Drew Winter

Listen to the article 5 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback . At first glance, it’s hard to believe the Mercedes CLA 250+ Electric is an “entry-level” model. Many luxury EV brands are still following the minimalistic interior design pioneered by Tesla, but Mercedes is not doing that with its new electron-powered compact sedan.

Considering the average new vehicle costs $50,000 and consumers are worried about the affordability of everything, new-car shoppers may not expect much from a vehicle with a window sticker that says $32,070. Even so, if they are looking at the Monroney on the 2026 Nissan Sentra SR, they would be surprised by all the premium features. Wards 10 Best judges certainly were, and it’s part of the reason why the Nissan Sentra SR earned its place on the 2026 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX winners list.

Knobs, buttons and other changes to user experience are coming back as evidenced by the dozens of vehicles evaluated by Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX. WardsAuto judges tested 28 vehicles, selected for their new or heavily refreshed vehicle interiors and user-experience technology, from February to April 2026.