Sitting In the Lap of Luxury

A shiny new car might initially catch a shopper’s eye with its sleek exterior styling, but it’s what inside - where a driver spends most of his or her time enjoying the view - that can make or break a deal. That’s because automakers are paying extra attention to their vehicles’ accommodations, with even some of the most affordable rides on the road treating their occupants to thoughtfully designed interiors trimmed with top-quality materials that can be packed with upscale amenities like heated leather seats and premium audio systems. To that end, the editors of WardsAuto World magazine in Detroit recently announced their annual list of 10 Best Interiors, and they run the gamut in terms of size and vehicle type, with the most affordable of the bunch being the Honda Fit subcompact hatchback, which starts at around $16,000. “It’s important that great interiors be available in every class of vehicle, not just luxury models that most consumers will never be able to afford,” says WardsAuto World editor-in-chief, Drew Winter. Ward’s editors evaluated 42 models during February and March and rated each model’s interior accommodations according to their overall design, materials, ergonomics, comfort, safety, value, fit-and-finish and the user-friendliness of a vehicle’s so-called human-machine interface. The most important factor considered is a given model’s interior aesthetics and design harmony, specifically how well individual elements work together. Here’s a quick look at the all-new and redesigned 2015 models WardsAuto World cited as having the best interiors in the industry, with suggest retail prices as tested and commentary from the publication’s editors: • BMW i3. Citing this eccentrically styled electric car’s cabin for its utility, use of recycled materials and for its groundbreaking design, judges said, “The i3 boldly goes where many automakers have yet to tread - deeply into the future.” MSRP: $52,550. • Chrysler 300C Platinum. “Chrysler takes its well-regarded 300 sedan up a notch, playing even more comfortably in the space of near-luxury brands with a well-equipped rear-wheel-drive premium offering.” MSRP: $51,175. • Ford F-150 King Ranch. WardsAuto’s editors called the opulent western-themed version of the F-150 pickup, “The latest entry to redefine light-duty trucks for customers who want it all: brute strength and a cabin that is stylishly rugged, comfortable and as spacious as the prairie it’s designed to traverse.” MSRP: $60,075. • GMC Canyon SLT. ” GMC’s new midsize truck demonstrates that shoppers need not buy a loaded full-size pickup to get lots of soft surfaces, a Bose audio system, supple and durable leather, an easily navigated touchscreen and advanced safety features.” MSRP: $29,730. • Honda Fit EX-L. “Honda expertly realizes entry-level buyers don’t like to settle and instead prefer a unique, upscale alternative to the econobox.” MSRP: $21,950. • Jeep Renegade Limited. “Truly setting the compact Renegade SUV apart is its vibrant color scheme, blending creamy gray leather with the “Bark Brown” carpet, door trim and instrument panel. Pulling it all together, unexpectedly, are crisp lava accents and contrast stitching.” MSRP: $33,205. • Mazda6 Grand Touring. “A refreshed 2016 Mazda6 arrives with interior upgrades that put this sedan farther ahead of its rivals.” MSRP: $33,995. • Kia Sedona SXL. “With user-friendly infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, Infinity premium audio and the second-row First Class lounge seating, there is no better road tripper than Kia’s minivan.” MSRP: $43,295. • Mercedes-Benz C400. “You could pay a lot more for a luxury sedan, but it will be hard to find one with a nicer interior.” MSRP: $65,000. • Nissan Murano SL. “Nissan’s five-passenger Murano sets out to jazz up the high-volume midsize crossover SUV segment and succeeds beautifully.”