THE Hyundai Santa Fe was named best-in-segment, topping the small SUV category in Strategic Vision’s 2008 Total Quality Index (TQI) in the US.
The total quality index measures total vehicle satisfaction among new car owners.
Santa Fe earned the honour for the second consecutive year, a significant accomplishment in one of the most competitive automotive segments annually.
Founder and chief executive of San Diego-based Strategic Vision Darrel Edwards said that Hyundai’s continued success with the Santa Fe was not really surprising given its present products and press, as well as its leadership team who were looking strategically to the future with new designs from styling to power train.
The Korean SUV beat out competitors such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler four-door for the top spot in the category.
National manager of product development in the US Scott Margason said the Sante Fe offered outstanding fuel economy.
It ranked in the top three among all automakers in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) according to the American Environmental Protection Agency.
The total quality index was calculated from the responses of 20,655 vehicle buyers who bought 2008 models in September, October and November of 2007.
Consumers were asked an array of questions about their ownership experience, including buying, owning and driving their new vehicles.
The Index 2008 results were based on ratings of new vehicle owners in 19 product categories.