Tesla Model S tops US survey

According to a new US survey of tens of thousands of motorists, the Tesla Model S is best vehicle in 2014.

The electric sports car is expected to be on Australian roads by August 2014, priced at a smidge under $100,000, and was rated as the best vehicle by research company Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index, or TQI.

Just under 40,000 new vehicle owners in the USA were surveyed, who were asked questions about positive and negative experiences with their vehicles in regards to reliability, driving excitement, and even "emotional responses".

While the Tesla Model S was the overall winner, Jaguar and Audi shared the top gong for best luxury brands, while Kia rated the highest of any non-luxury brand in the TQI.

"All I can say to manufacturers is prepare to listen carefully to what car buyers are saying," said Christopher Chaney, Strategic Vision's Senior Vice President.

"Tesla built a vehicle that generated love in attributes that were most important to segment buyers.

"Very few people are looking for an overpriced electric breadbox/toaster with nothing cool. Consumers are powerful, have the Internet and know how to use calculators," opined Chaney.

Other segment winners in the survey included the Lexus GX460 for best Luxury SUV, a premium version of the Toyota Prado not sold in Australia, while the Kia Soul and Volkswagen Golf tied to for top honours in the Small Multi-function Car segment.

For the full list of segment winners see below.

Arguably the best-known consumer survey in the US, JD Power focuses on problems and faults, and last month released its annual survey which was topped by Porsche.

Jaguar was second and Lexus third overall in the JD Power survey, which is based on wider spread of motorists, more than 86,000, which focuses purely on problems reported by customers.

The 2014 Strategic Vision TQI is in its 19th year and is compiled out of the company's San Diego headquarters.

2014 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index segment winners:

Overall winner: Tesla Model S
Micro car: Smart Fortwo
Small car: Dodge Dart, Mitsubishi Lancer
Small multi-function car: Kia Soul, Volkswagen Golf
Small alternative powertrain car: Ford C-Max Energi
Minivan: Nissan Quest
Mid-size car: Subaru Impreza, Kia Optima
Mid-size multi-function car: Honda Accord Crosstour
Mid-size alternative powertrain car: Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Full-size car: Dodge Charger

Near-luxury car: Lexus IS
Near-luxury alternative powertrain car: Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Luxury car: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
Luxury multi-function car: Volvo XC70

Specialty coupe: Mini Countryman
Premium coupe: Chevrolet Corvette, Audi A5
Standard convertible: Mini Roadster
Premium convertible: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Standard pick-up: Honda Ridgeline
Full-size pick-up: Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra 1500
Heavy-duty pick-up: Ford F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, Dodge Ram 2500/3500

Entry SUV: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Entry CUV: Hyundai Tucson (ix35)
Mid-size SUV: Dodge Durango
Mid-size CUV: Ford Flex
Full-size utility: Ford Expedition
Near-luxury utility: Audi Q5
Luxury SUV: Lexus GX460
Luxury CUV: Audi Q7