Designed to measure owner satisfaction with the styling, comfort, utility, and performance of new vehicles, the annual JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM gathers data about what owners like and dislike about their car, truck, SUV, or van following the first 90 days of ownership.
Based on this information, JD Power calculates consumer-friendly Power Circle Ratings, which are designed to summarize key findings of the APEAL Study. Using these ratings, consumers who are shopping for a new vehicle can easily determine which models are the most appealing according to the people that own them.
The following luxury SUVs, listed below in alphabetical order, are among the most appealing models within their respective vehicle segments, according to the 2015 U.S. APEAL Study. Each receives a Power Circle Rating of 5 (out of a possible 5) for overall appeal.
A new model for 2015, the Audi Q3 is a small crossover SUV that is built on the same platform and uses the same powertrains as the Audi A3. A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard and an all-wheel drive is optional. The Q3 is available in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
With a decline in gas prices, sales of the Infiniti QX80 have rebounded, and new owners of this full-size luxury SUV are satisfied in terms of overall vehicle appeal. For 2015, Infiniti makes subtle styling changes inside and out, debuts new safety technologies, and introduces a new range-topping Limited model.
The smallest member of the Range Rover family of SUVs, the Evoque receives new Land Rover InControl Apps technology for 2015, and the lineup expands with the introduction of two upscale Autobiography limited-edition variants. Unlike other small luxury SUVs, a 2-door version is available in addition to the 4-door model, and Land Rover has announced that a convertible is joining the Range Rover Evoque range for 2016.
Porsche refreshes the Cayenne for 2015, revising the styling, updating the equipment, and rolling the revamped SUV out in standard, Diesel, S, Turbo, and new S E-Hybrid model series. Porsche says the Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the first plug-in hybrid SUV in the segment.
New for 2015, smaller and less expensive than the Cayenne, the Porsche Macan is among the most appealing luxury SUVs in this year's U.S. APEAL Study. Available in S and more powerful Turbo trim, the Macan can be custom-tailored to specific buyer preferences though a number of colors, wheel designs, interior materials and trim, and options.

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