In past years, a car's interior has been an afterthought while the exterior had been more of a concern.

A J.D. Power & Associates 2007 consumer study reported that interior comfort is the second most important factor in choosing a vehicle, ranking ahead of exterior styling and just behind reliability and durability.

"Automakers are trying to do a lot more with less space," Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of Ward's AutoWorld, an industry trade publication that recently hosted an auto interiors conference and trade show in Detroit, told Forbesautos.com. "The real estate in vehicle instrument panels is downsizing."

Ward's AutoWorld evaluated 36 vehicles in eight categories on material selection, ergonomics, driver information, safety, overall value, comfort, fit and finish, aesthetics and design harmony, and named 10 award winners in various segments.

Theresa Spafford, lead designer of color and trim at Mazda Design Americas, told Forbes that interior designers are looking at new materials and design ideas to create the ideal interiors.

"The exterior is how you recognize the vehicle, but your interior is how you live with your car," she told Forbes. "Anything you have to live with, you have to have a level of comfort, attraction, functionality and durability."

2008 Best Interior Award Winners

Economy-Priced Car ($16,999 and under): Suzuki SX4 Sport

Popular-Priced Car ($17,000?$29,999): Chevrolet Malibu

Premium-Priced Car ($30,000 and over): Jaguar XF

Sports Car ($30,000 and over): Audi TT Coupe

Popular-Priced Truck ($34,999 and under): Mazda5

Premium-Priced Truck ($35,000 and over): Chrysler Town & Country

Special Achievement For Brand Expression: Volvo C30

Electronic Innovation: Infiniti EX35

Best Redesign: Hyundai Sonata

Clever Utility: Dodge Journey