Culled from a pool of 41 new or redesigned vehicles, the 2014 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors represent a broad swath of cars and utility vehicles available in the U.S.
Massaging seats, bold new applications of ambient lighting, a key that can’t be locked in the trunk and a headliner that mimics a starry sky are among the technologies showcased in the 2014 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors winners.
The honorees represent a broad swath of cars and utility vehicles available in the U.S. with advanced human-machine interfaces, high-quality materials, outstanding comfort and, in some cases, breathtaking aesthetics and limited self-driving capabilities.
To be eligible for Ward’s 10 Best Interiors, a vehicle must offer a new or significantly redesigned interior. Unlike with Ward’s 10 Best Engines, there is no price cap.
This year’s winners in alphabetical order with as-tested sticker prices:
’14 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ($71,960)
’15 Chrysler 200C ($31,470)
’14 GMC Sierra Denali ($56,685)
’14 Hyundai Equus Ultimate ($68,920)
’14 Jeep Cherokee Limited ($37,525)
’14 Kia Soul+ ($24,010)
’14 Mazda3 ($30,415)
’14 Mercedes-Benz S550 ($122,895)
’14 Rolls-Royce Wraith ($372,800)
’15 Volkswagen GTI (Est. $30,695)
Winning automakers will be honored May 21 at a ceremony during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference being held at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn, MI.
Eight WardsAuto editors spent two months evaluating 41 vehicles during their routine commutes in and around metro Detroit and submitted score sheets ranking the entries on features such as ergonomics, driver information, fit-and-finish, materials, value, safety, comfort and design harmony.
“This year’s list is the most diverse we’ve ever had, from affordable compacts to ultra-luxury cars such as the Rolls-Royce Wraith,” says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter.
“In each case, the interior plays a pivotal role in establishing the vehicle’s brand character and making it intensely desirable to buyers.”
