Safety Technology Ranked As The Best Feature Of 2016 Model Vehicles

A new study to measure owner's experiences, usage and interaction with vehicle technology in the first 90 days of owning a new car or truck revealed that consumers are most satisfied with collision-avoidance technology such as lane-change warnings. The tests were conducted by J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Index [TXI].

It was also found that consumers are least happy with navigation systems, as reported by Dallas News.  These findings are based on a survey conducted across 17,764 people who bought or leased the 2016 model vehicles.

The survey respondents were asked to rate the different kinds of technologies used in the vehicles that they purchased. All the technologies got an average score of 730 on 1000. Consumers added that they were most happy with technologies that ensured safety and rated this a 754 on 1000.

This includes blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping/centering, and backup cameras. They expressed their content with these features of the vehicle as it gave them an increased feeling of security to avoid possible accidents.

 On the other hand, navigation systems were given a low rating of 687 indicating a strong displeasure among the consumers. However, the survey also found out that many users are not familiar with the technology that was available in their vehicles and did not use them. 

Alarmed by this finding, executive director of driver interaction and HMI research at J.D. Power, Kristin Kolodge stressed that owners must be well-aware of the technology that has been used in their vehicles and also have a knowledge about the usage of these technologies. He believes that this knowledge has long-term implications for future demand. 

Among the various segments considered for the survey, BMW and Hyundai each had two vehicles that ranked highest in their respective segments for satisfaction with vehicle's technologies. The compact series of BMW-2 and the mid-sized BMW-4 series along with Hyundai Genesis mid-size Sedan and Tucson compact crossover were among the models that were rated the highest.

Along with BMW and Hyundai, Chevrolet Camaro, Kia Forte compact sedan, and Nissan Maxima full-size sedan were also ranked high. It was observed that the level of satisfaction was highest among users of large vehicles followed by small premium vehicles and compact premium vehicles with a score of 755, 735 and 732 respectively. Mid-size and subcompact size vehicles were ranked the least with a score of 725 and 706 respectively.