The 2013 Wards 10 Best Interiors list was announced today, and it features a wide range of automobile types and sticker prices, including several models that prove a buyer doesn't have to break the bank to drive in luxury and style. WardsAuto editors selected the top passenger compartments after spending February and March evaluating 46 vehicles that were all-new or sported interiors that have been significantly upgraded. The winners will be recognized during a special ceremony at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference being held May 22 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, MI.
This year's winners:
- Acura RDX (Honda Motor Co. Ltd.)
- Cadillac XTS (General Motors Co.)
- Chevrolet Spark (General Motors Co.)
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.)
- Kia Forte (Kia Motors Corp.)
- Lexus GS 450h (Toyota Motor Corp.)
- Mazda6 (Mazda Motor Corp.)
- Nissan Pathfinder (Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.)
- Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn (Chrysler Group LLC)
- Toyota Avalon (Toyota Motor Corp.)
To determine the winners, editors drive the vehicles during their routine commutes and submit score sheets ranking each auto interior based on several criteria, including materials, ergonomics, comfort, safety, value, fit-and-finish and overall design. Scores also are applied based on the user-friendliness of the human-machine interface and the ability to link mobile phones and access vehicle information. Video reviews and photo galleries of evaluated vehicles may be found at http://wardsauto.com, and full write-ups on each winner will post on April 29.
"This year's batch of winners really drives home the point that auto interiors are vital in the battle for consumers' hearts and minds," says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief, Drew Winter . "It wasn't uncommon all that long ago for auto makers to view interiors as the best place to take cost out of a vehicle program. They eventually figured out that's a big mistake because people spend a lot more time looking at the inside of their car than the outside."
In addition to the awards being presented in a ceremony during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference, Ward's expects to have all ten winning vehicles on display at the event for attendees to experience and judge the interiors for themselves. The ceremony will include a live video review inside each vehicle, highlighting the key features that earned each interior its honor. Registration information for the conference is at http://autointeriors.com.