Tesla Tops JD Power Tech Survey, Scores Double VW’s but No Award

BREAKING: Tesla has achieved a stunning victory in JD Power’s latest technology survey, boasting a score of 873 points out of 1,000, more than double that of established rivals like Volkswagen. However, in a surprising twist, Tesla will not receive any awards due to eligibility issues related to its sales distribution in the U.S.
The 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, released earlier today, highlights Tesla’s dominance in automotive technology. With this being the 10th annual survey, JD Power collected data from owners of new 2025 model-year vehicles. Despite its remarkable score, Tesla and Rivian, which came in second with 730 points, are ineligible for awards because they do not meet the criteria requiring sales in all U.S. states.
In an unexpected outcome, Genesis took home the top award with a score of 538 points, followed by Cadillac at 526 and Lincoln at 523. This has raised eyebrows in the automotive community, given that the highest-scoring automakers were sidelined from accolades.
According to the study, technology-related problems have decreased by 6.3 per 100 vehicles compared to last year, indicating improvements in user experience. Respondents especially praised the automatic climate control feature, which effectively manages heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
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Smart technology not only seems to anticipate the driver’s needs but also reduces the cognitive workload and some of the difficulties that drivers face with digital systems,”
stated Kathleen Rizk, senior director of technology at JD Power.
However, not all features received high marks. The car wash mode, aimed at preparing vehicles for automated cleaning, frustrated many drivers due to its complicated placement within infotainment menus. Additionally, issues arose with recognition systems that sometimes fail to perform as expected.
On a positive note, the blind spot camera was a standout feature, with 93% of drivers reporting regular usage and 74% expressing interest in having it in future vehicles.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the implications of this survey are significant. Tesla’s technological advancements are clear, but the absence of awards raises questions about the criteria set by JD Power. What comes next for these automakers? Will Tesla and Rivian make adjustments to their sales strategies to qualify for future awards?
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the industry reacts to these findings and automakers adjust their strategies in response to consumer feedback.