16) Jeep (Tie)
Average Interior Score: 7.29
Jeep is well-known for off-road performance, but they also do a great job with their vehicle’s interiors. In short, when you’re in a Jeep, you'll know it, with many interior touches that reflect the brand's heritage. Not only are their designs well-thought-out, but the materials they use are also top-notch and durable.
Most of the six Jeep models available include a version of the UConnect infotainment system, which is one of the industry’s best.
Jeep interior scores range from the 2019 Jeep Compass with a 6.9, to 8.5 for the new-for-2020 Jeep Gladiator. Though the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around with the same basic design for years, Jeep has done an admirable job of updating its interior. It still scores a respectable 7.6 on our scale.
16) Chevrolet (Tie)
Average Interior Score: 7.29
Chevrolet’s average interior score is above the industry mean. That’s mainly due to the number of advanced tech features included on the majority of their models, as well as the amount of cabin and cargo space their vehicles offer.
Most Chevys come standard with infotainment systems that support 4G LTE data connections, onboard Wi-Fi hot spots, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The model with the highest interior score in their lineup is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, a 3-row midsize SUV with room for as many as eight. Chevy’s lineup also includes models such as the 2019 Suburban, with a massive cargo hold, and the Chevy Sonic, with a list of standard interior features that eclipses most competitors.
One factor keeping Chevrolet’s average scores lower than others on this list is their frequent use of cheap plastics on dashboards and in other places where rivals use higher-quality materials.
15) Porsche
Average Interior Score: 7.31
In addition to their stellar performance, another factor that has always set Porsche apart from their rivals are their high-quality car interiors. The brand continues to use top-notch materials that are expertly crafted. The result is world-class cabin quality in most (but not all) of their models.
Reviewers, who traditionally heap praise on Porsche’s interiors, aren’t quite as excited about the cabin of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne. At lower trim levels, it has a relative lack of functionality and opulence compared to its class rivals.
Porsche’s interior scores are also held back a bit by sleek exterior designs that reduce cargo volume, notably in models such as the 2019 Porsche Macan. While some of Porsche’s infotainment systems are overly complex, their latest generation features a streamlined, yet feature-packed, user interface.
14) Tesla
Average Interior Score: 7.34
The interiors of Tesla vehicles cast aside many of the ideas about cabin designs we’ve come to know. Members of the Tesla electric vehicle family dispense with traditional dashboards, instrument panels, and controls in favor of a massive central screen that controls most vehicle functions.
With underfloor-mounted batteries – and no engine to consume space under the hood – the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model 3 have generous cargo space. The 2019 Tesla Model S has the highest interior ranking for the brand, with its hatchback design providing more space than what's offered in class rivals.
If the Model S was the only car in Tesla’s lineup, the brand’s score would be significantly higher than it is. Though top-notch materials are used across the lineup, both the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model X have been called out for significant fit-and-finish issues. No model in the Tesla lineup supports either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In addition, users find the need to use the touch screen for essential functions, such as operating the windshield wipers, distracting.
13) GMC
Average Interior Score: 7.36
When it comes to cabin design, comfort, and technology, no segment is as competitive as the full-size pickup truck class. That has led GMC to significantly improve the interior of the fully-redesigned 2019 GMC Sierra. That, in turn, has improved GMC’s average interior score.
The Sierra has the highest interior score of any vehicle in the GMC lineup, though several of its brand siblings have respectable interior marks. That’s partly due to the generous number of infotainment and connectivity features GMC includes on almost every model. Most have touch screen infotainment systems that support onboard Wi-Fi hot spots, 4G LTE data connections, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The only GMC models with scores below the industry average are the aging GMC Yukon and Canyon.
When compared with their Chevrolet peers, the interior of GMC vehicles tend to be a step above, with high-quality materials and fewer cheap-feeling plastics.
12) Hyundai
Average Interior Score: 7.37
The broad array of vehicles produced by Hyundai have an average interior score that’s well above the industry average. The brand is led by the redesigned-for-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, which features a quiet, well-appointed cabin, with ample room for five people.
Most models in the Hyundai lineup come with touch screen infotainment systems that support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The systems, especially in newer or redesigned models, are responsive and easy to use.
Hyundai’s lineup is one of the fresher in the industry, with the all-new Hyundai Ioniq, Hyundai Kona, and Hyundai Palisade arriving in the market over the last couple of years. The Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, and Hyundai Elantra have all seen significant refreshes over the same period.
11) BMW
Average Interior Score: 7.38
It wasn’t long ago that BMW’s iDrive infotainment was the brand’s Achilles heel. Today, the system has matured into one of the best luxury car infotainment interfaces available. It has helped BMW to a spot with average interior scores that outpace many luxury rivals.
You might guess that some of BMW’s most expensive models, such as the ultra-luxury 2019 BMW 7 Series sedan and the 2019 6 Series coupe, have the brand’s highest interior scores – and you would be right. You might be surprised, though, to find that BMW’s smallest SUV, the 2019 BMW X1, has an interior score to match its pricey siblings. The X1 is our top-ranked luxury subcompact SUV in part because of its ample passenger and cargo space, as well as its generous array of standard interior features.
The brand’s average interior score is brought down a bit by the BMW X4 and X6 SUV "coupes." The two models put style over capability, with small cargo holds and uncomfortable back seats.
10) Subaru
Average Interior Score: 7.40
Led by two of their recently redesigned models, Subaru earns a spot in the top ten of our best interior brands list. The redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback and 2019 Subaru Forester have upped their interior games, adding high-quality materials and plentiful features to their excellent cargo and passenger spaces.
The Outback holds a spot near the top of our ranking of wagons, while the Forester does the same in our compact SUV ranking. Both have shed much of their utilitarian history with plusher interior treatments, high-quality materials, and attractive designs. The new Outback can even be outfitted with a vertically-oriented 11.6-inch touch screen infotainment system.
For 2019, Subaru added the Ascent to their lineup. The 3-row midsize SUV has the largest cabin in their lineup, with comfortable seating for up to eight.
At the other end of the Subaru lineup, however, is the aging Subaru BRZ. Its outdated base infotainment system and an unremarkable interior bring the brand's average interior score down.
9) Lincoln
Average Interior Score: 7.41
It’s fair to assume that at least one of America’s iconic luxury car makers would make this list, and one of them did. Lincoln’s attention to detail, top-notch finishes, and easy-to-use infotainment systems earn the brand an average interior score that's in our top ten.
Archrival Cadillac did not make the list, mostly because of their cumbersome and unresponsive CUE infotainment system.
The 2019 Lincoln Navigator leads the brand with a stellar interior score of 9.2. The Navigator, which holds a spot atop our ranking of luxury large SUVs, excels with a spacious, exquisitely-appointed cabin with generous cargo space. It’s available in standard and long-wheelbase models, with the latter providing an extra 15 cubic feet of room for luggage. Leather upholstery comes standard.
At the opposite end is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ, with a score of 6.2. Its interior doesn’t provide the luxury feel Lincoln buyers should expect. Also, its trunk, while large, is hard to load because of a narrow opening.
8) Dodge
Average Interior Score: 7.43
Dodge has some of the oldest cars in the marketplace, but they continue to update the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango with modern cabin tech. That, along with ample passenger space and nice interior materials, helps them earn a spot on our list of brands with the best interiors.
The 2019 Dodge Challenger, for example, has by far the largest cabin and trunk in our ranking of sports cars. Its interior features several retro touches to remind drivers of the car's heritage. They've also updated the car's excellent UConnect infotainment system, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a standard feature.
The Dodge lineup, however, has a couple of ancient models that hold its average interior score down. The 2019 Dodge Journey has a few nice features, such as UConnect, but lacks support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan is well past its prime, inside and out.
7) Mercedes-Benz
Average Interior Score: 7.53
The Mercedes-Benz lineup includes some of the most luxurious, high-tech, and masterfully crafted interiors on the road. Most models use fine leathers, woods, and other materials blended to create beautiful, refined cabins. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for example, has one of the highest interior scores in our ranking system.
Luxury features include heated, ventilated, and massaging seats for many models. Top models have cabin perfuming systems with custom-crafted Mercedes scents. Models such as the E-Class, S-Class, and recently redesigned G-Class feature state-of-the-art infotainment systems, with massive screens and innovative controls.
At the lower end of the brand’s lineup are a few models that drag the company’s average down. Their cabin materials, interior space, and trunk room aren’t at the level you expect in cars that wear the three-pointed star. The GLA, CLA, and SLC all fall into that group. The CLA only earns an interior score of 5.4 out of 10 on our scale. In contrast, the S-Class receives a 9.1 out of 10.
6) Kia
Average Interior Score: 7.70
If you dismiss Kia as an economy brand with nothing special to offer, you’d be mistaken. Kia makes it into our top 10 interior brands with loads of standard cabin tech, as well as handsome cabins that are outfitted with top-notch materials.
The 2020 Kia Soul has a starting price below $17,500, but has an interior score that is higher than all but three Mercedes-Benz models. The Soul’s brilliant use of cabin space to maximize room for both passengers and cargo is just one of the reasons it sits atop our ranking of subcompact SUVs. Like most Kia models, it comes with an intuitive UVO touch-screen infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Only one model, the 2019 Kia Niro, has an interior score that is below the industry average of 7.2 out of 10. Even the 2019 Kia Rio, a subcompact car with a price tag starting at $15,390, features a roomy cabin for its class, and an interior rivaling those found on vehicles that cost thousands more.
5) Honda
Average Interior Score: 7.77
Led by the interior feature-laden 2019 Honda Odyssey, the automaker holds one of our top-five average interior scores. Honda’s interior scores range from 6.5 out of 10 for the subcompact Honda HR-V crossover, to 9.2 for the Odyssey.
Honda’s family of SUVs are known for their smart use of cabin space to maximize comfort and utility. Their interiors were a significant factor in their U.S. News Best SUV Brand award. Most models come with, or are available with, touch-screen infotainment systems and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Unique cargo solutions, like the Honda Ridgeline’s in-bed trunk and the Magic Seat in the 2019 Honda Fit that can be configured in multiple ways, aren't found in competing models. The Odyssey is available with features such as a cabin intercom, an onboard vacuum cleaner, horizontally sliding middle-row seats, and a rear-seat entertainment setup that's tied into the minivan's infotainment system.
4) Volkswagen
Average Interior Score: 7.89
On the strength of the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas and 2019 GTI, Volkswagen cracked the top five in our list of automakers with the best average interior score. The GTI wins fans with its Clark Plaid tartan seats that reflect the hot hatch’s heritage.
The Atlas leads the company with an interior score of 8.8 out of 10, due in part to its roomy cabin and ample cargo room. The Atlas is one of the few three-row midsize SUVs that can comfortably fit adults in the back row. Every Atlas – and most Volkswagens – features an infotainment system that supports Android Auto, MirrorLink, and Apple CarPlay.
Newer Volkswagens, including the Atlas and the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, are available with their traditional analog gauge cluster swapped out for a 12.3-inch customizable display.
Volkswagen's lowest-performing vehicle, the 2019 VW Beetle, has been dropped from the lineup for 2020. It is the only vehicle currently in their lineup with an interior score below the industry average.
3) Audi
Average Interior Score: 7.99
German automaker Audi is known for equipping their vehicles with bleeding-edge technology that’s at the forefront of the industry. They were an early adopter of Google Earth images in their navigation systems, as well as large display screens to replace analog instrument panels.
They haven’t forgotten the soft side of interiors, either, with opulent cabins lined with world-class quality materials and designs that coddle drivers and passengers alike. Leading the brand’s interior scores are the 2019 Audi A5 coupe, 2019 Audi R8 luxury sports car, and 2019 Audi A8 super luxury car with marks of 8.7 out of 10. With the R8 and A8, the base price is just a starting point, from which you can add tens of thousands of dollars' worth of interior upgrades.
The Audi with the lowest interior mark is the 2019 Audi A3, which lacks the interior room and level of cabin quality offered by some competitors.
2) Genesis
Average Interior Score: 8.00
The Genesis brand is the new kid on the luxury block, but the upstart has already made a mark with an average interior score that’s near the top of the industry. Genesis is the luxury arm of Korean automaker Hyundai, with three models currently in their lineup.
All three models have interior scores that are significantly above average.
Leading the pack is the 2019 Genesis G80, a stately sedan that holds a spot near the top of our ranking of luxury midsize cars. Its roomy interior comes standard with leather seats, navigation, and an infotainment system that’s both feature-packed and easy to use. Its ample trunk is equipped with a hands-free opening function.
The 2019 Genesis G90 is the brand’s flagship and one of our top-ranked luxury large cars. The 2019 Genesis G70 is their newest model, and also the 2019 North American Car of the Year winner.
1) Volvo
Average Interior Score: 8.18
Swedish automaker Volvo might be best-known for safety, but they also claim the highest average interior score of any brand in our rankings. They currently offer a range of sedans, wagons, and SUVs. The 2019 Volvo XC90 holds the brand’s top interior score.
Volvo interiors ooze Scandinavian flair with simple, elegant designs and masterful material choices. Most models feature large, vertically-oriented touch screens that manage both climate control and infotainment functions. The newest model in Volvo’s lineup is the 2019 Volvo XC40, a small crossover that holds a spot near the top of our ranking of luxury subcompact SUVs. It features a flexible cargo area that can be quickly and easily reconfigured for different loads. Surprisingly, Volvo removed standard leather upholstery from the XC40’s feature list for 2020.
While nearly every vehicle in the Volvo lineup (except the 2019 Volvo S60) has an interior score that’s well above average, few have overall scores that place them at the top of their segments. Many Volvo models, unfortunately, also have predicted reliability scores that are below average, which drag down their overall rankings.
Honorable Mention: Chrysler
Average Interior Score: 8.50
For this slide show, we excluded any brand with fewer than three vehicles in their lineup from the list of ranked automakers. Had we ranked Chrysler’s two vehicles, the brand would have earned a place near the top of the list.
Though the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica’s score of 8.6 out of 10 doesn’t match the 9.2 earned by the 2019 Honda Odyssey, it’s still an excellent interior score. Plus, the Pacifica offers one exceptional feature not available on the Odyssey: Chrysler’s exclusive second-row Stow ‘n Go seats, which fold neatly into the minivan’s floor. This makes it a breeze to convert the Pacifica from people mover to cargo hauler.
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has an interior that’s similar to the gas-only model, but lacks the Stow ‘n Go seats due to the placement of its battery pack.
All Chryslers, including the elderly 2019 Chrysler 300, come with touch-screen UConnect infotainment systems. Most include support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Honorable Mention: Ram
Average Interior Score: 9.40
Ram only has one vehicle in our ranking of new cars, but it has the highest interior score of any vehicle we cover. The fully redesigned 2019 Ram 1500 has a cavernous cab and a variety of interior themes with top-notch materials, design, and technology.
The Ram is currently available in extended and crew cab models. The crew cab versions are roomy enough to allow for reclining rear seats. In addition to generous passenger accommodations, there’s plenty of cargo room, with multiple bed lengths and available lockable RamBox cargo bins.
Every Ram 1500 comes with a touch-screen UConnect infotainment system. You can upgrade to an 8.4-inch or massive 12-inch infotainment touch screen.
The 2019 Ram 1500 holds the top position in our ranking of full size pickup trucks.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
A vehicle's interior score is a crucial factor shoppers should consider, but it’s certainly not the only one. Our new car rankings and reviews are designed to answer all the questions buyers ask when they're in the market for a new vehicle. They use information from America's top automotive journalists.
Even better than finding the perfect car is getting a great deal on your new ride. Buyers can find money-saving cash back and financing incentives on our new car deals page. Those who plan to lease will find offers with low monthly payments and little due at signing on our lease deals page. The U.S. News Best Price Program connects both purchase and lease customers with local dealers and pre-negotiated prices.
No car purchase or lease is complete before you buy the right auto insurance. Our car insurance hub shows you the coverages you need, the best insurers in your area, and discounts that can substantially lower your premiums.
Vehicle Brands With the Best Interiors in 2019
- 1) Volvo: Average Interior Score: 8.18
- 2) Genesis: Average Interior Score: 8.00
- 3) Audi: Average Interior Score: 7.99
- 4) Volkswagen: Average Interior Score: 7.89
- 5) Honda: Average Interior Score: 7.77
- 6) Kia: Average Interior Score: 7.70
- 7) Mercedes-Benz: Average Interior Score: 7.53
- 8) Dodge: Average Interior Score: 7.43
- 9) Lincoln: Average Interior Score: 7.41
- 10) Subaru: Average Interior Score: 7.40
- 11) BMW: Average Interior Score: 7.38
- 12) Hyundai: Average Interior Score: 7.37
- 13) GMC: Average Interior Score: 7.36
- 14) Tesla: Average Interior Score: 7.34
- 15) Porsche: Average Interior Score: 7.31
- 16) Chevrolet (tie): Average Interior Score: 7.29
- 16) Jeep (tie): Average Interior Score: 7.29
- Honorable Mention: Chrysler: Average Interior Score: 8.50
- Honorable Mention: Ram: Average Interior Score: 9.40
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Automakers with the Best Interiors in U.S. News Rankings
Many car shoppers want vehicles with great performance, high-fuel economy estimates, and excellent safety and predicted reliability scores. Those are all significant factors to consider, but it's equally important to find a car with an interior where you can be comfortable for countless hours.
That means finding car interiors that are roomy, nicely-appointed, high-quality, and well-equipped from the dashboard to the trunk.
When it comes to car interiors, some brands simply do a better job than others. For this story, we’ve found the 19 automakers in our ranking system with interior scores that are above the industry average. To determine each brand's rating, we've averaged the scores earned by each model in their lineup. Two automakers, Ram and Chrysler, don't have enough models in their lineup to create a statistically significant average. We've declared the two brands honorable mentions.
U.S. News interior scores include evaluations of a vehicle’s interior comfort, features, styling, build quality, and cargo room. Our scores can change as new information becomes available, so the scores shown on the following pages may not match those on individual vehicle review pages.