The CarProUSA team checks out a lot of new vehicle interiors every year, and more often than not, we�re impressed. Automakers are really thinking about the user experience when it comes to design and technology and materials continue to improve at every price point. All this said, you simply don�t have to buy an expensive vehicle to get a nice interior. You can spend $50,000 and under and get a great one.
"A lot of car shoppers may think you can't expect a remarkable interior unless you're buying an expensive luxury vehicle, but that isn't necessarily the case," said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. "Many automakers have upped their game when it comes to car interiors across their lineups, whether you're talking about their entry-level model or their flagship vehicle. While people often talk about a vehicle's exterior design, the truth is that car buyers spend most of their time inside the vehicle and not just admiring it from the outside, so interior design and function is high priority for most car shoppers."
Autotrader editors capped the base-model price tag at $50,000 and they point out that several of the vehicles featured come in well below that figure. Editors say all vehicles on this year's list are poised to deliver an enjoyable inside-the-car experience for drivers and passengers alike.
Here is the 2021 list (unranked and listed below in alphabetical order), followed by AutoTrader comments and our CarProUSA review if one is available:
Autotrader's 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 for 2021
2021 Buick Envision
2021 Buick Envision. Photo Credit: Buick.
AutoTrader: A redesign for 2021 has repositioned the Envision to compete with class leaders while undercutting them on price. Step inside the new Envision and you might think you've entered a more expensive European luxury crossover. Just a few interior options include perforated leather seating, a dual-pane sunroof and a color head-up display.
2021 Genesis G80
2021 Genesis G80. Photo Credit: Hyundai.
Not only does the Genesis G80 have a striking exterior, but its interior is spacious, well-crafted and well-appointed. Everything the driver touches has a premium feel to it, and passengers will be comfortable in the roomy seats. One of the G80's many strong suits is value; you won't find another midsize sedan starting under $50k from a competing luxury brand with an interior this nice.
2021 Honda Civic
Honda Civic Touring. Photo Credit: Honda.
The Honda Civic quite simply is one of the most well-rounded cars money can buy. On top of that, it has a great interior for its price tag, and the upper trims boast impressive interior features while keeping the price affordable. It has plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, and it uses a thoughtful interior design with good ergonomics and nice material quality.
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Hyundai Elantra. Credit: Hyundai.
Hyundai has been stepping up its game in just about every category including interior quality, with a prime example being the cabin of the Hyundai Elantra compact sedan. The inside of the Elantra is so nice that it puts this Hyundai on more competitive ground. The redesigned 2021 Elantra has more interior space than its predecessor and features an attractive design.
2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5 GT. Photo Credit: Kia.
The Kia K5 is an all-new midsize sedan, replacing the outgoing Optima with a price far below $50,000. The inside of the K5 is fantastic, especially in the sporty GT trim. On top of a performance upgrade, the GT model includes unique interior style accents you won't find in the rest of the lineup like synthetic leather sport seats. The K5 has an interior design that is premium and driver-centric, reminding us of a German sport sedan.
2021 Lincoln Corsair
2021 Lincoln Corsair. Photo Credit: Lincoln.
The interior of the Lincoln Corsair is a quiet, serene sanctuary that is comfortable for everyone inside. It also has sliding and reclining back seats, an uncommon luxury for this segment. This feature not only improves passenger comfort, but it also allows you to customize your interior to optimize passenger space, cargo space or some combination of both.
2021 Mazda3
The Mazda3 impresses in a lot of ways, including its interior. Available as a sedan or a hatchback, the compact Mazda3 has a premium look and feel without a premium price tag. Cabin materials are upscale, especially in the higher trims, and the infotainment system is one of the most intuitive in its class.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class may have lost some of its quirkiness with its 2021 redesign, but the interior got much nicer than its predecessor. The Mercedes-Benz brand has been on a roll with top-notch interior quality in its most recently redesigned models, and we're happy that streak is continuing with its most affordable crossover.
2021 Nissan Kicks
2021 Nissan Kicks. Photo Credit: Nissan.
The smallest SUV in the Nissan lineup got a refresh for the 2021 model year. The Kicks' new interior is a nice improvement packed with standard features, even on the most affordable base trim, and the cargo space is above average for a subcompact crossover. New standard features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and available tech features include an 8-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot and more.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
2021 VW ID.4. Photo Credit: Volkswagen.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-new, all-electric compact crossover that we've been patiently waiting for, and now that it has finally arrived, we're impressed with its smooth and peppy electric drivetrain and its high-tech interior. It's very tech-focused, centered on a responsive infotainment system that is truly smartphone-like. Most of the controls are touch-sensitive in lieu of traditional buttons and knobs, which is risky, but it works well in this Volkswagen.