In 2025, Light-hued cabins, Vibrant colors, and the Expansion of Google in interiors and UX designs were the prominent trends among the top 10 winners for Best Interiors & UX.
The annual Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition has once again showcased some of the most innovative and striking vehicle interiors, with this year's winners reflecting a focus on light and airy cabin designs, bold use of colours, and widespread integration of Google technology.
Among the vehicles participating in this year's competition are the Jeep Wagoneer S, Infiniti QX80, Volvo EX90, Toyota 4Runner, Genesis GV80 Coupe, Ford Expedition, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Lincoln Navigator, and many more.
The Volvo EX90, previously mentioned for its sustainable interior, is one of the standout models in this year's competition. Its interior, with all light shades, is notable for being one of the most sustainable interiors crafted yet by an automaker.
The Toyota 4Runner, while already a winner, is also a participating vehicle in this year's competition. Its passenger space is unique among the winners in being almost entirely navy.
Several nominees and winning models offer atypical apps, including Tidal and Waze in the Optiq, and movie streaming apps Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Peacock available in the Expedition.
Half of the winning vehicles in this year's competition have interiors leaning heavily on ivory or pale beige and gray tones. Many of the winning vehicles combine lighter tones with a bolder color, such as blue for the Enclave and Optiq, and black for the Expedition and Ioniq 9.
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX nominee list includes the Buick Enclave, Cadillac Optiq, Dodge Charger Daytona, and the Cadillac Escalade IQ. The Dodge Charger Daytona, awarded for its interior and UX, exemplifies this trend with a luxurious, tech-filled, and colorful interior, while the Buick Enclave Avenir is described as beautiful, comfortable, and highly tech-enabled.
The GMC Yukon Denali has already been announced as a winner in this year's competition. It employs a pale brown tone to decorate its western-themed cabin. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has also been announced as a winner, with its black interior complementing its sleek design.
The competition also sees several new entries, including the Mercedes CLE 450C, Kia K4, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, Polestar 3, Mazda CX-70, and Honda Prologue. The GMC Sierra Denali EV is another newcomer, participating in the competition.
The winners of the 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX trophies will be presented on June 5 at an award ceremony during the AutoTech: Detroit conference.
Sources: - "Light Cabins, Bold Colors and Google Proliferation Key Trends Among 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Winners" - Stellantis newsroom on Dodge Charger Daytona’s award-winning interior and tech [5] - WardsAuto Interiors & UX coverage of winners like Buick Enclave and Volvo EX90 [3] - The 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX trophies will be presented June 5 at an award ceremony during the AutoTech: Detroit conference. - The GMC Yukon Denali has already been announced as a winner in this year's competition. - The Nissan Murano is among the vehicles in this year's competition. - The Lexus LX is among the vehicles in this year's competition. - The Mitsubishi Outlander is among the vehicles in this year's competition. - The Lexus GX is among the vehicles in this year's competition. - The Fiat 500e is among the vehicles in this year's Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition. - The Volkswagen Taos is among the vehicles in this year's competition. - The Subaru Forester is among the vehicles in this year's competition. - The Nissan Kicks is among the vehicles in this year's competition. - The GMC Sierra Denali EV is a participating vehicle in the competition.
- The electric vehicle, Hyundai Ioniq 9, is one of the winners of this year's Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition, and it boasts a black interior complementing its sleek design.
- The automotive technology industry is evident in the integration of apps such as Tidal, Waze, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Peacock in some of the nominees and winning models of the competition.
- In the upcoming Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX trophy presentation on June 5, we may witness a trend of electric vehicles like the Polestar 3 and the technology-filled GMC Sierra Denali EV, among others, participating in the competition.
