Among the many studies it releases each year, J.D. Power’s U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study is designed to specifically measure owner satisfaction with new-vehicle design and performance. In that regard, Lincoln has produced some mixed results in recent years, ranking below the premium segment average in 2022 before moving up significantly last year and coming in above that same average. Now, J.D. Power has released its 2024 U.S. APEAL Study, and it revealed that this upward trend continues.
Last year, Lincoln scored an 873 out of a possible 1,000 points in the APEAL Study, ranking seventh among all premium brands. However, this year, Lincoln improved upon that by one point, receiving a score of 874, which was good enough to secure sixth place among all premium automotive brands – behind only Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as the segment average of 870. It’s a pretty sharp contrast to the Ford brand as well, which came in below the mass market average with a score of 831, though the Ford Super Duty did top the large heavy-duty truck segment.
Each year, the APEAL Study measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle by asking the owners of those vehicles to consider 37 attributes, ranging from the sense of comfort they feel when climbing into the driver’s seat to their exhilaration when they step on the accelerator. Afterward, the responses to queries about these attributes are aggregated to compute an overall APEAL Index score. This year, infotainment continued to be a thorn in the side of automakers in general, while traditional automakers made inroads in terms of EVs as well.
“Traditional manufacturers have listened to the Voice of the Customer,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “They’re launching enhanced vehicles that are more in line with what customers want, including improved interior storage and higher quality materials, as well as ensuring features have ease of use. For BEVs, recent launches from traditional manufacturers have surpassed perennial leader Tesla when it comes to owners’ level of emotional attachment and excitement with their new vehicle.”
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Comments
I see my Nautilus on here. Can’t wait to rate one for myself. Tick Tock.
By the way, I’m will be losing 2 cup holders up front. Compared to the SUV I have now. Going to buy storage that fits between the seats, if possible.