The 2026 JD Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study found that new-vehicle owner satisfaction improved across both mass-market and premium segments after 90 days of ownership. While Porsche and Mini retained their positions as the highest-rated brands in their respective categories, the BMW 7 Series and BMW X6 earned the highest scores among individual models.
BMW 7 Series and X6 Share Top Honors
According to the 2026 JD Power APEAL Study, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan and BMW X6 SUV tied as the highest-ranked individual models. The X6 held the top position on its own in last year’s study, while the 7 Series joined it this year.
JD Power noted that the study evaluated the pre-facelift BMW 7 Series rather than the refreshed version revealed earlier this year.
The research was based on responses from 78,514 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership. The study measures satisfaction across 37 aspects of the ownership experience, including seating comfort, performance, technology features, exterior styling, and even the sound a vehicle’s door makes when closing.
BMW AG recorded six category victories, more than any other automaker. Alongside the BMW 7 Series and BMW X6, the BMW X2, BMW 2 Series, BMW 5 Series, and Mini Countryman each topped their respective categories.
Porsche and Mini Remain the Highest-Rated Brands
Porsche ranked as the highest-scoring premium brand with 896 points out of a possible 1,000, marking its third consecutive year at the top. The Porsche 911 was the highest-ranked premium sporty car, while the Porsche Panamera finished as the runner-up in the large premium car segment.
Mini also secured the top position among mass-market brands for the third consecutive year.
Tesla was not officially ranked because it did not meet JD Power’s study criteria. However, the company received a score of 920 points, which exceeded every officially ranked brand.
Brand Performance Across the Study
Jeep recorded the lowest score among the brands mentioned in the study with 817 points.
Ford, which recently led all mass-market brands in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study, earned an above-average APEAL score of 849. The Ford Super Duty and Ford Mustang each ranked first in their respective segments.
Owner Satisfaction Gap Continues to Narrow
Researchers said the difference in owner satisfaction between premium and mass-market brands has continued to shrink. Interior improvements contributed the most significant gains in overall satisfaction, while electric vehicles outperformed gasoline-powered vehicles in powertrain satisfaction.
“Automakers have made real progress in reducing problems, but JD Power data makes it clear that quality alone isn’t enough,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “Owners are most enthusiastic when their vehicle not only works reliably but also feels thoughtfully designed and offers comfortable interiors, useful storage and technology that’s easy to live with. The brands that get both sides of that equation right see the strongest advocacy from their customers.”
Key Takeaways From the 2026 Study
JD Power said the overall improvement in new-vehicle satisfaction comes as manufacturers continue introducing more advanced technologies. The study also found that buyers are increasingly evaluating vehicles based on their execution and ownership experience rather than brand reputation alone.
The results highlighted Porsche’s continued consistency among premium brands and the strong early ownership experience delivered by several BMW models. In the mass-market segment, the study said Korean brands are outperforming many competitors with more appealing vehicles, reflecting sales trends that have seen Hyundai and Kia set records on an almost monthly basis.
JD Power’s findings provide buyers with insight into owner satisfaction during the first 90 days of ownership, while noting that longer-term reliability studies should also be considered when evaluating a new vehicle.
