Survey: Drivers like cars' crash-avoidance devices, not navigation systems

AGOURA HILLS , Calif., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- A survey of customer satisfaction with automobile technology shows BMW and Hyundai getting the highest marks.

The study by market research firm J.D. Power and Associates, released Monday, sought to rate a vehicle owner's satisfaction with technology, including collision protection, comfort and convenience, driving assistance, entertainment and Internet connectivity, navigation and smartphone interface. While the in-car experience has long been an element of the company's Initial Quality study, the "Tech Experience Index Study" is the first of its kind from the firm.

BMW won in two categories, the small premium car class with its Series 2 model, and the compact premium class with its Series 4 model. Hyundai received two first-place honors for its Tucson in the small class, and Genesis, a midsize premium model. The other winners are the compact Kia Forte, midsize Chevrolet Camaro and large Nissan Maxima.

The survey showed that collision-avoidance systems have the highest rates of satisfaction among drivers, with navigation systems receiving the lowest marks. It also noted that drivers who sought dealership assistance in using the controls and features available on new cars were the most satisfied.

The study quantified the experiences of 17,864 drivers of 2016 model vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership or leasing in the United States.