New-Car Appeal Climbs to Record High in U.S.

New vehicles in every market segment are more appealing than ever to U.S. consumers, according to market researcher firm J.D. Power.

The market research firm’s annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study rose a record nine points to an all-time high of 810 out of a possible 1,000. Power says results were driven by better scores in nine of the 10 categories measured.

The 22-year-old study gauges owners’ emotional attachment to and excitement about their new vehicles across 77 attributes that range from throttle response to the feel of the interior.

Power notes that the traditional gap in APEAL scores between luxury and mass-market models has narrowed to a record-low 41 points. Results show that many carmakers are “getting better and better at giving consumers what they want,” says Dave Sargent, who heads the company’s global automotive operations.

This year’s most-improved brands are Chrysler (+41 points), Mini (+30), Nissan (+27) and Honda (+25). Tesla and Smart weren’t ranked because their sample size was too small, according to Power.

Volkswagen Group led manufacturers with six model-specific awards this year, for the Audi A3, A4 and A7 sedans; and Porsche 911 sports car and Cayenne and Macan crossover vehicles. BMW AG was second with four awards for its 2 Series small car, X1 small crossover vehicle and Mini Cooper and Clubman superminis.