15) Subaru
Average Interior Score: 7.17/10
Once boxy and bland, Subaru has started to adopt a softer, more sophisticated look. A big part of this transformation has involved the brand revamping their vehicles’ interiors, which tend to offer plush seating and plenty of cabin room.
Buyers seeking more luxury can outfit their 2020 Subaru Outback or 2020 Subaru Forester with perforated leather seats, heated front seats, and reclining rear seats. A long list of standard technology features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, help enhance your experience behind the wheel. Outback buyers can upgrade to Subaru’s new 11.6-inch vertical screen for maximum effect.
14) GMC
Average Interior Score: 7.22/10
Known for quality pickup trucks, GMC has taken strides to improve the cabin experience across its portfolio.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks atop GMC’s lineup for interior quality. Its cabin is comfortable, spacious, and equipped with a host of standard features including a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen. Upgrade to the SLT trim for leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
All models come with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports.
13) Ford
Average Interior Score: 7.24/10
Ford generally boasts spacious, comfortable cabins at an affordable price. Buyers seeking luxurious accoutrements can upgrade to leather upholstery, aluminum and wood trim, and other high-quality materials across the automaker’s lineup.
The brand’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with a touch screen is available in all Ford models. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and USB ports are typically standard across Ford’s portfolio. Certain new models can be outfitted with a 12-speaker premium stereo system, a rear-seat entertainment unit, and wireless device charging.
The 2020 Ford F-150 has the brand’s highest interior rating. Which makes sense as it is Ford’s most popular model, and one of the most popular vehicles in the country.
12) Jeep
Average Interior Score: 7.28/10
Long hailed for SUVs with strong off-road prowess, Jeep is now focusing inward – literally. The automaker has been upgrading its once-Spartan cabins with comfortable seating, high-quality materials, and plenty of dashboard technology.
Some models, like the Jeep Gladiator (which has the brand’s highest interior score), can be outfitted with leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other models can even have wood trim. Jeep’s user-friendly UConnect infotainment system and responsive touch screen come standard in all models. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and satellite radio are available.
11) Hyundai
Average Interior Score: 7.3/10
Once known for its economical, no-frills cars, Hyundai has beefed up its interiors with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and plenty of cabin and cargo space.
Redesigned for 2020, the Hyundai Sonata features supportive seating, ample passenger room, and upgrades including a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a premium sound system. The top-of-the-line 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited trim comes with a dual-pane sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, and ambient lighting, among other luxe amenities.
All new Hyundai models come with Bluetooth, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
10) Lincoln
Average Interior Score: 7.33/10
Long known for elegant interiors, the Lincoln brand boasts leather upholstery, comfortable seating, and plenty of high-quality cabin materials.
Some models, such as the Lincoln Navigator, can be equipped with heated front and second-row seats, 30-way power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
All Lincoln vehicles come with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the easy-to-use SYNC 3 infotainment system. The Lincoln Navigator Black Label trim adds a 20-speaker premium sound system and an option for a rear-seat entertainment unit.
9) Dodge
Average Interior Score: 7.38/10
Known for their iconic muscle cars, Dodge’s lineup has also become known for quality cabin materials, plenty of passenger space, and large cargo holds.
Upper trims of the Dodge Challenger muscle car can be equipped with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and a premium 18-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. The Challenger also has a sizable trunk for the segment, offering 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
All Dodge models come standard with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Dodge’s user-friendly UConnect infotainment system.
8) Porsche
Average Interior Score: 7.4/10
Porsche vehicles stand out for their sleek interiors, replete with leather upholstery and wood trim.
Redesigned for 2020, the iconic Porsche 911 features upgraded high-quality leather sport seats. The 2020 Porsche Cayman – a midrange model in the Porsche lineup – feels truly opulent. The two-seater’s cabin offers up suede and metal trim upgrades, massaging front seats, heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
All vehicles come with the easy-to-use Porsche Communication Management infotainment system, which is paired with a crisp touch screen. Apple CarPlay and USB ports are standard with Bluetooth connectivity in select models. Unfortunately, Android Auto remains noticeably absent on Porsche vehicles.
7) Mercedes-Benz
Average Interior Score: 7.41/10
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for top-notch materials, luxurious features, and top-notch technology.
Topping our ranking list of luxury midsize SUVs, the newly-redesigned 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE features heated and power-adjustable seats with optional massage functionality. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can be outfitted with leather, ventilated and massaging front seats, and even a power rear-window shade.
Select models, including the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, come equipped with the intuitive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The MBUX not only responds to voice commands and hand gestures, but occupants can converse with the system’s artificial intelligence.
6) BMW
Average Interior Score: 7.44/10
BMW vehicles are marked by high-end materials, supportive seats, and plenty of standard features.
The 2020 BMW X5 midsize crossover is styled elegantly, featuring synthetic leather, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment. Genuine leather, sleek aluminum accents, heated front armrests, and a leather-wrapped dashboard are available. The 2020 BMW 7 Series features especially unique niceties, such as a built-in air fragrance system and a panoramic dual-pane sunroof accented with LED lighting.
Most models come standard with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and the brand’s iDrive infotainment system. Navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and premium sound systems are available.
5) Volkswagen
Average Interior Score: 7.69/10
Volkswagen’s cabins feature quality materials, comfortable seats, and ample room for people and cargo alike.
The 2020 Volkswagen GTI, which tops our rankings of compact cars, hatchbacks, and small cars, can be outfitted with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof. The regular Volkswagen Golf also stands out for its standard synthetic leather upholstery, heated seats, and easy-to-use infotainment system.
All Volkswagen vehicles come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB ports. A Wi-Fi hot spot is available in select models.
4) Kia
Average Interior Score: 7.70/10
Modern Kia models are equipped with quality materials, attractive cabin designs, and a wealth of standard safety and tech features.
Ranked as our top midsize SUV, the new 2020 Kia Telluride can be outfitted with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof. The 2020 Kia K900 comes with heated and cooled front seats, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Kia’s easy-to-use UVO infotainment system are standard across the lineup.
3) Honda
Average Interior Score: 7.83/10
Honda’s interiors are both functional and attractive, with comfortable seats and plenty of soft-touch materials.
The range-topping Honda Accord Touring 2.0T Auto features leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting.
All Honda models come with an infotainment system, paired with either a 5-inch display screen or larger touch screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless device charging are either standard or available as options on most vehicles.
2) Volvo
Average Interior Score: 7.97/10
Long known as a brand focused on safety, modern Volvos have become nearly as recognized for their cabin comfort. The base Volvo XC40 compact SUV comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Leather upholstery and heated seats are available.
The clean dashboard design in most new Volvos center around the 9-inch tablet-like Sensus touch screen that controls most of the vehicle’s functions. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports.
1) Audi
Average Interior Score: 8.02/10
Topping our list is German automaker Audi, whose interiors feature sleek design, high-quality seats, and elegant materials.
Some models in the lineup can be outfitted with premium leather, wood trim, and metal accents. Ranked as our top large luxury car, the 2020 Audi A7 can be equipped with Valcona leather, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The brand’s MMI infotainment system is easy to use and features a touch screen with crisp graphics. All Audi vehicles come with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports.
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The 15 Brands With the Best Interiors of 2020
- 15) Subaru: Average Interior Score: 7.17/10
- 14) GMC: Average Interior Score: 7.22/10
- 13) Ford: Average Interior Score: 7.24/10
- 12) Jeep: Average Interior Score: 7.28/10
- 11) Hyundai: Average Interior Score: 7.3/10
- 10) Lincoln: Average Interior Score: 7.33/10
- 9) Dodge: Average Interior Score: 7.38/10
- 8) Porsche: Average Interior Score: 7.4/10
- 7) Mercedes-Benz: Average Interior Score: 7.41/10
- 6) BMW: Average Interior Score: 7.44/10
- 5) Volkswagen: Average Interior Score: 7.69/10
- 4) Kia: Average Interior Score: 7.70/10
- 3) Honda: Average Interior Score: 7.83/10
- 2) Volvo: Average Interior Score: 7.97/10
- 1) Audi: Average Interior Score: 8.02/10
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Ride in Style and Comfort With These Brands
When shopping for a new car, factors such as performance, reliability, and fuel economy may top your list. But if you spend lots of time in your car, interior quality is just as important. Supportive seats, ample cabin room, good fit-and-finish, and state-of-the-art technology can take a ride from lackluster to luxurious.
Automotive brands vary considerably when it comes to cabin design and comfort. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 15 automakers with the best interiors, based on U.S. News & World Report scores. To determine each brand's overall rating, we've averaged the scores given to each model in their lineup.
U.S. News & World Report analyzes a vehicle’s interior comfort, features, styling, build quality, and cargo room. Scores can change as new information becomes available, so the results shown on the following pages may not match those on individual vehicle review pages.
Read on to find out which brands offer the best interiors for 2020.