5 Interior Car Trends Going Out Of Style In 2023 (And 5 Exterior Ones)
Whether you love them or hate them, these car design trends are going away by the time 2023 rolls in.
In the fashion world, an endless amount of trends come and go. Some only stay a season or two, like the mohawk, and others stick with us for years and years like the blue pair of denim jeans. That said, it’s not only the fashion world that gets to do with seasonal trends, the automotive space does too, it’s just a bit different on this side of the river.
In the past decade or so, we’ve seen astronomical changes throughout the car industry. The rise of EVs is upon us, and fun, loud gasoline-powered sports cars are starting to become a thing of the past. At least Ford gave us a look at a real 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse not too long ago, so there’s that to keep our spirits slightly dwindling.
All things considered, the world as we know it, is changing, and this includes the automotive one we’re swallowed into. Here are some trends inevitably going out of style in the year 2023.
Not too long ago, all carmakers plastered their interiors filthy with this shiny black plastic piece of trim we unanimously decided to call “piano black”. Sure, from afar it looked awfully lavish, but upon closer inspection, you’d find a world of wrongdoings with it.
Just like black paint, the piano black plastics scratched easier than a record from the 60s. On top of that, they picked up fingerprints more efficiently than an orphan picks up cookies from the floor. We’re glad to see that it’s replaced by faux carbon fiber patterns and bare metal trim pieces.
This trend we’re actually divided on… Since we can remember, cars have had traditional door handles that you pulled to unlock them. When technology advanced, we got treated to things like keyless entry and keypads to unlock your doors.
Now, however, door handles disappear into the bodywork to give the vehicle a more flush look. While we agree that it adds to the stupendous smooth design of some cars, they can also feel a tad flimsy and fragile when not designed with proper care.
Ambient lighting this, ambient lighting that, everyone obsesses over interior mood lighting. While we don’t necessarily hate interior ambient lighting, we can confirm that moderation is key when it comes to these things.
Automakers have already started to take a step back and turned down the intensity of their interior ambient lighting. Instead of having massive pools of colorful light, much like a gentlemen’s club, brands are starting to equally disperse the light throughout the cabin. In turn, this gives the cockpit a less overwhelming and more attractive aesthetic.
Not too long ago, having a bright eye-catching vehicle signified your importance. Nowadays all this acknowledges is your arrogance, and lack of humility.
Celebrities rocked up to events in pink-, chrome-, or even gold-wrapped cars to garner attention. Thankfully, most attention-seekers realized they were making a fool of themselves, and dialed down the “look at me” meter.
This is one interior design choice we’re sad to see leave us. We never thought the day would come when cars would no longer have physical buttons and dials to change things like the radio or the climate system, but here we are.
Tesla is by far the worst culprit thereof. They ditched all of their physical controls and transferred them into the intricate infotainment display which needs a 13-year-old to work properly. Sometimes newer doesn’t mean better.
With the right mindset, camber can actually improve your car’s appearance and handling characteristics. That said, there is something like too much of a good thing, and in this case, excessive camber is the perfect example thereof.
Instead of only slamming your vehicle to the ground, some “stance boys” adore the look of a flattened car. We’re happy to report that the mist clouding everyone’s eyes has finally started to clear up, and finally, they’re realizing how ridiculous this trend actually is.
Let’s address the elephant in the room, BMW. Earlier this year, talk started spreading about BMW implementing subscription-based services that allow you access to some of your car’s features like your pre-installed, yet inactivate heated seats.
Unfortunately, this is more than likely only the start. Soon other carmakers will join the bandwagon and start fitting their car with an enormous set of features that are locked behind a paywall…
We all lust over a clean, mean black sports car. Yet again, there is a fine line between a murdered-out car and an ugly unidentifiable black blob. Take for instance this BMW M4 we have down below.
This Beemer could have been perfect if the owner just decided to leave the tail lights alone. Not only is it a safety hazard since it reduces the visibility of the brake lights, but it’s also rather ugly if you ask us.
In all fairness, leather-drenched interiors aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. However, most car brands have already started implementing more eco-friendly alternatives to the classic dead cow cabin space.
For example, Tesla now only fits their vehicles with vegan-friendly alternatives to a leather interior, and it’s barely noticeable if you ask us. There is still however a few problems with Tesla that nobody talks about…
Back in the day, muscle cars came from the factory in a wide range of bizarre colorways. The same was the case for modern supercars, but in the last few years, it seems like all we’re getting is different shades of grey, white and black colors.
By the look of things, it seems as if there won’t be anything done to change this boring phenomenon anytime soon. It breaks our hearts to see the individualization aspect of new cars become a thing of the past, especially regarding driver-focussed sports cars…
Marnus Moolman is a young aspiring automotive writer from South Africa who is making a name for himself, despite his young age. Currently, he is studying to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting to pursue his lifetime dream of running his own automotive detailing establishment.
