New J.D. Power rating changes perception of Chinese cars

It is difficult to perceive the Chinese automotive industry as a lagging player in the global market. Over the past few years, local manufacturers have not only significantly expanded their presence outside the country, but have also noticeably improved the quality of their cars. A new J.D. Power study has become another confirmation of these changes. The American analytical company, known for its rigorous evaluation methodology, published a fresh rating of the quality of Chinese-assembled gasoline cars, and its results proved to be indicative.

For the first time, cars produced in China demonstrated a level of quality that allows them to compete not only with mass-market brands, but also with premium global brands. This is no longer about individual successful models, but about a systemic improvement in quality, which is gradually changing the balance of power in the global automotive market.

Quality continues to grow for the second consecutive year

The study covered 13,919 owners of 127 car models purchased between July 2025 and February 2026.

Experts evaluated cars according to 218 parameters, affecting almost all aspects of operation:

engine and transmission operation;
build quality;
interior ergonomics;
electronic systems;
overall car ownership comfort.

Based on owner feedback, the PP100 (Problems per 100 Vehicles) indicator was calculated — the number of problems identified per 100 vehicles. The lower the value, the higher the quality of the model.

According to the results of the current study, the average indicator for Chinese-assembled cars decreased to 211 PP100, which is eight points better than the previous year's result. This indicates that the quality improvement is systemic, and not related to individual successful models.

Unexpected lineup of leaders

The distribution of places in the overall rating is of greatest interest.

The top five were:

Land Rover — 200 PP100;
Cadillac — 203 PP100;
Volvo — 206 PP100;
Porsche — 210 PP100;
Lexus — 212 PP100.

The result of Land Rover itself looks unusual. The brand has been criticized for reliability issues for many years, but Chinese-assembled cars allowed the brand to top the rating.

Another circumstance is no less indicative. Chinese manufacturers are located very close to Lexus.

Thus, Chery received 213 PP100, and Geely — 214 PP100. A few years ago, these companies were perceived primarily as manufacturers of affordable cars, while today their indicators are almost on par with recognized premium brands.

The following were ranked:

Dongfeng-Honda;
GAC-Honda;
Changan;
Jetour;
GAC-Toyota;
Mercedes-Benz;
Haval;
Tank;
Buick;
Roewe;
SAIC-Volkswagen;
Changan-Mazda.

Many of these brands are officially represented in Russia, so the research results are of practical interest to domestic buyers as well.

Best models in their segments

J.D. Power specialists separately identified leaders among specific models.

In the compact passenger car category, the best was the Changan Eado Plus, which is officially sold on the Russian market. The next places were taken by the Roewe i5 and MG 5.

In the segment of more expensive compact sedans, the leaders were:

Toyota Levin;
Changan Eado Max.

Among mid-size passenger cars, the best results were shown by:

Volkswagen Bora;
Volkswagen Golf;
Geely Emgrand fifth generation.

In the business sedan category, the Volkswagen Passat took first place, followed by the Honda Inspire and Chery Arrizo 8, including the Pro modification.

Crossovers are once again in the spotlight

The crossover rating is of particular interest, as this segment is currently in greatest demand in Russia.

Among compact models, the leaders were:

Geely Coolray;
Changan CS35 Max.

In the more expensive segment of compact crossovers, the best were recognized as:

Changan CS55 Plus;
Lynk & Co 06.

Among mid-size models, the highest ratings were received by:

Changan CS75 Pro;
Chery Tiggo 7 Plus;
Geely Cityray;
Jetour X70 Plus.

In the category of more expensive mid-size crossovers, the leaders are:

Chery Tiggo 8 Plus;
Volkswagen Tharu;
Volkswagen T-Roc.

Among family models, the top positions were taken by:

Chery Tiggo 9;
Toyota RAV4;
GAC GS8.

In the minivan class, the best were recognized as:

Wuling Hongguang V;
GAC M6;
GAC M8;
Honda Odyssey.

Why this rating is important for Russia

The research results are important not only for the Chinese market.

In the spring of 2026, demand for used Chinese cars in Russia increased by almost 39%. In addition, for the first time, the Geely Monjaro became the most sought-after model in the secondary market.

This trend indicates that Russian buyers are beginning to trust Chinese cars not only when buying new cars, but also in the used car market, where reliability requirements are traditionally much higher.

The fresh J.D. Power rating only confirms this change. The study shows that the growth in quality of Chinese cars has ceased to be an isolated phenomenon and has become a stable trend.

From affordable alternatives to full-fledged competitors

In a relatively short time, the Chinese automotive industry has come a long way from a manufacturer of inexpensive models to one of the world leaders in build quality.

If a few years ago the main argument in favor of Chinese cars remained an attractive price, today more and more buyers are paying attention precisely to the quality of execution, the level of equipment, and reliability.

The J.D. Power study records an already established trend. Chinese cars are gradually ceasing to be perceived as a compromise option and are increasingly becoming a full-fledged alternative to the products of traditional global brands. Judging by the current dynamics, this trend will only intensify in the coming years.