When it comes to choosing the right vehicle, car buyers are willing to overlook many minor issues, but a discomforting seat is not one of them. As the main point of contact between the driver and the vehicle, seats are meticulously designed and analyzed components. According to J.D. Power’s 2024 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study, automakers have made significant improvements in seat comfort, but customers still express dissatisfaction with the quality of headrests.
In the study, vehicles were rated based on the number of problems per 100 units experienced, known as PP100. Owners who reported headrest issues also reported other seat-related problems, resulting in 6.7 PP100 for overall seat issues. On the other hand, those who were satisfied with their headrests had a much lower rating of 1.0 PP100, indicating a higher level of satisfaction with the seats as a whole.
Ashley Edgar, the Senior Director of Automotive Benchmarking, emphasized the importance of headrest adjustability in enhancing the overall seat experience. Manufacturers need to prioritize this aspect as it significantly impacts the comfort provided by the seats. While improvements can be made in various aspects of seat quality, a proper headrest is crucial in ensuring overall comfort.
J.D. Power’s seat rankings are segmented into categories such as Mass-Market Small/Compact Car, Mass-Market Midsize/Large Car, Mass-market SUV and Truck/Van, Mass-market Midsize/Large SUV, Mass-Market Truck/Van, Premium Car, and Premium SUV.
Interestingly, the study also highlighted the role of seat manufacturers, who were mostly separate entities from automakers. For example, Adient manufactured seats for the Kia K5 and Toyota Camry, while Lear Corporation produced seats for the Chevy Equinox, Ford Explorer, various Chevy trucks, and all models in the Premium Car segment. The collaboration between automakers and seat manufacturers is vital in ensuring the highest quality seating experiences for customers across different vehicle segments.
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