The Hyundai Kona and Toyota C-HR have both been awarded highly in the recent J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Tech Experience Study, coming joint first in the small segment.
The study measures owners’ experience, usage, and interaction with a host of driver-centric vehicle technology after three months of ownership. Published last month, it’s the same study which revealed that a large number of motorists do not like driver-assist systems much – and many of them even disable them altogether.
Also Read: Survey Finds An Alarming Number Of Motorists Gets Annoyed By Driver Assist Systems
It’s not uncommon for car manufacturers to proudly boast of their performances in such studies and, understandably, that is what Hyundai is doing. The Kona ranked the highest in its segment for entertainment and connectivity, driving assistance, smartphone mirroring, and navigation. Following our recent review of the Kona, we can absolutely agree that it is very user-friendly and doesn’t require a steep learning curve to get used to.
Among the standard technologies found in the Kona are a seven-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Vehicle Stability Management, and Hill Start Assist Control. Systems including Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Lane Change Assist are also available as standard on high-spec models.
“We take great pride in offering cutting edge safety technologies in all Hyundai models,” director of product planning for Hyundai North America Scott Margason said. “The Hyundai Kona not only showcases advanced technology, safety and convenience features, but also creates a comfortable and satisfying experience for the whole family.”
Finally, it’s worth noting that while the Kona and C-HR were the best-performing vehicles in the small car segment, it was the Kia Stinger that achieved the highest overall score in the study.