Ram & Chevrolet Trucks Rank Best in Initial Quality

The Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado HD took top honors in their respective pickup truck segments in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) with Ram ranking the highest in overall brand quality in the automotive industry.

Now in its 38^th year, the study was based on responses from 99,144 purchasers and lessees of new 2024 models after 90 days of ownership.

This year’s study analyzed more data than ever by incorporating franchise dealership repair visits with the Voice of the Customer (VOC) data. This created a more comprehensive look at the problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).

New 2024 vehicles averaged 195 repairs for every 100 vehicles. Mass market brands averaged 181 PP100 while premium brands scored lower with a PP100 of 232.

J.D. Power attributed the lower average PP100 score of premium brands to those vehicles having more complicated systems and a reliance on connectivity.

Ram Ranks Highest in Overall Quality, Best Light-Duty Pickup

Ram Trucks had another standout year in the annual J.D. Power study, first by Ram capturing the title as the top-performing brand in quality.

“This recognition is particularly uplifting because our customers are extremely demanding,” said Ram-brand CEO Chris Feuell. “Satisfying them to the point where we rise above every other brand in the industry is testament to the boundless creativity of our designers and engineers, and the unwavering dedication of our assemblers and dealers.”

This year was the fourth time in five years that Ram has been among the top three industry brands in initial quality and the second year Ram has ranked the best in quality. Ram last ranked first in overall quality in 2021.

The 2024 Ram 1500 was honored by J.D. Power as the best full-size light-duty pickup, an honor the truck also garnered in 2023.

The 2024 Ram 2500/3500 earned third-place in the heavy-duty pickup category.

Chevrolet Silverado HD Best Heavy-Duty Pickup

Not only did the Chevrolet Silverado HD rank as the best initial quality large heavy-duty pickup, but other General Motors’ vehicles also ranked highest in their vehicle categories.

“Quality is a priority for GM and earning the most awards in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. IQS Study of any automaker reflects that commitment,” said Antonio Francavilla, vice president, global quality, supplier quality and operational excellence, General Motors. “As we accelerate into our all-electric future, we consistently work to improve quality from the development of our products, across the company, and at every step of the customer journey.

For a third year in a row, the Chevrolet Equinox landed first place in quality in the compact SUV category.

Likewise, the Traverse ranked first in its respective class, midsize SUVs.

Moving up to the large SUV grouping, GM again placed first with the Tahoe. The Tahoe has held the top spot for quality for three consecutive years.

Ford Bronco Sport Best in Initial Quality

Ford’s Bronco Sport was named by J.D. Power as best in initial quality among 19 small SUVs and as a brand Ford ranked ninth, improving 14 positions from its previous 23^rd place.

“Ford’s achievement of receiving the award for the Bronco Sport in the Small SUV segment shows their continued commitment to initial quality,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power.

Ford had other contenders in play, with the Super Duty ranking second in large heavy-duty pickups and the Maverick taking second in quality among midsize pickups.

“We are making a lot of progress on quality and customers with our latest vehicles are benefiting from it,” said Jim Baumbick, Ford’s vice president of product development and quality. “We have more work to do, as our ambition is to have best-in-class quality and we won’t be satisfied until we achieve and sustain it.”

Overview of the Best Trucks in Initial Quality

Among pickup trucks, Hyundai, Ram, and Chevrolet all took top honors for quality.

Rankings for midsize pickup are:

1. Hyundai Santa Cruz
2. Ford Maverick
3. Nissan Frontier

Rankings for large light-duty pickup are:

1. Ram 1500

Rankings for the large heavy-duty pickup are:

1. Chevrolet Silverado HD
2. Ford Super Duty
3. Ram 2500/3500

Overview of the Best SUVs in Initial Quality

Among SUVs, Ford, Chevrolet, and Nissan all took top honors for quality.

Rankings for small SUVs are:

1. Ford Bronco Sport
2. Kia Seltos
3. Kia Soul

Rankings for compact SUVs are:

1. GMC Terrain
2. Hyundai Tuscon

Rankings for midsize SUVs are:

1. Nissan Murano
2. Chevrolet Blazer
3. Ford Edge

Rankings for large SUVs are:

1. Chevrolet Tahoe
2. Chevrolet Suburban