What is the best compact SUV on the market?
If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, the task can be daunting as there are so many to choose from. However, 2015 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study(VDS) might have made this easier for you as it has ranked the Kia Sportage as the leader in the compact SUV segment.
How did they determine this? It’s all about reliability actually:
The industry-wide study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles (2012 model year). Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). Thus, a lower score reflects a higher long-term quality level. The Sportage ranked first in a field of seven contenders with a score of 129 PP100. This latest recognition for Sportage follows the model’s two consecutive J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS) awards in 2013 and 2014. So, if you want a dependable compact SUV, you may want to opt for the Kia Sportage.
VDS measures the long-term quality of vehicles, including new technologies and features currently available to buyers. It includes 32 nameplates and 228 models, covering 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories.