Comfort is a major consideration for many car owners, particularly those who face long daily commutes. If the seats feel too stiff or your passengers in the second row start complaining about limited legroom, it can quickly take the joy out of driving.
So, which vehicles offer the most comfortable experiences for both drivers and passengers? To find out, we analyzed the interior scores from U.S. News for every model we’ve reviewed.
Only those with the highest ratings earned a spot on our list. Whether you’re in the market for a car, truck, minivan, or SUV, this list has something that fits your needs.
We’ve listed each model’s base price and ranked our selections according to their interior scores, starting from the lowest and moving to the highest.
Keep in mind that we regularly update the scores on our website as new expert reviews and updated data become available, so the scores shown in this slideshow may not exactly match those found in our reviews.
Chrysler Pacifica
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica remains a top contender in the minivan segment, having earned the 2024 Best Minivan for Families award. Minivans are purpose-built for transporting busy families, and the Pacifica excels in delivering the features and comfort that matter most to buyers in this category.
While it comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to some rivals, it offers strong value through standout features like its fold-flat Stow ‘n Go rear seats, which provide flexible seating and cargo configurations, enhancing cabin versatility.
The interior has a premium design and can accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably. Legroom is generous in all three rows, and standard amenities include heated front seats, power-sliding doors, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is not only Chrysler’s versatile minivan but also the only model left in the brand’s portfolio following the discontinuation of the 300 sedan. While this may be a challenging reality for Chrysler dealers, there is still a lot to appreciate about the Pacifica.
It offers the option of all-wheel drive and features a plug-in hybrid version that can drive approximately 32 miles on battery power alone. As the only 2024 minivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Pacifica stands out for its ability to significantly improve fuel efficiency, especially for those who regularly charge it.
For non-hybrid models, the Pacifica includes the handy Stow ‘n Go seating, which allows the second-row seats to fold into the floor, creating a highly flexible cargo space that can accommodate virtually any load.
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica offers an estimated monthly cost to drive of $171 for the Touring model, based on 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving. This is lower than the average monthly cost of $200 for a midsize minivan, making it an affordable option for families.
Inside, the Pacifica typically seats seven, though the optional second-row bench seat on Touring L trims increases capacity to eight passengers. Storage is generous, with clever cubbies, trays, and additional compartments throughout the cabin. When the middle seats are folded down, their floor wells also serve as hidden cargo spaces.
The Pacifica’s true strength lies in its cargo capacity: in non-hybrid models, both the second and third-row seats fold flat into the floor, offering a substantial 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space, all on a flat floor that eliminates the hassle of removing heavy seats. This makes the Pacifica a top contender for anyone who regularly needs to carry larger items.
In terms of competition, the Chrysler Pacifica faces rivals such as the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival. Additionally, it will soon compete with the all-electric Volkswagen ID.
Buzz, a modern electric vehicle that pays homage to the iconic VW Microbus from the 1960s and ’70s. To get a clearer picture of how the Pacifica compares to its competitors, it’s worth checking out the Expert Rating from our test team.
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Hyundai Tucson
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson stands out as one of the best in its segment, having earned multiple accolades including the 2024 Best Compact SUV for the Money, Best Compact SUV for Families, and Best New Car for Teens.
Its cabin is among the most upscale in the compact SUV class, featuring a clean, modern design and extensive use of soft-touch materials. The Tucson also benefits from solid sound insulation, effectively keeping wind and road noise to a minimum.
Comfort is a strong suit, with seating that offers soothing support for up to five passengers and more head- and legroom in both rows than most rivals. Available features such as heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel further enhance the overall driving experience.
All 2024 Tucson models are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While this engine provides adequate power for daily driving, some reviewers note that it may feel underpowered during rapid acceleration.
The Tucson Hybrid offers a more robust 231 horsepower, delivering quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Tucson Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined, slightly trailing the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s 39 mpg, but surpassing it in comfort and technology.
The Tucson’s interior is among the best in its class, featuring a clean design with soft-touch materials and a flowing dashboard that enhances the sense of space. Both rows offer generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort for passengers.
The cargo area is also spacious, providing ample room for luggage or gear . Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. Higher trims add luxury touches such as Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
Kia Telluride
The 2024 Kia Telluride is a top contender among three-row SUVs, offering outstanding versatility and comfort. It received the 2024 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money and Best 3-Row SUV for Families awards, underscoring its appeal to a wide range of buyers.
The Telluride’s interior is a premium environment designed for relaxation, with upper trims featuring upscale materials like leather and suede.
It can seat either seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration, and comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control. For added comfort, optional features include heated and ventilated seats in both the first and second rows, along with a heated steering wheel.
A 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is a leader in the industry, helped put customers at ease, ensuring they wouldn’t be left with problems if they took a chance on these new Korean brands.
Combined with 20 years of engineering and design expertise (not to mention the strategic hiring of top executives), Kia and Hyundai now produce some of the best vehicles available.
If you still associate the Kia brand with “cheap junk,” it’s time to rethink your assumptions. These cars are genuinely impressive. The Kia Telluride, a three-row SUV that I’m testing this week, is a perfect example of this transformation.
Finished in Wolf Gray—a name that sounds boring but is anything but—the Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD is visually striking right from the start.
The Telluride stands out in any parking lot or school pick-up line, looking very much like a luxury SUV. It comfortably holds its own next to much more expensive vehicles like a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, if you can overlook the polarizing Kia logo, which some people mistakenly believe is “KN.”
The daytime running lights, which are a pair of blade-shaped LED units (with a subtle amber tweak for 2024), are a notable feature of the Telluride. Once you notice these DRLs, you’ll begin to see them everywhere.
At the rear, L-shaped LED taillights continue the unique design, and the Telluride wordmark across the tailgate has a distinctly Range Rover-like feel.
It’s difficult for any vehicle to stand out in today’s crowded market, particularly in the competitive three-row midsize SUV segment, but the Telluride does manage to distinguish itself. It strikes a modern and edgy look, with styling cues that vaguely remind me of a high-end multi-blade razor.
The interior of the Telluride clearly reflects an understanding of its primary purpose: transporting families and all their belongings. Clever storage solutions are essential here, with a pair of cupholders nestled beside the traditional PRNDL shifter.
There’s also a bonus cubby—ideal for a third cupholder or to store things like keys, smartphones, or sunglasses—just in front of the shifter. In addition, a large catch-all bin with USB ports sits at the front for added convenience.
For the front passengers, leather-wrapped grab handles add a hint of off-road readiness (even if it’s unlikely they’ll ever be put to the test).
Temperature controls are adjusted using simple, tactile knobs, which is something that always makes this auto journalist happy. Two large 12-inch screens hover atop the console—one for the dashboard cluster and the other serving as the touchscreen for the infotainment system.
The Telluride supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the fully loaded SX-Prestige trim includes a 360-degree camera, along with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
These include Kia’s outstanding adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and active lane centering. While not quite full hands-free driving, it’s remarkably close.
Finally, both the front seats and the second-row captain’s chairs are equipped with heating and ventilation, which is a thoughtful and appreciated feature.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid sets itself apart as the only minivan on the market with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering an all-electric driving range of 32 miles. For drivers with shorter commutes, this range may be enough to handle daily travel without engaging the gas engine.
The Pacifica Hybrid provides seating for seven passengers in a refined and attractive cabin. Adults will find comfort in all three rows, and the standard feature set includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-sliding rear doors.
The top-tier Pinnacle trim brings an extra level of luxury with Nappa leather upholstery and a suede headliner, making it a standout in the minivan category.
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Select Premium S that I drove for the week was far from the typical Chrysler minivan that many of us are familiar with, whether we love it or not.
Originally introduced in the 2017 model year, this minivan featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, marking a new direction for Stellantis—Chrysler’s parent company—and standing out in the minivan market.
Even now, with the 2025 Kia Carnival adding electrified options and the Toyota Sienna becoming hybrid-only starting in 2021, the Pacifica remains the sole plug-in hybrid choice in its class.
The Pacifica’s hybrid powertrain combines a 3.6-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, together producing 260 horsepower.
In electric-only mode, the 16 kWh battery provides an estimated range of 32 miles. Once the gas engine kicks in, Chrysler claims the total range expands to around 520 miles, making the Pacifica a fuel-efficiency powerhouse.
While I don’t have children to shuttle to soccer practice and my elderly dog is no longer up for regular trips, I didn’t engage in many of the typical minivan activities. However, driving this 2024 Pacifica has certainly given me a new appreciation for the minivan in today’s market.
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Kia Carnival
The 2024 Kia Carnival is another strong choice in the minivan class, known for delivering exceptional value—a point reflected in its impressive 9.9 out of 10 value rating.
True to Kia’s reputation, the Carnival offers a wealth of features and refinement for the price. Inside, the cabin impresses with high-quality materials and meticulous fit and finish.
Upper trims further elevate the experience with plush leather upholstery and second-row leg rests. The Carnival seats up to eight passengers, with enough space to keep adults comfortable in all three rows.
Available options include power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, adding to the Carnival’s appeal as a well-rounded and family-friendly minivan.
Least Comfortable Cars
The automotive market is brimming with cars that prioritize comfort and convenience—and many of them are now more affordable than ever. But what about the other side of the spectrum? Are there vehicles still in production or regular use that are so uncomfortable, they feel barely driveable?
Shockingly, the answer is a firm yes. Today, we’re turning the spotlight on those cars that have sacrificed comfort in the name of size, price, or functionality.
The vehicles featured on this list are consistently rated by drivers around the world as the most uncomfortable. And yet, despite the poor ride quality, they remain common sights on the road.
So, which cars are most likely to leave you with an aching back, a stiff neck, and second thoughts about ever climbing back into the driver’s seat?
Nissan Note
While the 2004 Nissan Note was initially met with excitement upon its release, it quickly became apparent that the car was far from ideal for long-distance travel. In fact, an Auto Express survey of 61,000 drivers ranked it dead last in terms of comfort.
Although the Note offers a relatively roomy interior for its class, this advantage is undermined by the overall lack of comfort and build quality provided to passengers.
The dashboard is clad in basic plastic and features only the bare essentials, while the seating is uncomfortably stiff and unsupportive.
Even the most powerful version of the Note—a 110-horsepower 1.5L petrol engine—fails to enhance the driving experience, as it delivers a noisy ride and struggles to adequately move the car.
That said, Nissan seemed to recognize these shortcomings and addressed many of them in later versions of the model.
The Nissan Note is a compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) designed and manufactured by Nissan. Known for its reliability and spaciousness, it is one of the brand’s most popular models, particularly favored as a family car.
Despite its classification as a mini MPV, the Note provides ample space, making it highly suitable for family use. Its compact, boxy design, coupled with fuel efficiency, makes it an ideal choice for suburban families.
The Nissan Note was first introduced as a compact concept car in 2004 at the Paris Motor Show, where it garnered significant attention.
Presented as a 5-door hatchback, the vehicle featured several innovative elements such as proximity sensors, boomerang LED rear lights, arched roofs, and a durable aluminum alloy exterior. Following its unveiling, the first-generation Nissan Note was launched in the Japanese market in January 2005.
Soon after, a version of the Note was introduced to European customers, with the car being showcased at major motor shows in Frankfurt and Geneva. It was then released in the UK. Initially, the car was available in three versions: ‘S,’ ‘SE,’ and ‘SVE.’
The base ‘S’ model came equipped with electric windows, alloy wheels, and front fog lights. The higher-spec ‘SE’ and ‘SVE’ models featured more advanced specifications, including 15 to 16-inch alloy wheels and climate control.
One of the standout features of the Nissan Note is its compact and efficient design. Measuring approximately 4 meters in length, it boasts a relatively large wheelbase of over 2.66 meters.
This thoughtful design allows the Nissan Note to offer a spacious and comfortable interior for passengers. Additionally, the vehicle’s trunk is cleverly designed with two configurable layers that can be adjusted and customized, offering greater versatility for storage.
Kia Rio
Much like the Picanto, the 2005 Kia Rio left many owners underwhelmed due to its exceptionally poor passenger comfort. While it’s understood that a sub-$15,000 minicar comes with limitations, the combination of a harsh suspension, stiff seats, and a cheap-feeling, squeaky plastic interior that offers only the most basic features was a major letdown.
Though the front seats provide reasonable space for a vehicle in this segment, the rear bench is cramped and uncomfortable, despite being marketed as suitable for three passengers. These factors contributed to the Kia Rio being ranked third in a Which? survey identifying the most uncomfortable cars available.
Kia made significant strides in the U.S. market with the launch of the first-generation Kia Rio in 2000. Although it was positioned as a low-cost vehicle, it offered exceptional reliability at an attractive price point, which contributed to its popularity.
In 2006, Kia raised the standards even higher with the introduction of the Kia Rio sedan, earning the “Most Improved New Vehicle for 2006” award.
The new Kia Rio provided class-leading power and interior space, while also enhancing safety with six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags. The increased interior space was made possible by a longer wheelbase, along with increases in both width and height.
Aesthetically, the redesigned Rio boasted a European-inspired exterior, exuding a sporty and bold appearance.
Inside, Kia upgraded the quality of the materials, offering improved cloth upholstery with a sporty mesh fabric design. The cabin also featured an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat and a central armrest for added comfort.
The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage spaces, dual 12V power outlets, and a convenient shopping bag hook attached to the back of the front passenger seat.
Under the hood, the 2006 Kia Rio sedan was equipped with a 1.6-liter DOHC engine that produced 110 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft of torque, offering more standard power than any other vehicle in its class. Fuel efficiency was also improved by 20%.
For 2006, the base trim of the sedan featured 14-inch tires with full wheel covers, as well as power steering with tilt. The Rio LX trim added air conditioning, larger 14-inch tires, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Additionally, several optional features were available at extra cost, such as power windows, power door locks, BAS, a 4-speed automatic transmission, and more.
Hyundai i20
Hyundai is another brand that frequently appears on the less favorable end of the comfort spectrum, particularly with the first-generation i20. According to a 2015 Auto Express study focusing on seat comfort, the i20 ranks among the most uncomfortable cars currently on the road.
The seats in this generation are poorly designed and tightly padded, making longer drives an unpleasant experience that’s likely to leave you with a sore back.
This discomfort is only amplified by the low-quality, plasticky interior, which falls significantly short when compared to rivals in the same segment—most notably the Ford Focus.
The 2008 Hyundai i20 is a subcompact hatchback that was introduced by Hyundai as a replacement for the Hyundai Getz in various markets.
The car was designed to cater to the growing demand for practical, small, and affordable vehicles, particularly in Europe. It offers a blend of efficiency, practicality, and modern styling, making it a strong contender in the competitive subcompact segment.
The i20 debuted with a fresh design that was more mature and refined compared to its predecessor.
The exterior design was modern and sporty, featuring clean lines, a sleek profile, and a distinctive front end. It was offered in three- and five-door variants, with a range of vibrant colors aimed at appealing to a broad demographic, from young buyers to families seeking an economical option.
Under the hood, the 2008 Hyundai i20 came with a variety of engine options, including a 1.2-liter, 1.4-liter, and 1.6-liter gasoline engines, as well as diesel variants in some markets.
These engines were paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency of the i20 was one of its selling points, with the smaller engines offering excellent mileage, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Inside, the i20 was designed with practicality in mind. It provided a spacious cabin for its size, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The interior featured a simple, functional layout, with quality materials that aimed to provide a comfortable driving experience.
It included features like air conditioning, a CD player, and an intuitive dashboard layout. The i20 also had good cargo space for its class, with a large boot and flexible rear seats that could be folded down to expand the trunk space.
Safety features were a key consideration in the design of the 2008 Hyundai i20. The car came equipped with standard safety features like front airbags, side-impact airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). These features helped the i20 earn good safety ratings in various crash tests.
Kia Picanto
The original Kia Picanto was built with affordability and practicality in mind, intended primarily for short, city-based errands. As expected, the interior is dominated by hard plastics and includes only the bare essentials. While it does offer a fair amount of interior space for its size, it’s certainly not suited for anything beyond brief urban trips.
A survey of 39,000 drivers placed the Picanto among the least comfortable cars for extended drives. It delivers a rough and jittery ride that the cheap, minimally cushioned seats do nothing to soften—clearly a design built with city streets in mind, not highways.
The Kia Picanto offers ample space in all four seats, with enough room for even taller passengers, as six-footers will find the rear seats comfortable.
The five-door layout makes rear access straightforward, although the small boot limits the overall practicality of the car. The dashboard is well-constructed and easy to navigate, even if the materials used aren’t the most attractive.
However, the Picanto does have a key limitation: it isn’t built for enthusiastic driving. The engine performance is underwhelming, with too much body roll when cornering, and the steering lacks responsiveness.
The ride can also be a bit rough, but for those who are primarily looking for a car for basic city commuting, it will do just fine.
As a new car, the Picanto stands out for its exceptional value – you get a well-equipped and spacious city car at a very affordable price. When purchasing used, the story remains the same.
Residual values for the Picanto aren’t particularly strong, so you can find some great deals on second-hand models. However, since the car has only been available since 2004, many used Picantos haven’t depreciated enough to offer deep discounts.
The claimed running costs for the Picanto are quite reasonable. The 1.0-litre models are said to average 55.4mpg, while the 1.1-litre variants achieve 54.3mpg. Be aware, though, that many owners have reported difficulty reaching these official figures in everyday driving.
Insurance costs are also low, with the 1.0-litre model sitting in insurance group 2, and the 1.1-litre in group 3, so premiums are affordable regardless of the model you choose.
There are four versions to choose from. The basic S and GS trims come with the 60bhp 1.0-litre engine, which is best suited for urban driving. It struggles to keep pace with traffic on faster roads. The S trim includes central locking and a CD player, while the GS adds electric front windows.
If you prefer a bit more power, consider the 1.1-litre engine, available in either the LX or SE+ trims. The engine offers 64bhp, and while it makes motorway driving more manageable, it still requires some effort to reach speed.
Overall, the entry-level 1.1-litre LX model is our top recommendation. It includes air conditioning, electric rear windows, and remote central locking. The SE+ trim adds alloy wheels for a bit more style.
Ford Ka
If you’re hoping to find a car that’s both budget-friendly and comfortable, the 1996 Ford Ka won’t deliver. Though it was initially praised for its quirky design and affordability, the Ka quickly earned a reputation for being one of the most uncomfortable cars on the road.
In fact, a survey involving 39,000 drivers ranked it dead last in terms of comfort. Some owners have even expressed strong frustration with the experience of driving it.
Rear-seat passengers are hit the hardest, but even those in the front aren’t spared from the stiff ride and cramped quarters. While the Ka may get you from point A to point B on the cheap, you’re likely to make up the difference in what you spend on chiropractor visits.
The original Ford Ka made its debut in 1996 as an ultra-affordable, no-frills vehicle. Its popularity actually exceeded Ford’s expectations.
With its well-balanced proportions, youthful vibe, and classic “wheel at each corner” stance, the Ka boasts a distinctive silhouette. Given how common it’s become on the roads, it’s easy to overlook just how stylish this little car actually is.
The interior is quite basic, but it’s durable and smartly organized—just don’t go in expecting any high-end features.
Still, as a compact city car, the Ka fits the bill perfectly. It delivers sharp, responsive handling that makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive, while remaining comfortable enough to manage moderately long trips without issue.
It’s also inexpensive to purchase and economical to maintain. With so many on the used market, there’s no shortage of options, though that also increases the odds of encountering one that’s been neglected.
But if you manage to find a well-maintained example, it should reward you with years of reliable, low-cost motoring.