Introduction Welcome to the Top 10: Best Car Interiors for the 15-25k class! Many of the vehicles that crushed the under 15k class are no match for this higher division. The exceptions are getting lesser and the demands much higher. Value of the interior (for the vehicle) is important, but the overall quality of the interior is the most crucial aspect of judgment for this class.
No real new changes for this year’s Top 10: Best Car Interiors, except some vehicles (Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Dodge Caliber, etc.) have entered the 15-25k bracket to compete. MSRP invoice prices have been added this year for reference (current 02/10). All prices are USD. 11th place (did not qualify) has been included for 2010. Value relative to interior design quality was an important factor in the rating system.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.motortrend.com #11 (Did Not Qualify) – Honda Insight Decent arrangement of controls, although can be slightly confusing. Plastic is a bit too dominant in the cabin, and the dashboard arrangement is too similar to the civic. Feels like a civic–this isn’t bad but I feel insight should stand in it’s class more soundly. Overall, hallow plastic pieces paneling kept this competitor from competing this year; a no-no at this level of play.
#10 – Honda Civic The Honda Civic feels like the genuine article and one of the best interiors I have seen for the compact category. This class is mostly dominated by larger vehicles, so the civic inherently does not have as many features and qualities as the larger vehicles. The civic has a well padded interior, well enough to compete here. Paneling felt adequately strong, one or two thin plastic knobs found. Good array of standard and available features. Jazzy digital dashboard feels fresh and inventive.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.auto-broker-magic.com #9 – Chevy Camaro The interior of the Chevy’s new Camaro seems to follow suite with american sports-car interior as of late. It is made of cheaper materials but avoids looking terribly cheap. It does feel a bit cut-cornerish, though. Very thin padding, when found. Metallic trim is unconvincing, but not disappointing. Center console is a good arrangement of useful and confusing features. Dashboard difficult to see during the day sometimes. Decent build quality.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.about.com #8 – Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius’ interior used to feel a little below the class it demands. That problem is corrected this year, although some issues were found. This futuristic interior feels fun and useful. The car feels a little bit more human, oddly. Fabrics still feel thin and cheap, especially around the leg foot housings. Panels lined up well, but one was slightly off-set. Different style of interior, may not be everyone–but I found it fun.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.themotorreport.com.au #7 – Hyundai Sonata The Hyundai Sonata is the slightly less refined version of Honda Accord. This allows it to compete well in this higher end bracket. The leather feels fairly plush, but not as full. Panels are adequately strong. Some cheap plastic buttons were found. Faux-wood trim remains convincing as it gets. Useful placement of instruments–well lite during nighttime.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.howstuffworks.com #6 – Chevy Malibu Fun and jazzy color schemes are available. Good placement of padding, although it felt to be slightly thin. All panels lined up correctly and felt strong. Logical arrangement of instruments, both on the dashboard console. Somewhat fun interior aimed to appeal to 20-40 year old males and females. Fabric feels strong and well done.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy auto.consumerguide.com #5 – Subaru Legacy / Outback Although the quality of Subaru’s Legacy Outback has fallen, it still remains a strong competitor. Paneling feels thin, too thin for Legacy Outback’s advertised terrain traveled. Instruments clustered logically, although some take time to search for. Interior door handles felt strong and not loose. Adequate build quality, although Subaru’s reputation for build quality has fallen. Try before you buy.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.automobilemag.com #4 – Hyundai Genesis Coupe Hyundai brings a strong contender to this category. The Hyundai Genesis trades in it’s luxury for luxury-sport with it’s Genesis Coupe version. This trade allows the Genesis to compete in this lesser category. The leather feels strong, fresh and plush. Paneling feels strong, and padding is adequately found where needed. Padding feels of normal plush strength. Overall refinement not as strong or as earned as some of Honda or Volvo’s vehicles.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.edmunds.com #3 – Mazda 6 The Mazda 6 still feels solid with it’s good overall refinement and quality of materials. Arrangement of instruments on dashboard console are logical and precise. Pretty red lighting theme adds ambiance. Interior seems agreeable with most buyers. A great competitor in this category.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.autoincar.com #2 – Volvo C30 A beautiful and safe interior. This is both in style and literal meaning! The interior is that of a higher quality vehicle with thick padding, plush available leather, and standard available high-end options. Feels like a BMW 3-series. Base C30’s interior has a drab color scheme, quality still excellent. May cost over 25k to get the most premier interior–a ding for the C30.
See all 11 photos Photo courtesy www.caranddriver.com Honda Accord With historic levels of quality and refinement at the 15-25k level is the Honda Accord at number one. This vehicle has been in the making since the early eighties and has always stood for quality. Higher end models feel luxurious and exciting. Generous standard features and useful available ones. Excellent build assembly, good quality fabrics.