The North American J.D. Power 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) has ranked the Kia Sportage as the leader in the ‘Small SUV’ category, marking the first-ever VDS award in Kia’s history.
The industry-wide study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles (2012 model year). Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting a higher long-term quality level. The Sportage ranked first in a field of seven contenders with a score of 129 PP100.
This latest recognition for the globally-sold Kia Sportage follows the model’s two consecutive J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS) awards in 2013 and 2014.
John Crowe, Vice President, Service & Aftersale Operations, Kia Motors America, said: “We believe the results of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrate Kia’s ongoing commitment to quality and obsession with craftsmanship in building our world-class products. The Sportage is a clear example of how far the entire Kia model line-up has progressed, and this kind of quality is tangible evidence of our long-term strategy to enhance the Kia ownership experience.”
The annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study measures the long-term quality of vehicles, including new technologies and features currently available to buyers. In 2015, it included 32 nameplates and 228 models, covering 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories .
The Kia Sportage is the brand’s best-selling model in Europe, with 97,489 units sold across the continent in 2014. Every Sportage in Europe is sold with Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty.
