The new instrument panel is striking, although it probably won't be universally appreciated. Its background color is two-tone titanium; picture dark stainless steel. At night the numbers illuminate, but because they're outlined in white instead of being bold, they're difficult to read. The tachometer stretches to 8000 rpm despite the engine's 4800 rpm power peak, with a redline beginning at 6000 and running in a big pointless streak to eight grand. The digital clock is positioned so it's virtually impossible to read in the sunlight, and the little green lights indicating air conditioning are too dim and tiny to read.The console layout is tidy and handsome. A new CD changer holds six CDs, which can be selected with the six radio station buttons. There are two cool buttons for the emergency flashers and rear window defogger, rectangular and totally flat on the face of the panel. The heater controls are three big switches with wings. Silver trim surrounding the center console adds little to the design. There are front and rear auxiliary DC outlets in addition to the cigarette lighter, and big fixed cupholders front and rear. There's another tray ideal for a cellphone forward of the shift lever. There are three grab handles for climbing in and out-the driver can use the steering wheel-and available running boards make the step up easy. Radio and cruise controls are located on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with wide spokes located at 3, 9, 5 and 7 o'clock. The whole padded center is the horn, the best and safest operation because of quick access. Leather is available in the Crew Cab, and our black leather seats were truly excellent. During a three-day trip of many hours in the saddle, my wife and I and two boys in the back seat, ages 5 and 3, were perfectly comfortable. My back, butt, and legs were free of aches, as there was plenty of room to move about. The boys were both in child safety seats; the Crew Cab provides for the secure installation of a child safety seat, something that can't always be found in extended cabs. Bigger people find little legroom in back. Technically it's a five-seater, but don't count on it. Don't count on even two adults being comfortable for long in the back seat if they're taller than five-foot-two. The rear and backseat windows are privacy glass, standard, with a rear window defogger. The optional flip-up sunroof ventilates, but doesn't fully open to the sky; it's covered from the inside with a removable headliner, with plastic tabs.
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