(April 26, 2011) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (PRNewswire) — Ward's Auto magazine editors have announced the Ward's 10 Best Interiors of 2011, a list that runs the gamut from high-priced luxury vehicles to affordable small cars.

The Ward's 10 Best Interiors of 2011 (alphabetically by manufacturer):

• Audi A8, luxury sedan, Audi AG
• BMW X3 xDrive35i, luxury CUV,  BMW AG
• Dodge Charger Rallye Plus, sport sedan, Chrysler Group LLC
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, SUV, Chrysler Group LLC
• Ford Focus Titanium, small car, Ford Motor Co.
• Chevy Cruze 2LT RS, small car, General Motors Co.
• Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, minivan, Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
• Hyundai Elantra Limited, small car, Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.
• Kia Optima EX, midsize car, Kia Motors Corp.
• Volvo S60, luxury sedan, Volvo Car Corp.


2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited                                2011 Audi A8

With the 2011 ranking, Ward's updates its format for recognizing the passenger compartments that set standards for comfort, convenience, material quality and style, with all automobile categories, such as sports cars and trucks, competing against each other for slots on the list. 

Editors selected the Ward's 10 Best Interiors after driving 51 vehicles throughout February and March. All the vehicles were completely new or featured significantly upgraded interiors. 

Editors filled out scoresheets for each vehicle and awarded points based on material quality, ergonomics, safety, the human-machine interface, comfort, fit-and-finish, overall value and aesthetics. Extensive discussions followed.  The full package detailing the winners and how Ward's editors arrived at their decisions is available at http://wardsauto.com.

The 2011 interior winners will be recognized in a special ceremony at this year's Ward's Auto Interiors Conference May 17 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, Mich.