Whether you operate a high-endVolvo S60, an affordable Hyundai Accent, or a high-performing Nissan Z, having a seat that is precisely adjusted for the task at hand is essential for an unforgettable driving experience. According to a recentreport from J.D. Power and Associates, seat quality has seen a slight decline since 2024, representing the first rise in the category’s overall percentage of all vehicle issues in nine years. In other words, new car buyers are experiencing somewhat more seat-related concerns compared to previous periods, with the most common issues being adjustments for range, comfort of the headrest, and damage or dirt on the seat material. Survey results from owners indicate higher numbers of reported problems in these areas, and J.D. Power mentions that design-related problems such as these make up 80 percent of the top seat complaints in their latest research.
Why and How JD Power Evaluates Seating
Data is sourced from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study, which identifies the top three seats in different vehicle categories using a scoring method that converts outcomes into a ‘Problems Per 100 Vehicle’ score, commonly referred to as ‘PP100’.
According to the latest report, seat quality was evaluated by J.D. Power using the number of issues and the level of satisfaction reported within the first 90 days of ownership. The 11-month study began in June 2024 and involved feedback from 92,644 buyers and lessees of new 2025 model vehicles.
In PP100 measurements, a lower score means fewer issues or complaints, reflecting better quality and customer satisfaction. The higher the PP100 value, the more problems and complaints were recorded. Vehicles with the lowest PP100 scores are considered the best options within their categories. While some findings from the study are shared publicly, a more detailed set of information is accessible to subscribers (such as car manufacturers), who can utilize it to inform future choices regarding design, material sourcing, and resource planning related to seating and safety belt systems.
Seats and the powertrain are the two main factors that greatly affect a vehicle’s attractiveness and customer satisfaction. When car owners face problems with their seats, these issues have the second-highest impact on their APEAL score across all evaluated vehicle areas. There is a growing concern about seat controls, especially those that are complicated or hard to use, like memory and massage features, which is being seen in both luxury and mainstream market segments.
Lisa Boor, senior manager of automotive benchmarking and mobility development at J.D. Power
This is not the first instance where J.D. Power data has indicated a rise in PP100 scores (representing a decline) in customer satisfaction regarding new technology. Several of the industry’s more advanced infotainment systems were observed to lead to comparable drops in ratings until manufacturers improved and simplified system designs and user interfaces.
In other words, introducing new technologies can sometimes compromise the vehicle’s overall ease of use. This may lower the PP100 scores, leading car manufacturers to release updates and enhancements. Keep in mind, these scores play a role in car sales, and automakers typically aim to enhance them—even wheninstalling massage seats in budget-friendly luxury vehicles.
The Top Spot in This Year’s Study Is…
According to this year’s report, the top seats in the study this year are held by theBMW Z4. The seats in this straight-six roadster are provided by Magna Seating. Scoring 3.2 PP100, the Z4 has the lowest number of seat-related issues in the report. Out of every 100 BMW Z4 owners surveyed, only 3.2 reported any problems.
Significantly, the latest Z4 Roadster’s seating system includes a nearly 1-inch longer rail compared to the previous model, enabling a broader range of seat adjustments. As mentioned earlier, this is a significant advantage when it comes to achieving a strong rating in the seating category. The optional M sports seats come with electro-pneumatic backrests that offer adjustments to enhance lateral support during high-speed turns. For a high-performance roadster, this is considered an outstanding seating option by its owners.
In other parts of the study, high-performing models had scores between 4.0 and 9.3 PP100 for reference. This places the Z4 significantly ahead, which is impressive for a two-seat roadster. Magna Seating also produces the seats for the Ford Escape, which received a top-three rating of 6.6 PP100 in its category. Continue reading.
Here Are the Top Seats by Category
If you’re searching for a compact vehicle with an excellent seating rating, this year’s research highlights the SubaruImpreza, Toyota GR86, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota GR Corollaas the top mass-market small and compact cars in the game. The lowest PP100 scores in this category are nearly identical at 8.5 each for the Subaru Impreza and Toyota GR86, and 8.7 for the Corolla along with its highly capable GR Corolla version,a car that has no reason not to be purchased.
In mass market midsize and large cars, J.D. Power reports that Hyundai owners have experienced certain trends.Sonata and Subaru Legacy each mentioned the smallest number of seating problems in the category, at 6.5 PP100 each. The seats in the KiaK5 enter with a score of 7.5 PP100, enough to secure the top three in midsize and large vehicles.
Among popular small and compact SUVs, the FordBronco Sportheads the segment in first place by a significant difference, at 5.7 PP100, with the FordEscape and Kia Sportage competing for second position with 6.6 PP100 each.
In the mass-market midsize and large SUV segment, ChevroletTraverse’s seating is ranked first with a score of 7.3 PP100, closely followed by the second-place KiaTelluride at 7.5. Tied for third position with 9.3 PP100 each are the KiaSorento and Subaru Outback, the latter providing a synthetic seating surface that is very easy to clean and does not absorb dog odors, according to this writer’s personal experience as an Outback owner.
Among mass-produced trucks andvans, the GMC Canyon’sseating receives a score of 4.0 PP100, easily surpassing its position to rank at the top above the HyundaiSanta Cruz (5.6 PP100) and Chevrolet Silverado HD(5.7 PP100) in the second and third positions, respectively.
In the luxury vehicle category, the award-winning Z4 leads with a 3.2 PP100 score, surpassing the Audi.A5 (5.1 PP100), Porsche 911 (5.3 PP100), and Porsche Taycan (5.3 PP100). In the luxury SUV category, the Porsche Cayenne leads comfortably with a 4.0 PP100 rating, coming in first, while the Jaguar takes the second position.F-Paceat 4.5 PP100 and the PorscheMacan at 5.1.
If you’re keeping track, that’s one victory for BMW with the best seat in the study, one for Audi, two each for Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai, three each for Subaru and Toyota, and four each for Porsche and Kia.
Always Verify This During Your Test Drive (Your Back Will Appreciate It)
The comfort and quality of seating is crucial for today’s drivers. Many people spend excessive amounts of time seated, which can be tough on the back. Spending long hours behind the wheel of a car or truck isn’t any better, but seats that offer the right mix of design and function can reduce the potential harm to your spine.
Each person’s back is unique, but typically, the ideal seating position allows your spine to maintain its natural curve, which might involve using the vehicle’s lumbar support. When you have the appropriate level of lumbar support in the correct spot, the curve of your spine is properly supported and functions as designed to reduce strain, thanks to its inherent spring-like structure.
If you experience back discomfort, a supportive chair that offers extensive adjustability and proper lower back support with height customization can make a significant difference. Similar benefits include features such asmassaging seatsor seats featuring an “active ergonomics” function, available in certain Mercedes-Benz models, which periodically make minor adjustments to the seat position to promote comfort and blood flow during extended sitting.
Sources:J.D. Power, BMW
