Top 3 Cars with the Most Underrated Interiors: Genesis, Kia, Mazda

Explore the most underrated car interiors in recent years. Discover how Genesis GV60, Kia Stinger GT, and Mazda 3 stand out with premium cabin design.

When choosing a car, most people are drawn to exterior design, performance specs, or the latest tech features. Meanwhile, the interior — the space where we actually spend most of our time — often goes overlooked. And yet, there are models on the market that offer remarkably crafted, thoughtfully designed interiors, rivaling those of luxury brands, but remain largely unnoticed. Here are three such cars from recent years that deserve far more attention for what they offer inside.

Genesis GV60 (2024): Unexpected Luxury

The 2024 Genesis GV60 marked a milestone for the brand — its first fully electric SUV. But beyond the EV powertrain, the real surprise is inside. The cabin features top-tier materials including Nappa leather, microsuede, and aluminum, plus customizable 64-color ambient lighting. The Torrent Navy upholstery with contrasting green stitching gives the interior a bold, high-fashion feel.

Despite its quality, the GV60 is often overshadowed by competitors like Tesla and BMW. That might be due to Genesis being a relatively new luxury brand. Nevertheless, its interior is one of the most sophisticated and visually distinctive in the segment — and sorely underrated.

Kia Stinger GT: Missed Opportunity in the Premium Class

The Kia Stinger GT was something of a revelation when it launched — a sports sedan with the soul of a grand tourer and a cabin that could go toe-to-toe with German rivals. Leather-wrapped seats (sometimes in bold red), driver-focused layout, clean lines, and robust tactile switches made for a surprisingly upscale environment.

But despite this, the model was discontinued in 2023, never reaching mainstream recognition. The reasons likely include lingering brand perceptions and awkward market positioning. Regardless, the Stinger GT stands out as a missed opportunity and a textbook case of an undervalued interior.

Mazda 3 (2024): Premium Feel in the Compact Segment

The 2024 Mazda 3 continues the brand’s tradition of crafting vehicles with high-quality interiors that often exceed expectations for its class. The cabin is distinguished by the use of premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces and refined finishes, creating an ambiance typically found in more expensive models.

One of the key features of the interior is its minimalist design focused on ergonomics and driver comfort. The central console is equipped with an 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display, controlled via a convenient rotary dial, which helps reduce distractions while driving.

Optional upgrades include leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system delivering premium sound quality.

Despite all these merits, the interior of the Mazda 3 remains underrated — especially when compared to rivals with more aggressive marketing or flashier tech. Still, for those who appreciate craftsmanship, comfort, and attention to detail, the Mazda 3 stands out as a compelling choice in the compact car segment.

Why This Matters

An underrated interior is more than a footnote — it represents a missed opportunity for recognition and customer appreciation. These three vehicles remind us that the most rewarding experiences often happen where they’re least expected: not in headlines or marketing, but in the quiet, comfortable space behind the wheel.