U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study (MWES)

Assess Website Effectiveness in Moving Shoppers Toward Purchase

The U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study (MWES) assesses how well OEM websites support consumer new vehicle shopping and research needs. It evaluates clarity, content, usability and overall digital performance across desktop and mobile—helping brands create sites that drive confidence, conversion, and lead generation.

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What the Study Measures

A Benchmark of OEM Website Performance

Semiannually evaluates all major U.S. OEM websites across five core dimensions:

• Content quality
• Navigation and ease of use
• Design and visual appeal
• Functionality and interactive tools
• Page-load speed and responsiveness

Tracks:

• Mobile experience, reflecting modern shopper behavior

Includes:

• Diagnostic brand-level reports with prioritized improvement recommendations

How It Works

How the Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study (MWES) Works

• Uses a standardized scoring methodology across all major OEM websites
• Evaluates mobile and desktop performance on identical criteria
• Measures content, design, navigation, tools, and functionality
• Produces competitive benchmarks and prioritized UX recommendations

Core Strengths

Better Digital Insights, Stronger Experiences

• Identifies the elements that most influence shopper confidence and consideration
• Enables OEMs to compare website performance directly against competitors
• Guides UX, design, and development teams with actionable direction
• Creates annual rankings and awards-licensing opportunities for top-performing brands

Business Impact

Improve Engagement, Increase Conversion

• Creates intuitive, conversion-focused websites that move shoppers closer to purchase
• Increases engagement with key content and tools
• Strengthens OEM brand perception for innovation and customer-centricity
• Drives more qualified traffic to dealers

Key Dates

2026

Winter
Fielding: November 2025
Publish: December 18, 2025
Press Release: January 8, 2026
Summer
Fielding: May 2026
Publish: July 15, 2026
Press Release: July 16, 2026

Press Release & Award Information

JD Power will issue a national press release highlighting key findings and top-to-bottom rankings from the study. The brand(s) that rank highest in each award-eligible segment and meet predetermined award criteria will have the opportunity to enter into a licensing agreement through the JD Power Awards Program, which requires subscribing to the study as a prerequisite. Entering into a licensing agreement provides top-ranked brands with the valuable opportunity to market their award-winning performance. As the trusted symbol of excellence, JD Power Awards enhance brand perceptions, drive consumer preference, and differentiate awarded brands in competitive marketplaces.

Three identical JD Power awards made of clear glass with gold bases and text. Each award features the JD Power logo and the phrase 'The Voice of The Customer'.

Profiled Brands

Mass Market Brands

Buick
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hyundai
Jeep
Kia
Mazda
MINI
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Ram
Subaru
Toyota
Volkswagen

Premium Brands

Acura
Alfa Romeo
Audi
BMW
Cadillac
Genesis
Infiniti
Jaguar
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lucid
Maserati
Mercedes-Benz
Polestar
Porsche
Rivian
Tesla
Volvo

Who should use it

Designed for Digital, CX and Marketing Leaders

• OEM digital teams
• Customer experience leaders
• Marketing organizations (awards)
• Website development agencies and partner vendors

PowerSource

Insights Available at a Touch of a Button

Subscribers to this study have full access to benchmark reporting, competitor analysis, and more with PowerSource.

Ready to power what’s next?

Whether you’re launching new models, improving dealer performance, or advancing finance and insurance strategies, JD Power is ready to help you make smarter decisions – with confidence and clarity.