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How do the 2023 Crosstrek, 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Outback, and 2023 Ascent SUV's initial quality rank with other car brands? According to the new J.D. Power 2023 Initial Quality Study (IQS), Subaru finally scores above average after being below average for quite some time. It's a surprise because historically, Subaru has never scored well on the J.D. Power IQS scorecard.
Subaru's scores are up from previous years when most automaker's vehicles are becoming more problematic. The new 2023 study says the continuing decline in quality can be attributed to multiple factors such as more significant usage and penetration of technology, continued integration of known complex audio systems into other new models, poor-sounding horns, and cupholders that don't serve their purpose.
Among mainstream brands, Dodge is the highest-ranking in overall initial quality, with a score of 140 PP100. Ram (141 PP100) ranks second, followed by Chevrolet (166 PP100) and GMC (167 PP100).
Where does Subaru rank?
Power's Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. Subaru scored 185/PP100 this year, up from 191/PP100 in 2022. Subaru is now above the industry average of 192/PP100. Subaru is now the seventh-ranked mainstream brand scoring better than Honda and Toyota.
"The industry is at a major crossroads, and each manufacturer's path is paramount for its future. From persistent problems from years past to increased problems, today's new vehicles are more complex, offering new and exciting technology, but not always satisfying owners," said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power.
J.D. Power asked owners 223 questions based on nine vehicle categories, infotainment, features, controls and displays, exterior, driving assistance, interior, powertrain, seats, driving experience, and climate control.
How did Subaru score in past studies?
In the 2019 study, Subaru scored well below the industry average and was ranked sixth from the bottom. In the 2020 Power survey, Subaru moved up one spot and ranked seventh from the bottom, scoring 187/PP100, well below the industry average of 166PP/100.
In 2021, Subaru improved and was ranked ninth from the bottom. To put it in perspective, Honda, Hyundai, Ram, and Mercedes-Benz also ranked below the industry average. Acura, Land Rover, Jeep, Porsche, and Infiniti were car brands that scored below Subaru.
The Subaru Forester scores a top ranking in 2023.
Subaru scored one of its models in J.D. Powers' top three models per segment. The 2023 Subaru Forester is one of the top three models in the Compact SUV segment. The Chevrolet Equinox scores the top model, followed by the GMC Terrain and the Subaru Forester and Jeep Wrangler tie for third place.
How does J.D. Power score each automaker's vehicle?
The J.D. Power IQS study only considers the first 90 days of vehicle ownership. The Power study focuses on infotainment and new technologies that new owners need to become more familiar with. The IQS is not a long-term study of quality issues with the automakers and their specific models.
The latest 2023 J.D. Power IQS study reveals Subaru's above-average ranking shows improvement in the initial quality of its vehicles. The 2023 Subaru Forester is now ranked among the best in the compact segment and the least problematic Subaru all-wheel-drive model for customers in the first 90 days of ownership.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
The problem I have with JD
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The problem I have with JD Powers quality reports (initial and long term) is what criteria affects this scoring. Tell me you had a defective car power mirror, a recall, a power seat that stopped working, a leaking fuel pump…ok, all of those examples are “quality” issues for a car manufacturer.
But when a consumer does not know how to use their navigation system (user error) and this somehow can then affect a “quality score” for a car manufacturer, is beyond silly.