Cupholders are important to car owners

The size and efficacy of car cupholders have become an increasingly important buying factor for car owners, according to the 2025 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), a leading industry benchmark.

Nearly 100,000 car buyers who bought this year’s models weighed in on the survey. Audi took the crown for worst performance, with 269 problems per 100 vehicles.

But the standout issue was cupholders. There was a 12% year-over-year spike in cup space-related complaints, placing them among the top 15 interior grievances.

While fuel efficiency, safety, and price remain the top buying criteria, consumers are scrutinizing cup space more than ever. Analysts attribute this shift to the popularity of oversized drinkware like Stanley tumblers, Yeti Gallon Ramblers, and more.

Automakers have responded with modular inserts and advanced spill defenses, yet problems like poor fit, wobbling, and spillage persist. 

Wired reports that cupholders remain a “make-or-break” feature, just as they were 20 years ago, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers study.