Ford Ranked Below Average In 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Study

Each year, the J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study aims to rank automotive brands by measuring how effectively each brings new technologies to market. To do this, the organization looks at 40 automotive technologies, which are divided into four categories – convenience; emerging automation; energy and sustainability; and infotainment and connectivity. Over the past few years, Ford has ranked below average in the TXI Study, and that was once again the case in the just-released 2024 version, too.

In the latest installment of the TXI Study, the Ford brand ranked below the industry average of 494 with a score of 406 out of 1,000 possible points – meaning that it only beat out Mini and Dodge. It’s a disappointing finish, but one that isn’t exactly uncommon – in fact, Ford also ranked below the industry average in this same study in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with scores of 470, 444, and 462, respectively.

This year’s J.D. Power TXI Study is based on the responses of 81,926 owners of new 2024 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Overall, it found that owners are impressive by artificial intelligence-driven technologies like smart climate control, but others – like facial recognition, fingerprint reader and interior gesture controls – aren’t quite as popular given the fact that consumers don’t find them terribly helpful, and in many cases, they’ve proven unreliable.

“A strong advanced tech strategy is crucial for all vehicle manufacturers, and many innovative technologies are answering customer needs,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power. “At the same time, this year’s study makes it clear that owners find some technologies of little use and/or are continually annoying. J.D. Power’s ability to calculate the return on investment for individual technologies is a major step in enabling carmakers to determine the technologies that deserve the most attention while helping them ease escalating costs for new vehicles.”

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