Top Trends in 2025 Interior and UX Design: Emphasis on Light Cabins, Vibrant Hues, and Google Integration Among Winners of the 10 Best Ward Awards
New Winners Emerge in the 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Competition
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition has unveiled a diverse array of winners, showcasing the latest trends in automotive interior design and user experience (UX). Among the victors are the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Buick Enclave Avenir, Cadillac Optiq, Ford Expedition, Volvo EX90, Dodge Charger Daytona, Toyota 4Runner, Kia K4, and more [1][2][5].
Design Trends Among Winners
A notable design trend among the winners is the use of light-colored cabins, with ivory, pale beige, and gray tones creating serene, calming spaces that help reduce stress despite increasing technology complexity. Bold accent colors are also a key design direction, adding vibrancy to the interiors [2][5].
One of the most significant changes in this year's competition is the widespread adoption of Android Automotive OS for user experience technologies, providing seamless connectivity and intuitive infotainment [2][5]. The Volvo EX90, for example, has significantly improved its integration of the Android Automotive OS, with better menu organization compared to previous Volvo models [3].
Emphasis on sustainability and luxury integration is another key trend, exemplified by vehicles like the Volvo EX90. Nearly 110 pounds (52 kg) of the content in the EX90's interior is made of recycled and/or bio-based materials [4].
Some vehicles, such as the Ford Expedition, blend innovation with luxury and personality, while others, like the GMC Yukon Denali, employ a western-themed design, using a pale brown tone to decorate its interior [1][2].
Electrification and Accessibility
More battery-electric vehicles are featured compared to previous years, reflecting the growing trend towards electrification in the automotive industry. The competition also includes more mass-market vehicles and some models priced below $35,000, indicating the accessibility of advanced interior design trends [2][5].
New Entrants
New vehicles in the competition include the Lexus GX, Lexus LX, Infiniti QX80, Jeep Wagoneer S, Polestar 3, Genesis GV80 Coupe, GMC Sierra Denali EV, Mercedes CLE 450C, Fiat 500e, Honda Odyssey, Mazda CX-70, Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Taos, and Volkswagen ID.Buzz [1]. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Kicks are also part of the competition, although their interior details were not specified in the paragraph [1].
The Dodge Charger Daytona and Nissan Kicks both use red as a counterpoint for black, while the Kia K4 has a mostly black interior, but ivory is heavily employed as a contrasting color [1].
In summary, the 2025 winners showcase a blend of light, calming interior palettes, bold color highlights, advanced UX software platforms, and increased presence of electric vehicles, reflecting contemporary priorities in automotive interior and UX design. [1][2][5]
[1] https://www.wardsauto.com/articles/2025-wards-10-best-interiors-and-ux-winners-announced [2] https://www.autoblog.com/2023/03/28/2025-wards-10-best-interiors-ux-winners-announced/ [3] https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2025-wards-10-best-interiors-ux-winners-announced/ [4] https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1141747_2025-wards-10-best-interiors-ux-winners-announced-volvo-ex90-takes-top-honors
- The automotive industry is evolving with the rise of electric vehicles, as seen in the growing number of battery-electric vehicles featured in the 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition.
- The Ford Expedition, for instance, illustrates the blend of innovation, luxury, and personality in the transportation sector, while also showcasing the integration of finance in the industry through its affordability, priced below $35,000.
- Technology plays a crucial role in the competition, with the widespread adoption of Android Automotive OS for user experience technologies, and advancements in recycled and bio-based materials, reflecting the trend towards sustainability in the technology industry.
