For the 2018 model year, the J. D. Power team has conducted its Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study that gives us a look at some of the cars that rank the highest. This study takes a look at a variety of categories including driving dynamics, visibility and safety, engine/transmission, audio/communication/entertainment/navigation, seats, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, exterior, interior, storage and space, and fuel economy. These ten categories are used to let us know which vehicles are considered the highest rated in each segment of the automotive industry.
The APEAL Award Winners
Small Cars –Kia Rio –The Kia Rio is a car that makes its way to the top of the list with excellent overall performance and design. This is a car that’s comfortable and is offered with features and style that can make it the perfect choice for you to have the drive you want. If you’re looking for a small car that has everything you need, the Kia Rio is the one you want to drive.
Compact Cars –Volkswagen Jetta –This shouldn’t come as any surprise as the Jetta has been one of the top vehicles in this class for a long time. This car received high marks for overall performance and design, along with comfort. That means you could enjoy the qualities of this car whether you need to drive the carpool or take the kids to the ballgame.
Midsize Car –Honda Accord –Here’s a certain fan favorite as the Accord has been one of the cars we’ve trusted for many years to be the right family sedan to drive. This is the only car in the class to receive top marks in all categories as the one that can give you the qualities you want and be the right vehicle for you on the road during your daily commute.
Large Car –Nissan Maxima –While there are only a few large cars on the market today, this one tops them all by giving you the mix you want of sportiness, style, and comfort in one car. Once you take this impressive sedan out for a test drive you’re going to agree that it’s the perfect choice for you to have the drive you’re after.
Small Premium Car –Audi A3 –There are only a few vehicles that make it into this class and the Audi A3 is the one that tops them all. Audi has offered us the best interiors on the market for several years and that continues to be the case in the A3 that you’ll want to drive. This car received the highest results for overall performance and design, features, and style.
Compact Premium Car –Kia Stinger –Is the Kia brand really one that can be in the premium class? When you consider the Stinger as the car you want to drive when you’re looking for fun, this is a fantastic choice. Consider the long list of cars that were beaten for the award in this category and you’ll be amazed that Kia is the one at the top, making this a car you need to drive.
Midsize Premium Car –Lincoln Continental –The Continental name is back and it’s the one that makes it to the top of the list. Check out the names that are part of the consideration and you’ll be ready to head to your nearest Lincoln dealer to make this the car that you’ll want to enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Midsize Sporty Car –Ford Mustang –While there aren’t very many competitors for this award, the fact the Mustang beats out the Camaro and Challenger makes it the sports car that you’re sure to want to drive. This car was able to achieve the highest marks in overall performance and design to give you the qualities you’re looking for.
Minivan –Chrysler Pacifica-Since it arrived on the scene, the rest of the minivans have been working to catch up to what the Chrysler Pacifica has to offer. This is a minivan that’s’ filled with the features you want and it brings you excellent performance for the drive that you’re going to enjoy when you want to take the family for an adventure.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.