The cockpit is traditional Toyota, offering a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Unibody construction lowers the step-in height, making it easier to get in and out, yet it carries a higher ride height than a sedan for traversing obstacles and deep snow. The sloping hood, tall driving position, and generous greenhouse front and rear make visibility excellent. Our only caveat on the visibility score is the tailgate-mounted spare and tall rear door, which block rear vision just a bit.
Cloth seats are contoured and comfortable and controls and gauges are well located. The instrument cluster incorporates a digital odometer and dual trip meter and upgraded radio features. Sliding controls operate the ventilation system.
Our test car had full carpeting with carpeted floor mats. Standard are dual outside mirrors, intermittent front and rear wipers and a rear window defogger. Front door pockets provide storage, while dual cupholders are integrated into the lower instrument panel. Four-door versions come with an auxiliary power outlet in the rear cargo area for battery-powered coolers and other accessories.
All major safety bases are covered with dual airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and force-limiters and side-impact door beams.