Hyundai Motor Co.'s compact crossover Tucson and the Rio subcompact by sister brand Kia Motors Corp. received recognition as the most dependable cars in their classes by J.D. Power and Associates, industry watchers here said Friday.

The two vehicles received high marks from the U.S.-based marketing information service company earlier in the week for the low number of problems experienced by their buyers.

The dependability study is an industrywide review that checks problems reported on 3-year-old cars by owners in the past 12 months. The test examines the number of defects experienced per 100 cars, with lower numbers representing higher long-term quality. J.D. Power examined 225 vehicles for the latest study.

Hyundai Motor said its Tucson, in particular, beat out rivals in the fiercely competitive small SUV segment, not only for its dependability, but for its excellent styling and safety features.

Kia said its Rio also got top marks, which showcases how much effort the automaker has put into quality control and user experience feedback to make better vehicles.

South Korea's No. 2 carmaker after Hyundai Motor said it ranked second highest among all non-premium brands in the latest study. (Yonhap)

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