When you think of the color red, what comes to mind? Most experts agree that red symbolizes passion and energy. It’s meant to create a lot of attention, so it’s no wonder that many auto enthusiasts are obsessed with finding a red interior for their cars. With so many to choose from, it’s helpful to determine the best cars with red interiors.
In this guide, we outline some of our favorite options from a variety of brands. We also look at why you may want a red interior, why it could be a bad idea and we take a moment to answer your questions.
While there are many models with red interior to choose from, you can’t go wrong with the Toyota Camry, Kia K5, Lexus LC 500 or BMW 330i/M3 models. We also like the BMW X3, Honda Civic Type R, Porsche Taycan, Acura TLX, Mercedes S-Class Sedan, Nissan GT-R and Chevrolet Corvette models.
What kind of red interior does each of these cars have? Let’s take a look.
1. Toyota Camry
One of the cheapest cars with a red interior is the 2023 Toyota Camry. This car must be purchased with the XSE trim level to score the red leather interior, but it’s one of the sleekest cars out there.
This car also includes a 2.5L four-cylinder motor or you can opt for the available 3.5L V6 engine that pumps out 301 horsepower. The only thing that would make this option better is if you could add red to the TRD trim level, although this model does have some unique red accents.
- Trim levels with red interior: XSE, XSE Hybrid
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $31,720
2. Kia K5
The K5 used to be known as the Optima, but it recently had a name change. Now, the Kia K5 comes with a fun interior in red as an option when choosing the GT-Line trim. What’s great about this model is that it comes in even cheaper than the Camry.
The entire interior isn’t red with this option, but you get enough to make it sporty. The dashboard remains black; it’s just the seats covered in red SynTex and the soft materials that are red. Plus, the GT-Line trim includes a 1.8L turbo-four that pumps out 180 horsepower.
- Trim levels with red interior: GT-Line FWD, GT-Line AWD
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $26,890
3. Lexus LC 500
There’s nothing cheap about the Lexus LC 500, but it’s worth every penny. To get a model with the Circuit Red Leather, you will spend more than $100k.
Some people aren’t fond of the unique red interior in this Lexus, so you want to get a good look at it before buying. However, this model does come with a 5.0L V8 for superior power and a great ride too.
- Trim levels with red interior: Must include Touring, Sport or Dynamic Handling Package
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $101,590
4. BMW 330i/M3
BMW is another luxury automaker that has red interior options. With the 330i and M3 lineup, you can choose from the Tacora Red perforated leather or the Tacora red leather complete with contrast stitching.
The 3 Series includes a 2.0L four-cylinder that’s rated for 244 horsepower. If you want even more power, consider the M3 with the turbocharged six-cylinder that produces 503 horsepower.
- Trim levels with red interior: Available with all trims
- Starting MSRP with red interior: 330i ($44,500)/M3 ($76,000)
5. BMW X3
While discussing BMW, it’s important to note that the red interior is also available with the X3. This Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) includes the Tacora Red Perforated interior option at no additional cost.
Plus, the X3 is a fun SUV with its rear-wheel drive and turbo-four that creates 248 horsepower. If you want even more power, consider the X3 M40i with the turbocharged six-cylinder that outputs 382 horsepower.
- Trim levels with red interior: Available with all trims
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $46,900
6. Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is a top choice among enthusiasts and it only comes with a red interior. However, this isn’t a subtle red option. The seats are red, along with the seatbelts, door carpets and panels. It’s a bright hue of red, unique to Honda. Thankfully, there are exterior color options that contrast the interior perfectly.
Under the hood of the Type R Civic, you get a 2.0L turbo-four rated for 315 horsepower. It’s enough to get your blood pumping. In fact, this car can hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, so it’s not your average sedan.
- Trim levels with red interior: All
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $43,795
7. Porsche Taycan
Porsche has been offering interiors in Bordeaux red for some time and it’s become popular. Now it can be outfitted with the electric Taycan sedan. However, there’s an add-on charge for this red interior.
This electric powertrain provides you with 402 horsepower at the base model level, so there’s no excitement lacking. However, you could also choose the Turbo S Cross Turismo model to enjoy 750 horsepower, but that’s going to run nearly $200k. The good news is that this trim model doesn’t charge extra for the red interior.
- Trim levels with red interior: All
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $95,600
8. Acura TLX
The Integra might be making waves with its return, but the TLX is the one you want to drive if a red interior is important. With the available A-Spec package, you get the red/black interior color for a unique balance.
The S-Type includes a 3.0L turbo V6 engine rated for 355 horsepower. You can also enjoy the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system for increased capability.
- Trim levels with red interior: A-Spec
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $46,800
9. Mercedes S-Class Sedan
For enthusiasts of the luxury sedan, consider the benefits of driving the S-Class. Yes, it will cost you more than $100k, but it comes with just about every luxury you could dream of. Adding the Carmine Red/Black Exclusive Nappa leather will add an additional $5,400 to the mix.
Additionally, you will need the Warmth & Comfort Package ($3,800) to choose this color, just because Mercedes-Benz says so. However, if you are spending this much on a car, you probably aren’t concerned about the add-on costs.
- Trim levels with red interior: Warmth & Comfort Package
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $123,700
10. Nissan GT-R
There’s only one Nissan model with a red interior option and it’s the GT-R. Choosing this option will require a little homework because there’s a different hue available with several trim levels, except for the T-Spec.
The GT-R Premium comes with Solid Red and it covers all of the seats, along with many of the accents. In comparison, the NISMO model includes Red/Black, which offers red on the front seat panels and a few accents.
- Trim levels with red interior: Premium (Solid Red)/NISMO (Red/Black)
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $122,885
11. Chevrolet Corvette
Chevy does offer an interior in red with the Camaro, but it’s not that impressive. For that reason, we recommend opting for the Chevrolet Corvette instead. This sports car has two different options, available with most trim levels.
Choose red interior trim, similar to what’s available in the Camaro. Otherwise, outfit the Corvette with red on the entire seat and some accenting. There are also several powertrain options available, ensuring you get the excitement you deserve.
- Trim levels with red interior: Z06 2LZ, Z06 3LZ, Stingray 1LT, Stingray 2LT, Stingray 3LT
- Starting MSRP with red interior: $67,895
Car With Red Interior: Pros and Cons
Before you jump right into buying a car with a red-shaded interior, consider the benefits and consequences. After careful examination, you may either decide that red is definitely for you or that you need to choose something else.
Pros
- Luxurious and premium feel
- Attention-grabbing
- Rare, making your vehicle one-of-a-kind
- Easy to clean since the dust shows up well
- Provides a sporty, athletic vibe
Cons
- More expensive – may need a higher trim level, special package or pay more for the premium color option
- Can be too bold or loud
- Harder to find, especially used
- Difficult to match to an exterior color
What cars look good with a red interior?
While several brands offer a red interior option, the best-looking vehicles are the Toyota Camry, Kia K5, Lexus LC 500, BMW 330i, BMW M3 and BMW X3. We also love the look of the Honda Civic Type R, Porsche Taycan, Acura TLX, Mercedes S-Class Sedan, Nissan GT-R and Chevrolet Corvette models.
Are red car interiors popular?
No, you won’t find a lot of cars on the road with a red interior. They are more popular in the sporty and luxurious cars but still tend to be a less common choice. With most vehicles, you have to pay extra for either a higher trim level or a package that allows for the red interior color.
What affordable cars have red interior?
There are plenty of expensive cars that offer a red interior, from Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. However, it’s increasingly more difficult to find a budget-friendly option that offers a red interior. Our two favorite options are the Toyota Camry and the Kia K5, both of which can be well-equipped for around $30,000.
Which Toyota SUV has a red interior?
In the current lineup, the only Toyota SUV with a red interior option is the Highlander. You would need to choose the Toyota Highlander XSE to get this red interior. Toyota also offers a red interior with the Camry XSE models (sedan) or the Tundra TRD Pro (truck) if you are looking for something other than an SUV.
Can you put a red interior in your car?
If you want a red interior in the car you have, there are a lot of aftermarket options that make customization easy. Many people start by adding custom red seat covers to the vehicle. You can also implement some other accessories, such as a steering wheel cover, shifter knob and more. Browse online to see what’s available for your vehicle.
Conclusion
Whatever price point you are shopping at, you can find a high-quality vehicle with an optional red interior. There’s a nice variety of budget-friendly sedans, powerful sports cars and luxurious vehicles to choose from, depending on what your needs are. With all of the vehicles outlined above, you can customize the look by choosing a complementary exterior color that helps the red stand out even more.
We recommend heading to your local dealership to see the red interiors in person. The shade you see in pictures doesn’t always do the color justice and you may find it looks insanely different in the vehicle. You may actually decide you don’t like it after all.
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