The highback front bucket seats are split by the new center console with cup holders. The center console also carries the shift lever (we had the five-speed manual transmission) and parking brake. Extending into the instrument panel, the console holds the sound system and the heating/cooling system. Analog gauges, tachometer and speedometer are centered over the steering wheel. Control placement was average, but we especially liked the big sound system controls and station/time display. The sound system quality was very good.A rear bench seat has room for two people who will get to know each other fairly well even on a shopping center run. The rear seatback folds down and the whole rear seat assembly folds forward for 32.1 cubic feet of storage there is just over 8 cubic feet of storage with the seat up. Folding the rear seatback, then pivoting the whole seat assembly forward proved to be a real chore with the top in place. It is more easily done standing outside the vehicle with the top down. We would hate to do this in bad weather with the top up.
The front seats were comfortable and supportive. This was true even in our off-road jaunts and, given this is a sort of no-frills 4x4, we found the comfort a pleasant surprise.