WardsAuto’s Top 10 Vehicle Interiors of 2026
Which vehicles offer the best interior environment and driving experience? In addition to checking out the Car Guide's list of top picks, you might also want to consult the American magazine WardsAuto, which publishes an annual ranking of the best interiors.
In fact, the 2026 edition has just been released, once again based on criteria such as style, comfort, ergonomics, materials, build quality and finish, driver-assistance features, and the user-friendliness of the displays and controls. There is no price limit, provided that consumers get their money’s worth.
That said, this year’s 10 winners were selected after testing just 28 models, all of which were either brand-new or significantly updated. The team noted that several of them stand out for their choice of colors and textures, their comfortable seats (some with massage functions), their abundance of physical controls, their ease of pairing and charging mobile devices, as well as their non-distracting driver-assistance features.
Without further ado, here they are, listed in alphabetical order and accompanied by comments from the Car Guide:
Like all 2026 Corvettes, the new 1,250-horsepower ZR1X features an upgraded interior. It includes a new cluster of screens with brighter colors and clearer information. The infotainment screen has been enlarged to 12.7 inches, and the digital instrument cluster to 14 inches. In addition, a third 6.6-inch touchscreen has been added to the left of the steering wheel, making performance and trip data easier to access.
The center console has been nicely redesigned to be more practical and ergonomic. Another major change involves the climate and ventilation controls, which have been repositioned below the center display. Finally, there are also more customization options than ever before, including four new interior color combinations, such as the Jet Black and Asymmetric Adrenaline Red trim, a first for the Corvette. Learn more about the Corvette ZR1X.
Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige
Following in the footsteps of the G80 and GV80, the GV70’s interior features a redesigned dashboard topped by a 27-inch DELO digital display that integrates the instrument cluster and multimedia screen. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls are now touch-sensitive, a feature that won’t appeal to all drivers and the steering wheel has been redesigned.
Orange stitching and a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel set the GV70 Sport apart. In any case, comfort and quietness are guaranteed.
The pinnacle of luxury at GMC is found in the Denali Ultimate trims. For 2026, it’s the Acadia’s turn to offer it. Inside, the interior features mahogany brown leather seats with contrasting hexagonal stitching. The front-row seats are heated and ventilated, feature an embossed topographic map on the backrest (as do the doors), and offer a massage function. Added to this are laser-engraved Paldao wood trim, exclusive floor mats, a digital rearview mirror, and a panoramic sunroof.
On the technology front, nine high-definition camera angles are displayed on the screen, the Bose Performance Series audio system features 16 speakers, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system is included free of charge for three years. And let’s not forget the customizable head-up display in front of the driver. Learn more about the Acadia Denali Ultimate.
The Cherokee is back after a three-year hiatus and debuts a new hybrid powertrain. Inside, the thick steering wheel and firm seats may not be to everyone’s taste, but the design stands out for its attention to detail, its blend of colors and textures, its spacious front row, and its integration of technology.
Up to 140 safety features come standard. The same goes for the customizable, easy-to-read 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The 12.3-inch multimedia screen features the user-friendly Uconnect 5 system. In addition, the trunk is deep and has a large additional storage compartment under the floor. Read our test drive review.
The third-generation CLA marks a turning point for the brand, as it is primarily an electric vehicle. It is longer than the previous model, with an increased wheelbase. This means that legroom has been improved, especially for front-row passengers. The standard panoramic sunroof provides ample headroom for rear passengers.
Engineers have also developed a new operating system, MB.OS, which enables interaction with multimedia, driver-assistance features, charging, and several other functions. This operating system, which receives automatic updates over the internet, allows for the integration of services offered by third-party companies, such as Google and Microsoft. Read our test drive review.
Like all of Nissan’s recent next-generation models, the Sentra has undergone a transformation. It now features a digital interface that stretches horizontally across the dashboard, combining a 7- or 12.3-inch instrument cluster (depending on the trim level) with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. The multimedia system has been significantly improved, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are paired with Siri and Google Assistant, respectively, for greater user-friendliness. A wireless phone charger is now available.
The steering wheel has been redesigned, and the seats are as comfortable as ever. Bonus points for the Sentra SR’s bucket seats, which offer enhanced support, perforated faux leather upholstery with a patterned design, and two-tone stitching. Otherwise, the finish is impressive, and the new optional ambient lighting demonstrates an effort to raise the bar. It’s worth noting the improved sound insulation and the more generous rear-seat space compared to many other competitors. Read our road test.
This refers to the electric version of the Macan, which will receive several updates for 2026, including a digital key, advanced parking assistance, and a more high-tech multimedia system. A new transparent hood feature uses front cameras and side mirrors to display a virtual view of the area in front of the vehicle on the central screen, helping the driver see obstacles that are out of their line of sight.
The voice control system has been enhanced with the integration of artificial intelligence, so it can now understand complex questions. In addition, to help you pass the time or stay entertained during charging breaks, the 2026 update adds video games from Gameloft and Obscure Interactive via the Porsche App Center. Read our test drive review.
For its new generation, the Outback’s interior features a sleek design and has undergone a number of changes to make it more ergonomic and technologically advanced. It incorporates more sound-deadening materials to reduce noise, rear passengers enjoy more space, and the center console has been redesigned for greater convenience. Comfort has also been enhanced, as body roll has been reduced by 42% compared to its predecessor.
The Outback now features a fully digital, customizable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.1-inch multimedia system with new features and customization options. The latter is powered by a more powerful processor, delivering a faster interface. Safety features have also been enhanced.
Completely redesigned and available exclusively as a hybrid, the 2026 RAV4 features a brighter interior and a 100% digital instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches. The center display ranges from 10.5 to 12.9 inches depending on the trim level and now incorporates most of the heating and air conditioning controls. The cockpit has obviously been refreshed, but the signature Toyota design is still recognizable. The finish, however, could be better.
The cargo space is more spacious than before, and Toyota’s next-generation multimedia system features the first integration of 5G connectivity, offering faster speeds and expanded functionality. In addition, enhancements to the driver-assist features have resulted in the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite, which is more comprehensive and capable than ever. Read our test drive review.
Volkswagen Tiguan Highline R-Line
The top-of-the-line Tiguan features real walnut wood trim and premium Varenna leather upholstery. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is complemented by a massive 15-inch central touchscreen. Note: The volume knob is located on the center console, near the drive mode selector and the control that adjusts the vehicle’s interior ambiance.
The equipment list is as comprehensive as it gets: three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a power tailgate, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage function, and more. Not to mention the numerous safety and driver-assistance features of the IQ.DRIVE suite.
