BEV Takes 6 Spots on 2023 District’s 10 Best Interiors & UX Winners List

There are six battery electric vehicles on this year’s Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX winners list, up one from last year’s five, and BEV interior and user experience technologies and features are as popular as propulsion systems. It further shows that boundaries can be broken.

From the six electrified models in the 2022 winner’s circle (BMW iX, Kia EV6, Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Rivian R1T and the hybrid Toyota Tundra), including the Kia Sportage Hybrid, seven winners complete or partial essentially electrified. ).

The 2023 BEV winner features out-of-the-box design cues and technology, including electric doors that open and close on demand, giant high-definition display screens, unique gear selectors, cool graphics, and beautiful ambient lighting. I’m here.

But delivering great interiors and UX technology is not just the domain of BEVs and hybrids. The Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Wagoneer L and Land Rover Range Rover also deserve a spot on the 2023 list. All three utility vehicles feature nice materials like supple leather, circular-knit or faux-suede headliners, and comfortable seats. Not to mention fun interior tech and luxurious cabins and cargo bays, of course.

BMW, Ford, Genesis, Jeep and Kia are repeat winners in 2023, with each brand claiming the 2022 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX trophy. (Editor’s Note: Last year was the first time Wards combined the 10 Best Interiors and 10 Best UX competitions.).

“For enthusiasts of automotive interiors and user experience technology, there’s never been a better time to live,” says Christie Schweinsberg, Wards editor and 10 Best Interiors & UX judge. “The creative design cues we see are bold and refreshing, and the trim materials are unique and eye-catching. In addition, the increasing digitization of the cockpit will improve the user experience and the drivers on display. It features gorgeous animations that greet the , and ambient lighting that takes center stage like never before.

“The infotainment system is also better than ever, with menus organized and easy to navigate. I was also impressed with how easy it was to connect my phone.”

Another trend for this year’s winners is that 9 out of 10 are light trucks. This reflects a shift in the U.S. new car market toward light trucks and away from passenger cars over his decade-plus. Only his one of our winners, the BMW i7 sedan, is a car, not a CUV, SUV, or pickup truck. Of the 21 candidates he test drove, he only had four cars. Of the initial candidate group of 35 vehicles, only 7 were cars.

The dynamics may be different, but the 2023 District 10 Best Interior & UX winners all have one thing in common: great interior design, high-quality and distinctive materials, great fit and finish, and comfortable seating. there is. -Vehicle technology that looks great and is easy to use.

The evaluation took place earlier this year and the judges experienced the vehicles during their daily driving.

The 2023 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Trophy will be unveiled at the awards ceremony on June 8th at the AutoTech: Detroit conference, June 7th-8th at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

Beginning May 22nd, we will start posting each winner’s profile on wardsauto.com.

2023 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Shortlist (asterisks represent winners):

Acura Integra

Bentley Bentayga

BMW i7*

Cadillac Lyric*

chevrolet trucks

Ford F-150 Lightning*

Genesis GV60*

GMC Hummer*

Honda CR-V Hybrid

Hyundai Palisade*

Jeep Wagoneer L*

Kia Sportage Hybrid*

Land Rover Range Rover*

Lexus RX500h

Mazda CX-50

Mercedes EQB

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Nissan Ariya*

toyota prius

Volvo C40

Volkswagen Arteon