Interior Accessories

Drivers spend more time looking at the interior of their vehicles, than the exterior and sometimes adding accessories can make for a more pleasant environment. While many of the models covered by ForbesAutos.com already have luxurious trim and amenities, there's always room to further spice things up and add your own touch of personality.

Less extreme and less expensive cosmetic upgrades for SUV interiors include different trim bits, such as wood and metallic finishes and even exotic carbon fiber. Interior lighting kits, including neon, are also available, both for ambient lighting as well as for the dashboard and instrument panel.

Pioneer N2 In-Dash DVD Multimedia Navigation Receiver

“We’re seeing a trend towards in-vehicle consumption of food and beverages,” says Land Rover spokesman Larry Rosinski. “In response to that, we offer a Cooled Cubby Box that goes in the center console, for the Land Rover LR3 and Range Rover Sport." A heated compartment to keep food warm is expected in the future.

DVD entertainment systems, GPS navigation, satellite radio and satellite television are exploding in popularity — particularly in SUVs, which often function as family vehicles. Real-time traffic reports are being incorporated in high-end luxury vehicles' nav systems and now there are after-market accessories that do the same. One of such gadget is Pioneer's AVIC-D1, N2 In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Navigation Receiver ($1,800). Using an XM NavTraffic feed, it can calculate alternate routes around traffic congestion, as well as direct you to the specific restaurants and shops.

Whatever your inclination, be sure to thoroughly research any accessory to make sure it's safe, won't void your warrantee or impair safety and performance. With the proper caution (and funds), you might just become the next "King of Bling" at GM’s annual All-Car Showdown, where auto enthusiasts gather to show off their mad mods. Basketball star Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers took home the "King of Bling" prize this summer for his 2003 Blue Raspberry Cadillac Escalade ESV, while musician Macy Gray won "Best Exterior" for her 2003 Black Oversized Hummer H2.