Study Details
Vehicle owners experience their vehicles in different ways. Capturing these unique experiences in the early days of vehicle ownership provides automakers and suppliers with a competitive advantage in promoting and improving the key passion points that drive satisfaction.
To achieve this, automakers and suppliers must fully understand customer requirements, how owners rate their experiences with their new vehicle, and what is missing.
The JD Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM measures how well each new vehicle provides positive experiences with design, performance, safety, usability, comfort, perceived quality and beyond. The data comes directly from owner assessments of their new vehicle after 90 days of ownership.
Vehicle owners experience their vehicles in different ways. Capturing these unique experiences in the early days of vehicle ownership provides automakers and suppliers with a competitive advantage in promoting and improving the key passion points that drive satisfaction.
To achieve this, automakers and suppliers must fully understand customer requirements, how owners rate their experiences with their new vehicle, and what is missing.
The JD Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM measures how well each new vehicle provides positive experiences with design, performance, safety, usability, comfort, perceived quality and beyond. The data comes directly from owner assessments of their new vehicle after 90 days of ownership.
The Benefits
APEAL helps automakers and suppliers understand:
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Which vehicle features and characteristics will excite and delight new-vehicle shoppers?
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What are the systematic strengths/weaknesses of an automaker’s models against key competitors?
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What are the most loved and marketable aspects of this year’s new vehicles?
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How well does a new vehicle perform versus targets and core competitors?
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Where should product priorities be placed for future model development?
APEAL helps automakers and suppliers understand:
-
Which vehicle features and characteristics will excite and delight new-vehicle shoppers?
-
What are the systematic strengths/weaknesses of an automaker’s models against key competitors?
-
What are the most loved and marketable aspects of this year’s new vehicles?
-
How well does a new vehicle perform versus targets and core competitors?
-
Where should product priorities be placed for future model development?
The Scope
APEAL is based on more than 40 vehicle attributes in 10 experience groups:
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Walking up to your vehicle
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Setting up and starting your vehicle
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Getting in and out of the vehicle
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Your vehicle’s interior
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Your vehicle’s powertrain
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Your vehicle’s driving feel
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Your vehicle keeping you safe
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Using the infotainment system
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Your vehicle’s driving comfort
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Fuel usage
APEAL is based on more than 40 vehicle attributes in 10 experience groups:
-
Walking up to your vehicle
-
Setting up and starting your vehicle
-
Getting in and out of the vehicle
-
Your vehicle’s interior
-
Your vehicle’s powertrain
-
Your vehicle’s driving feel
-
Your vehicle keeping you safe
-
Using the infotainment system
-
Your vehicle’s driving comfort
-
Fuel usage
2026 Key Dates
Fielding
June 2025 – May 2026
June 2025 – May 2026
Publish
July 21, 2026
July 21, 2026
Press Release
July 23, 2026
July 23, 2026
Press Release & Award Information
JD Power will issue a national press release highlighting key findings and top-to-bottom rankings from the study. The brand(s) that rank highest in each award-eligible segment and meet predetermined award criteria will have the opportunity to enter into a licensing agreement through the JD Power Awards Program, which requires subscribing to the study as a prerequisite. Entering into a licensing agreement provides top-ranked brands with the valuable opportunity to market their award-winning performance. As the trusted symbol of excellence, JD Power Awards enhance brand perceptions, drive consumer preference, and differentiate awarded brands in competitive marketplaces.
Read the latest Press Release >
Learn More about APEAL Awards >
Learn More about all JD Power Awards >
Find Out about JD Power Performance Reports >
JD Power will issue a national press release highlighting key findings and top-to-bottom rankings from the study. The brand(s) that rank highest in each award-eligible segment and meet predetermined award criteria will have the opportunity to enter into a licensing agreement through the JD Power Awards Program, which requires subscribing to the study as a prerequisite. Entering into a licensing agreement provides top-ranked brands with the valuable opportunity to market their award-winning performance. As the trusted symbol of excellence, JD Power Awards enhance brand perceptions, drive consumer preference, and differentiate awarded brands in competitive marketplaces.
Read the latest Press Release >
Learn More about APEAL Awards >
Learn More about all JD Power Awards >
Find Out about JD Power Performance Reports >
2026 Profiled Brands
Let's Connect!
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If you’ve received a JD Power survey and have questions or comments, please contact us here.
For all other inquiries, you can contact us here.
JD Power studies, products, and services are available for purchase. If you’re interested in subscribing to a JD Power study or becoming a client, please fill out the form, and we'll be in touch. Questions? Click here to find the answers to frequently asked questions.
If you’ve received a JD Power survey and have questions or comments, please contact us here.
For all other inquiries, you can contact us here.