It’s easy to fall in love with a car’s exterior design, but how much time do you spend outside your car looking at it? How does that compare to the amount of time you spend inside it? If you’re like pretty much everyone else, that ratio is about 1:100, meaning it’s the interior of your car that should really be the more important design element when considering a new purchase. But what makes a good interior? That can depend on the type of car and how well-suited it is for its purpose.
There are hundreds of cars on the market, so finding the best interior can be daunting. Fortunately, our editors have sampled nearly every new vehicle on the market and voted on which impressed us most. These are the results of that process: The best vehicle interiors you’ll find on a budget of $50,000 or less.
When putting together this list, we looked at a vehicle’s base price without a destination charge and the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price.
Here are the 10 best interiors under $50,000, as chosen by our editorial team (presented alphabetically by brand).
1. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
All-electric and sleekly styled, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV isn’t your grandfather’s Blazer. Instead, it’s a fashion-forward midsize SUV starting at under $49,000 with vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in its sights. The standard 279-mile range and AWD powertrain complement the base Blazer 2LT’s high-tech dashboard, with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 17.7-inch center touchscreen. There’s ample passenger space, the rear seats fold flat for maximum cargo utility, and the materials are nice throughout. For even more gear, select the $1,225 Comfort and Convenience Package, with folding/heated exterior mirrors, aluminum roof rails, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, and wireless device charging. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof is a standalone option at $1,500.
“Texture upon texture elevates the Blazer EV’s interior beyond the ordinary.” – Senior Editor Jason Fogelson
See 2024 Chevrolet Blazer models for sale
2. 2024 Genesis G70
Low-slung, sleek, and sporty, the 2024 Genesis G70 is athletic and attractive. Despite the premium cabin and performance DNA, it’s surprisingly affordable, with a starting price of around $42,000. Quilted fabrics with contrast stitching, matte-finish metallic surfaces, and quality materials put the G70 firmly in the luxury class. The base G70 has a very comfortable interior, with a 12-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch center screen and 8-inch instrument display, Lexicon audio, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. Leatherette upholstery is standard, with genuine leather available as an upgrade. Other extras include the Sport Prestige package ($4,200) with a sunroof, power front seats with 4-way power lumbar support, and more.
“I keep waiting for Genesis to cut a corner; it never happens. Every vehicle they build is excellent inside and out. The G70 is especially plush and has top of the class written all over it” – Executive Editor Brian Moody
See 2024 Genesis G70 models for sale
3. 2024 GMC Acadia
The 2024 GMC Acadia’s family-friendly yet elegant design proves you can have both form and function without breaking the bank at a price tag beginning under $43K. The all-new design shines inside and out, with sharp style and an expanded 3-row cabin that seats up to eight passengers. If you’d prefer second-row captain’s chairs, those are optional on the base model and standard on all other trims. An 11-inch instrument display and 15-inch center display touchscreen are standard with the base Elevation trim, along with a Google-based operating system, 3-zone climate control, wireless smartphone connectivity and device charging, heated front seats, Bose audio, and more.
“Giant center stack, beefy steering wheel, cavernous interior. The Acadia finally feels like a worthy entry to the family of ‘Professional Grade.’” – Jason Fogelson
See 2024 GMC Acadia models for sale
4. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Futuristic, rugged looks and a value-packed cabin make the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe another enormously appealing all-new family hauler. Standard 3-row seating and lots of cargo space make it a good fit for larger families, with 7-passenger seating in all but the top-spec Calligraphy model, which gets second-row captain’s chairs and six total seats. While it’s not standard equipment, the Panoramic Curved Display is tech from a price bracket above, presenting a seamless screen from the instrument panel all the way through the center of the dash. Dual wireless device charging pads, Nappa leather upholstery, and a head-up display are also available. Materials throughout the cabin are impressive, with a quality look and feel. There’s a lot of space in the new Santa Fe, too, with 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows folded flat.
“The biggest headline about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is it going from two rows in the outgoing model to three for this all-new generation. Just as significant is the way it works on a practical basis. The Santa Fe’s bold and boxy exterior means a wonderfully useful and open cabin, which benefits further tons of tech touches. Most useful for those who carry gear (or want to use their new SUV to sleep in instead of a tent) is the fact that both rear rows fold truly flat. This literally opens up a world of possibilities.” – Senior Editor Matt Degen
“The Hyundai Santa Fe’s interior is a nice blend of form and function. This interior design is clean and simple without being too sparse, and it has a just-right balance of screens and physical controls” – Senior Editor Eric Brandt
See 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale
5. 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is all-new this year, with a fresh exterior style and one of the most high-tech dashboards to grace a Lincoln. How high-tech? The base Nautilus gets a 48-inch panoramic digital display! The elegant design puts the features you use within easy reach, and the materials enhance the premium feel. On top of that, you’ll get heated and ventilated seats, wireless smartphone integration, 10-speaker audio, BlueCruise 1.2, and the Co-Pilot360 driver assist suite — well-equipped for a base model.
“The new Nautilus exemplifies what modern luxury SUVs should be – chic, sexy, and loaded with tech that leaves a lasting impression.” – Senior Editor Rob Nestora
“The Lincoln Nautilus is finally a serious competitor to the dominant Lexus RX, largely because of its outstanding interior. The seats are supremely comfortable, as we’ve come to expect from Lincoln, and its 48-inch screen dazzles without intimidation.” – Eric Brandt
See 2024 Lincoln Nautilus models for sale
6. 2024 Mazda CX-90
An all-new model, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 represents another step by Mazda towards luxury status, offering 3-row seating and a taste of what it’s like to own an Acura or a Lexus, with upscale materials and tasteful design. In addition to its potent powertrains and planted-yet-athletic demeanor, the CX-90 offers plenty of front-seat and second-row space, a reasonably sized third row, and a lot of standard equipment, including an 8-way power driver’s seat, 3-zone automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch center screen, and adaptive cruise control, and much more.
In addition to the standard 8-seat configuration, you can opt for a 2-seat third-row bench and second-row captain’s chairs to bring the tally down to six seats while increasing comfort and ease of access to the third row. The second-row seats are sliding and reclining, with 39.4 inches of legroom and 30.4 inches of legroom in the third row. If you’re looking for cargo space, the CX-90 offers 14.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat or up to 75.2 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
“This one goes above and beyond. From the elegant instrument cluster and dash design to the tastefully woven tapestry of metal, wood, and fabric, the CX-90 not only punches above its weight, it scores a TKO from every row.” – Senior Editor Joe Tralongo
“Once again, Mazda hits a home run with another stellar interior. I guess ‘tacky’ just isn’t in their vocab.” – Rob Nestora
“The interior of the CX-90 looks like it belongs in a Lexus or even a BMW. The colors, patterns, textures, and overall flow are excellent. I think many first-time Mazda shoppers will be surprised.” – Brian Moody
See 2024 Mazda CX-90 models for sale
7. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is all-new this year, and the upgrades are apparent throughout, but nowhere more so than in the cabin. Sure, you still get Symmetrical all-wheel drive and EyeSight driver assists standard, but you now also get much-improved front seats, with more padding and larger bolsters, a boon both on-road and off. The new Crosstrek also has an 11.6-inch touchscreen in all but the base model. It’s not all about luxury accommodations and design, however — the Crosstrek is also roomy, with lots of cargo space for its size and decent rear-seat legroom. Given the Crosstrek’s bargain starting price, you can get a fully loaded model for less than our cutoff price, so if you would like some extra equipment, check out the Limited model with a power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed upholstery and accents, and more.
“The new Crosstrek proves that purpose-built doesn’t have to be Spartan, and the interior on its Wilderness trim is the finest example of such.” – Rob Nestora
“The Crosstrek’s interior is all kinds of cool. Depending on the trim you get, the seats are fabric, leather, or stain- and water-resistant synthetic. The overall layout is handsome, if not a bit dated, with the occasional dash of orange, red, or gold accents to pull it all together. As Nathan Lane’s character Albert from “The Birdcage” once said, ‘Well, one does want a hint of color.’ The Crosstrek and Albert would get along famously.” – Joe Tralongo
“When I drove the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, I was pleasantly surprised by the space and comfort. The competition has gotten fierce in the affordable subcompact SUV class, but the Crosstrek’s impressive cabin has helped it keep its competitive edge.” – Eric Brandt
See 2024 Subaru Crosstrek models for sale
8. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Yet another all-new model, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is a 3-row, family-first SUV that puts comfort and quality at the forefront. Aesthetically, the Grand Highlander reflects some ruggedness but adds softer edges and a focus on comfort. The base Grand Highlander XLE and midrange Limited should both stay comfortably under our $50,000 ceiling, offering features like wireless smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, JBL audio, heated front and second-row seats, perforated leather upholstery, and much more. A panoramic moonroof is a $1,350 option, with or without the available second-row bench seat configuration. Thoughtful family-friendly equipment is standard, like second-row retractable sunshades, a total of 13 cupholders, 3-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, and easy-clean SofTex simulated leather upholstery.
“Toyota’s Grand Highlander combines utility with a subtle degree of luxury. Owners will still impress friends and coworkers with their frugal side.” – Brian Moody
“I was skeptical of the Toyota Grand Highlander’s price tag in its pricier hybrid trims until I drove one. The interior quality justifies the sticker price. And as a father of four, I appreciate that it has a third row and cargo space that families can actually use.” – Eric Brandt
See 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander models for sale
9. 2024 Toyota Tacoma
You might not realize it, but even though the Tacoma starts at just over $31,000, it’s possible to configure a 2024 Toyota Tacoma well beyond the $50,000 mark. It’s also possible to configure a Tacoma with a great many bells and whistles for considerably less, up to and including the Tacoma TRD Off-Road. To start, you’ll need to choose the XtraCab or the Double Cab, depending on the number of doors and full-sized seats you want. Whichever way you go, the front row will get an impressive array of features in a comfortable, modern truck cabin. The design aesthetic is rugged yet high-tech, and the equipment leans that way, too, with wireless smartphone integration, Toyota Safety Sense, and an available 12.3-inch instrument display plus available underbody fuel tank protection, a deck rail system with adjustable cleats, and even full underbody skidplates, Crawl Control, and multi-terrain traction modes.
“The new Taco’s interior does so much at once: It’s rugged, attractive, and chock full of functionality.” – Rob Nestora
See 2024 Toyota Tacoma models for sale
10. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport
Rolling both the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and the slightly smaller Atlas Cross Sport into a single entry, the German family SUV is an impressive offering. It has a clean, simple design, quality materials, and a strong standard feature set. Given the Atlas’ affordable mid-$30,000s starting price, you can add an excellent slate of options, including available features like rear-window sunshades, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a head-up display, heated second-row seats, and other conveniences. The second row is a bench by default, but for $695, you can change that to captain’s chairs for easier third-row access and greater second-row comfort.
“The current-generation Atlas is much improved with interior styling that is not only eye-catching but speaks to its brand heritage. Talk about a glow-up! “ – Rob Nestora
“Although Volkswagen isn’t a luxury brand, we expect a certain level of sophistication in any car with German emblems on it. That’s what the new Volkswagen Atlas delivers, plus the most family-friendly 3-row seating in its class. The most impressive part is the standard features you get on the base trim. At under $40K, you get heated and ventilated V-Tex seats, 3-zone climate control, the high-tech Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster, and so much more.” – Eric Brandt
See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas models for sale
10 Best Interiors Under $50,000
- 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
- 2024 Genesis G70
- 2024 GMC Acadia
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
- 2024 Mazda CX-90
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma
- 2024 Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport
