Wards 10 Best User Experiences Of 2016 Announced By Penton's WardsAuto

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Penton's WardsAuto announced the Wards 10 Best User Experiences list of 2016.  The inaugural selection of the best "user experiences" in today's vehicle yields a list with three American automakers, three German, three Japanese and a Korean, illustrating that every major market in the world is engaged in this vital and rapidly growing aspect of vehicle development.

The evaluation drills deeply into the user-friendliness of vehicle systems designed to engage occupants while minimizing distraction and frustration, preventing accidents and improving safety in neighborhoods and on the highway.

The winners:

• Audi Q7 (sticker price $72,875, as tested)
• BMW 7-Series ($128,445)
• Chrysler Pacifica ($48,455)
• Ford Escape ($35,370)
• GMC Acadia ($52,285)
• Honda Ridgeline ($42,270)
• Hyundai Elantra ($27,710)
• Infiniti Q50 ($57,475)
• Lexus RX ($56,845)
• Mercedes E-Class ($72,995)

WardsAuto editors tested 29 new model vehicles during their daily commutes and evaluated numerous features including human-machine interface design, connectivity, infotainment, controls and advanced driver-assist technologies – in addition to overall value.

"We're paying close attention to touchscreens, navigation systems and infotainment, and we want to know if voice controls work well and if connecting your smartphone is simple," said WardsAuto Senior Content Director Drew Winter in explaining the judging criteria.  "We're trying to quantify how easy it is overall to interact with a vehicle.  Are controls easy to understand, or do you have to consult the owner's manual? Are the driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, functioning reliably, and do the interior materials enhance the user experience?"

The WardsAuto UX Conference will include a special ceremony.  The WardsAuto team calls representatives of the winning automakers to the stage to accept their honors.  Following the tradition of Wards 10 Best Engines and Wards 10 Best Interiors, the automotive OEMs are expected to send their user experience leaders to pick up the trophies on behalf of their design teams.  Learn more about the WardsAuto UX Conference at http://wardsauto.com/ux

About WardsAutoWardsAuto is a world-leading provider of automotive insights and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for more than 90 years. A Southfield, MI-based division of Penton, WardsAuto provides a forward-looking perspective on all aspects of the automotive business, from the tech center to the plant floor to the showroom.  Its properties include the WardsAuto Interiors and WardsAuto User Experience Conferences, industry forecasts, data tools and other insights.  Subscribe to WardsAuto and attend its events by visiting http://www.wardsauto.com.

About PentonPenton is an innovative information services company that empowers nearly 20 million business decision makers in markets that drive more than 12 trillion dollars in purchases each year. Our products inform with rich industry insights and workflow tools; engage through dynamic events, education and networking; and advance business with powerful marketing services programs. Penton is the way smart businesses buy, sell and grow.

Headquartered in New York, Penton is privately owned by MidOcean Partners and Wasserstein & Co., LP. For more information, visit http://www.penton.com or follow us on Twitter @PentonNow.

Media Contact:

Chris LamphearDirector of Marketing Penton Ground Transportation248 799 2658 [email protected]

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SOURCE Penton