WardsAuto Names Wards 10 Best Interiors for 2021

WardsAuto <http://wardsauto.com/>  has unveiled the annual Wards 10 Best
Interiors winners for 2021, and it’s all about utility this year. Seven of
the ten winning utility vehicles demonstrate how automakers are focusing
intently on the popular SUV and CUV segments, while two sedans and a
full-size pickup round out the list.

Sales data collected by Wards Intelligence for the ’21 model year that just
ended Sept. 30 confirms it: 45.3% of vehicles sold were CUVs, up nearly
three percentage points from the prior year. Cars accounted for 22.8% of
sales, compared with 18.2% for all pickups, 9.1% for all body-on-frame SUVs
and 4.6% for vans.

So, is it any wonder that seven of the 2021 Wards 10 Best Interiors winners
are utility vehicles? Clearly, automakers are unleashing some of their best
interior designers on these segments where volume is flourishing, and money
is to be made.

“Automakers are intently focused on popular CUVs and SUVs, so it should be
no surprise utility vehicles take seven of the 10 awards this year. But
there’s more on the list: an upscale pickup truck, a flagship luxury sedan
and a globally loved compact car. The Wards 10 Best Interiors list
celebrates the work of the auto industry’s best interior designers,” says
Tom Murphy, WardsAuto Managing Editor.

2021 Wards 10 Best Interiors Winners (listed in alphabetical order):

*       Bentley Bentayga Speed
*       Ford F-150
*       Ford Mustang Mach-E
*       GMC Yukon Denali XL
*       Honda Civic
*       Hyundai Tucson
*       Jeep Grand Cherokee L
*       Land Rover Defender
*       Mercedes-Benz S-Class
*       Mitsubishi Outlander

WardsAuto judges evaluated 33 vehicles over the summer, and to be eligible
for testing, an interior must be all-new or significantly improved from the
prior year. The interiors are evaluated and scored based on materials,
comfort, ergonomics, safety, fit-and-finish, and most importantly,
aesthetics and design harmony. There is no price cap, however, value does
play a factor.

Driver information also plays a part in the scoring process. The judges ask
themselves, “how user-friendly is the infotainment system?”

That segment of vehicle development has exploded in recent years, keeping
pace with consumer-electronics trends tied to connectivity, navigation,
voice control, and a customized experience behind the wheel. Because of
this, WardsAuto expanded their award portfolio, launching Wards 10 Best User
Experiences (UX) in 2016. The 2021 Wards 10 Best UX winners will be
announced later this month and honored in November at Automotive Tech Week.

Wards 10 Best Interiors winners will be honored during the Wards 10 Best
Interiors award ceremony on November 16 at Informa Tech Automotive Group’s
Automotive Tech Week. The event will take place at Suburban Collection
Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Winning vehicles will be on display throughout
the exhibition hall for attendees to jump in and experience the interior
which landed each vehicle a spot on the 2021 Wards 10 Best Interiors list.
Learn more about the event and book your ticket by visiting
https://wardsauto.informa.com/auto-tech-week/. All members of the press are
subject to free attendance.

ABOUT WARDSAUTO

WardsAuto is a world-leading provider of automotive editorial, insights, and
analysis, having served the industry’s information needs for more than 90
years. A Southfield, MI-based Informa Tech business, WardsAuto provides a
forward-looking perspective on all aspects of the automotive business, from
the tech center to the plant floor to the showroom. As a part of our parent
organization, Informa Tech, our mission is to bring together the entire
ecosystem of those in technology and automotive to accelerate the future of
our industries. Subscribe to WardsAuto by visiting http://www.wardsauto.com

ABOUT INFORMA TECH AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Informa Tech Automotive Group is the trusted voice and knowledge resource
for the leaders of the fast-paced digital automotive revolution. Combining
the research expertise of Wards Intelligence, the reach and community of
WardsAuto, and the connection and event power of TU-Automotive, our trusted
brand pillars provide expert direction with unrivaled opportunities for the
leaders, innovators, and stakeholders who are developing strategies for a
competitive edge in the industry. Our offerings include eNewsletters,
industry events, subscription services, consulting, data and insights,
marketing services, and more. To learn more about Informa Tech Automotive
Group, visit https://wardsauto.informa.com/