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Kia leads J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study for 2022

For the first year ever, Kia leads J.D. Power's annual Vehicle Dependability Study with a score of 145 problems per 100 vehicles. Buick (147) and Hyundai (148) round out the top three. The highest premium brand on the list is Genesis, with a score of 148. It's common for so-called "mass market" brands to lead this particular study, according to J.D. Power, as "premium" brands "typically incorporate more technology in their vehicles, which increases the likelihood for problems to occur" and aren't necessarily built to a higher standard that less-expensive brands. The highest-rated single nameplate is the Porsche 911. It's the third time out of the past four years and the second year in a row that Porsche's quintessential sports car has taken top honors. Porsche as a brand sits in seventh place (162) just behind Lexus (159) and ahead of Dodge (166). At the very bottom of the list is Land Rover with a dismal score of 284; the SUV specialist held the same unfortunate distinction on last year's list. Ram (266), Volvo (256), Alfa Romeo (245) and Acura (244) also performed poorly. The overall industry average score sits at 192 — mass market brands average a score of 190 while premium brands sit 14 points lower at 204. While Tesla is unofficially included in some of J.D. Power's results, the agency says the sample size it has access to for this study is too small to include. As has been the case for the past several years, infotainment systems dominate the list of problems reported by owners. Popular (or unpopular, depending on your point of view) complaints include built-in voice recognition (8.3 PP100), Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity (5.4 PP100), built-in Bluetooth system (4.5 PP100), not enough power plugs/USB ports (4.2 PP100), navigation systems difficult to understand/use (3.7 PP100), touchscreen/display screen (3.6 PP100), and navigation system inaccurate/outdated map (3.6 PP100). While problems with the car's infotainment and technology packages are indeed bothersome, it's important to remember that such issues aren't usually leaving owners stranded with an immovable vehicle like a broken transmission or blown engine would. Culling infotainment complaints from the results would reduce the average problem-per-100-vehicle score by a staggering 51.9 points. The vehicles included in this study are from the 2019 model year. That means owners have had three years to get to know their cars and trucks. It's the 33rd year that J.D.

2020 Buick Encore GX revealed as a bigger smaller crossover

The crossover craze has taken root throughout the car industry, but especially at Buick. The company says that 90% of its sales are of the upright utilities. So it's no surprise the brand is adding yet another model to the line-up, the 2020 Buick Encore GX. Despite the name, the Encore GX doesn't appear to share anything with the current Encore, as GM says it uses a new platform. It's also larger than the regular Encore, though it's also smaller than the midsize Envision. One area in which its slightly bigger size benefits the GX is that it has nearly five more cubic feet of cargo space than the current Encore. Other details about the crossover are scant. Buick hasn't even said what engine or transmission will be used. Buick did say the Encore GX will feature automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist as standard features, with the rear-camera mirror as an option. The current Encore will continue to be sold alongside the Encore GX, and it won't be replaced with the version shown at the Shanghai Auto Show. Pricing and availability will be announced later, along with other vehicle details.

Buick rolls out more potent Encore Sport Touring

Buick has announced a new Sport Touring version of the Encore. And more than a trim level or special edition, we're glad to report that the new model packs a more potent engine. Instead of the 1.4-liter turbo four that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque in the standard Encore, the new Sport Touring model features a newer, more powerful engine that GM says shares little with the existing unit aside from its displacement. The new 1.4-liter turbocharged, direct-injection engine produces a more commanding 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is up a good 11 percent and 20 percent, respectively, over the existing engine. It's still mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and features a stop/start system to optimize fuel efficiency. Buick wasn't willing to estimate where the mile-per-gallon numbers might land, though that information will be available closer to sale. Along with the upgraded engine, Buick is also throwing in 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and the features from the Convenience package as well. The new Encore model follows just a couple of months after we first caught wind of a trademark filed for the Sport Touring name. At the time, it looked like it was set to be applied to the Regal and LaCrosse sedan, which could still follow as well. Related Video: Buick Introduces 2016 Encore Sport Touring New 1.4L turbo engine adds performance, exclusive exterior cues add distinction 2015-07-20 DETROIT – Buick today introduced the 2016 Encore Sport Touring – a more spirited take on the brand's popular crossover. It is distinguished by unique exterior cues and driven by an exclusive, all-new 1.4L turbocharged engine featuring direct injection and stop/start technology. The exterior features include a winged rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum premium-finish wheels and body-color door handles, while the technologically advanced 1.4L turbo is part of a new, global family of small, power-dense engines developed to balance performance and efficiency with exceptional refinement. Direct injection helps it generate an estimated 153 hp (112 kW) and 177 lb-ft of torque (240 Nm), for about 11 percent more horsepower and nearly 20 percent more torque than the Encore's standard engine – and a greater feeling of power on demand, particularly at low- and mid-range engine speeds. It's matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Stop/start technology contributes to reduced fuel consumption in stop-and-go driving.