexus RC

  In the Compact Premium Car segment, the Lexus RC is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Lexus adds a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the standard power plant and makes all-wheel drive an option with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Expanded infotainment capabilities and an optional limited-slip rear differential are also new for 2016.

• 2016 Mini Clubman

  In the Compact Car segment, the Mini Clubman is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Redesigned this year, the Clubman is the largest Mini model ever, with seating for up to 5 people. It retains its classic barn-door cargo access, but now comes with four full-sized side doors for greater ease of use. Standard and S versions can be customized through an extensive list of upgrades.

• 2016 Nissan Maxima

  In the Large Car segment, the Nissan Maxima is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Redesigned for 2016, the Maxima is wrapped in unusual styling that embodies Nissan’s latest design themes. More power, better fuel economy, improved handling, and a long list of technological advances headline the changes for the latest Maxima.

• 2016 Nissan Titan

  In the Large Light Duty Pickup segment, the Nissan Titan is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Redesigned and offered in an XD model series that splits the difference between light-duty and heavy-duty trucks in terms of capability, the Titan XD offers an optional turbodiesel engine in addition to a standard crew cab body style. Nissan is expanding the Titan lineup for 2017.

• 2016 Porsche 911

  In the Midsize Premium Sporty Car segment, the Porsche 911 is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. A broad range of model series is available, in coupe, targa, and convertible body styles. New variants for the model year include the Targa 4 GTS, 911 GT3 RS, and the 911 R.

• 2016 Porsche Boxster

  In the Compact Premium Sporty Car segment, the Porsche Boxster is the top-ranked model for overall appeal 2016. In its final year before a substantial freshening and name change to 718 Boxster, the Boxster is offered as a new lightweight Spyder variant equipped with the same 375-horsepower engine as the 911 Carrera.

• 2016 Porsche Macan

  In the Compact Premium SUV segment, the Porsche Macan is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Available in S and Turbo model series, the Macan adds a new, optional rear-seat entertainment system for 2016, complete with dual 10.1-in. displays, USB and HDMI connections, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

• 2016 Smart Fortwo

  In the City Car segment, the Smart Fortwo is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Smart’s spry 2-seater is redesigned for 2016, equipped with a 0.9-liter, turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and available in Pure, Passion, Prime, and Proxy trim levels. An electric version continues, based on the previous-generation Smart design.

• 2016 Toyota RAV4

  In the Compact SUV segment, the Toyota RAV4 is the top-ranked model for overall appeal in 2016. Toyota refreshes the RAV4 for 2016, updating the styling, upgrading the interior, and improving the infotainment and safety systems. A sporty SE trim debuts, as well as an all-wheel-drive RAV4 Hybrid that is EPA-rated to get 33 mpg in combined driving.
  
  Additional Research:

  • Learn More about the 2016 U.S. APEAL Study

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