In the event that you're one of the 5 percent who will take the SLX off-road, the cabin offers no fewer than seven passenger grab handles--including one on the center console that allows the front-seat passenger to assist gravity and really plant him or herself during rough rides.

The panoramic visibility offered by the SLX's height is, as the kids say, truly awesome. During our test drive, we could see easily over the top of sedans and even some minivans in front of us.

Interior cargo space is more than generous. The seat-up rear cargo area in the SLX measures 46.3 cu. ft.--best in its class. When the rear seats are folded down, that figure nearly doubles to 90.2 cu. ft. In the SLX Premium model, however, the cargo space is smaller--43.7 cu. ft. with the seats up, 85.3 cu. ft. when folded down. To maximize cargo-loading options, the rear seats are split 60/40.

From the perspective of rear-seat passenger comfort, when the rear seats are in the upright position, they seem too upright and rigid. The only way to recline them is with the same knob that's used when folding the seats down.

Like the exterior, the SLX instrument panel is handsome, and it's also well laid out. No mysteries here, and no hunting for controls. The front seats are attractive, as well as comfortably supportive, and dual airbags are standard.