Porsche Still Builds the Cars Owners Love MostPorscheIf you want to buy a new car that offers the most excitement from behind the wheel, you buy a Porsche. At least, that's what JD Power says in its 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. Porsche claimed the top spot in the study for the third year in a row. Fellow German automaker BMW AG, however, took home the year's most model-level awards.The annual JD Power APEAL Study measures how much owners enjoy living with their new vehicles after 90 days. Based on responses from more than 78,000 new-car owners, it evaluates 37 attributes including performance, comfort, technology, and styling to determine which vehicles leave the strongest overall impression.Porsche earned the highest overall score with 896 points on a 1,000-point scale. The venerable 911 was ranked as the best Premium Sporty Car. The Panamera and Cayenne were two other major in-segment standouts. They both ranked number two in the Large Premium Car and Upper Midsize Premium SUV segments, respectively.AdvertisementAdvertisementBMW also had a strong showing in the APEAL study. Their MINI brand was the highest-ranked mass market brand with a score of 875. BMW vehicles scored 882 points, which was good enough for fourth place in the premium brand category. But it was at the model-level where BMW AG really cleaned up. The BMW 7 Series and BMW X6 tied as the top-scoring models in the entire study.daniel krausBMW AG had six model-level wins this year, more than any otherautomaker. In addition to the 7 Series and X6, the X2, 2 Series, 5 Series andMINI Countryman each won their segment. Hyundai and close relative Kia also had astrong showing with the Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Kia Carnival, KiaK4 and Kia K5 all earning the top scores in their respective segments.While 0-60 mph times and horsepower numbers grab headlines, they are only part of the ownership experience. The 2026 APEAL Study suggests the brands that leave the strongest lasting impression are those that excel in every aspect of driving. Porsche once again leads the way, but BMW and Hyundai's exceptional showing proves that the Stuttgart brand is not alone in standing out to buyers.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State