- Consumers aren’t big fans of systems including facial recognition and fingerprint scanners.
- J.D. Power’s survey analyzed responses from 81,296 owners of 2024MY vehicles.
- Genesis came out on top, outscoring Lexus and BMW.
J.D. Power’s latest U.S. Tech Experience Index Study suggests that some consumers are becoming overwhelmed by new technologies but reveals that some brands are doing things better than others.
The study states that systems like facial recognition, fingerprint scanners, and interior gesture controls aren’t popular because they unsuccessfully try to solve a problem owners didn’t know existed. In the case of gesture controls, 21% of respondents say they lack functionality, while owners have also reported an average of 43.4 problems per 100 vehicles for such systems.
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Advanced driver assistance systems are becoming more commonplace across the industry but not all are loved by consumers. Active driving assistance systems that require drivers to keep their hands on the wheel received a low perceived usefulness score of 7.61 on a 10-point scale, whereas similar hands-free systems only scored 7.98.
Front passenger screens aren’t popular either. Many owners say they are “not necessary,” have usability issues, and add complexity to the delivery process of new vehicles.
The study’s results are based on responses from 81,926 owners of 2024 model year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Forty different automotive technologies were analyzed and categorized into convenience, emerging automation, energy and sustainability, and information/connectivity.
Of all the brands analyzed, Genesis was ranked as the best overall brand and the best premium brand for the fourth year in a row, earning a top Innovation Index score of 584 on a 1,000-point scale. This positioned it ahead of Lexus with 535 and BMW with 528. The Genesis GV70 received an individual award for its front cross-traffic warning technology.
“Genesis is committed to putting our customers’ needs first by offering intuitive technologies that enhance the driving experience,” Genesis Motor North America chief operating officer Claudia Marquez said in a press release. “Our goal is to make vehicle ownership a personalized experience, and we are delighted that customers continue to find our technologies innovative and tailored to their needs.”
Among mass-market brands, Hyundai came out on top for the fifth consecutive year with a score of 518, placing it ahead of Kia with 499 and GMC with 439.
