Genesis, Hyundai top JD Power tech rankings

J D POWER’S annual US Tech Experience Index (TXI) study has ranked Genesis as the highest overall brand in the premium segment while at the same time recognising the Hyundai Santa Fe in its Mass-Market Driver Assist and Connected Vehicle Awards.

The coveted awards placed Genesis atop the Innovation Index score, J D Power saying the range offers advanced technologies across its product line-up, noting the GX80 as offering the best-connected vehicle technology for its smartphone-based digital key, known as Genesis Digital Key 2, in the premium category.

It is the fifth year running that Genesis has taken top honours in the TXI Study.

“At Genesis, we pride ourselves in making vehicle ownership a personalised experience by treating every customer as our ‘Son-nim,’ or honoured guest,” said Genesis Motor North America chief operating officer Tedros Mengiste.

“We prioritise offering intuitive technologies that enhance the driving experience and are tailored to consumer needs. We’re delighted that these efforts have been recognised by our customers for five consecutive years.”

Genesis Digital Key 2 is compatible with Apple, Samsung, and Google Wallet, as well as watchOS and Android Smart Watch.

The TXI Study measures the effectiveness of emerging technologies automotive brands bring to market on a 1000-point scale. The index combines the level of adoption of new technologies for each brand with excellence in execution.

The measurement of execution examines how much owners like the technologies and how many problems they experience using them.

The TXI Study analyses 40 technologies divided into five categories: comfort and convenience; driver assist; electric vehicle; connected vehicle; and smart vehicle.

At the same time, sister brand Hyundai scored its sixth consecutive year win in the TXI Study, the Santa Fe’ phone-based digital key technology likewise receiving top honours.

J D Power says the award highlights the convenience of accessing and sharing vehicle functions through a smartphone, drawing on the impressions of more than 76,000 owners of 2025 model-year vehicles after 90 days of vehicle ownership.

Hyundai’s leading performance is said to reflect its ability to “make cutting-edge technology intuitive, reliable, and valuable in everyday driving”.

Further, the Hyundai Santa Fe was recognised for its Blind-Spot View Monitor, which provides drivers with enhanced visibility when changing lanes.

“We appreciate this recognition because it demonstrates our focus that the best tech disappears into the drive, feeling natural from day one, building confidence behind the wheel, while continuing to be updated throughout the vehicle’s life,” said Hyundai Motor North America senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy Olabisi Boyle.

“We do this in service of a drive that is safer, smoother, and more satisfying. Hyundai’s continued success in the TXI Study highlights its mission to democratise advanced technology, making premium innovations widely accessible to mass-market customers.”