Every year, J.D. Power surveys thousands of verified new car owners to find out what has gone right and what has gone wrong during their first 90 days of ownership. Consumers just like you respond in detail, telling J.D. Power about what they like and don’t like in terms of design, comfort, performance, technology, and more.
This data is collected, analyzed, and compiled into several automotive industry benchmark studies measuring customer satisfaction. The Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study is one of them, measuring overall satisfaction with vehicles. J.D. Power gives an index score to each model for which sample size meets a robust standard, and the higher the score, the happier the customers who own the vehicles are.
Listed below are the five highest-rated 2020 compact premium cars, according to the consumers who own them. They’re listed in order starting with the model with the highest index score. The average score for this segment is 861.
1. 2020 Genesis G70 – Highest Compact Premium Car in Customer Satisfaction According to Consumers!
Introduced for the 2019 model year, the 2020 Genesis G70 is a rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive sport sedan designed to compete with vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series. You choose between 2.0T and 3.3T versions, the former equipped with a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and the latter featuring a 365-horsepower twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, and a 6-speed manual gearbox is available for G70 2.0T versions. All G70 models benefit from a long list of Genesis ownership perks.
The APEAL index score for the 2020 Genesis G70 is 869, and the Genesis G70 receives an APEAL award in the Compact Premium Car segment.
2. 2020 BMW 3 Series
BMW’s legendary 3 Series sedan is offered with a choice between two turbocharged engines and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 330i models have a turbocharged 255-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, while the M340i supplies a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six pumping out 382 horsepower. Don’t look for a manual gearbox here; BMW pairs both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also, note that a plug-in hybrid version debuts for 2021.
The APEAL index score for the 2020 BMW 3 Series is 867.
3. 2020 Lexus IS (in a tie with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
Though aging, the 2020 Lexus IS holds its own against newer competitors on this list. Next year, a heavily revised 2021 Lexus IS arrives with promised improvements across the board. In the meantime, the current version of this Lexus comes in IS 300, IS 300 all-wheel drive, and IS 350 model series with or without F Sport trim. A 241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the IS 300, a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 motivates the IS 300 AWD, and a 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 is installed in the IS 350. All have automatic transmissions with six gears for AWD and 8 gears for RWD.
The APEAL index score for the 2020 Lexus IS is 861, in a tie with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
4. 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (in a tie with the Lexus IS)
A wealth of choice awaits those who seek to own a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. First, there are sedans, convertibles, and coupes to lure you into the dealership. Then you select from turbocharged 4-cylinder (C 300), V-6 (AMG C43), and V-8 (AMG C63) engines ranging in output from 241 to 503 horsepower. Automatic and multi-clutch transmissions are available, along with all-wheel drive for the Mercedes C 300. Naturally, Mercedes-Benz gives C-Class buyers numerous options from which to choose.
The APEAL index score for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 861, in a tie with the Lexus IS.
5. 2020 BMW 4 Series
There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to the 2020 BMW 4 Series. There’s a 2-door coupe, a 2-door convertible, and a 5-door Gran Coupe hatchback. Plus, BMW offers performance-tuned versions of the coupe and convertible called the M4. Turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines are available, ranging in output from 248 horsepower to 425 horsepower, and transmissions include a 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch, and 8-speed automatic. All are rear-wheel drive, with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system optional. A redesigned 2021 BMW 4 Series is on deck.
The APEAL index score for the 2020 BMW 4 Series is 859.
6. 2020 Volvo S60
Redesigned for 2019, the 2020 Volvo S60 sedan comes in T5, T6, and T8 model series with Momentum, R-Design, or Inscription trim. The T5 has a turbocharged 4-cylinder, the T6 gets a turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder, and the T8 is a turbocharged and supercharged plug-in hybrid making as much as 415 horsepower. The only front-drive version of this Volvo is the T5; the rest have standard all-wheel drive.
The APEAL index score for the 2020 Volvo S60 is 858.
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