A conventional layout puts two bolstered buckets up front on either side of a multi-purpose console. The second-row bench seat features three-point safety belts for three positions. These seats feel extremely comfortable, but they can also perform tricks when necessary for safety or saving space. For instance, each front seatback contains a device designed to minimize the whiplash effect during a collision from the rear. At the onset of such a crash, the seatback moves rearward to reduce acceleration forces induced on the rider's back and neck, as the headrest pushes forward and upward slightly to meet the neck and head thrust backward.

The broad rear bench fits three adults comfortably. It splits into three sections of 40/20/40 percent, and each seatback can be flipped forward to form an extension of the flat cargo floor in the rear. Also, the smaller center section may be removed entirely, creating either an aisle for access to the rear bay or space for an accessory, such as a removable softside gear bag or the hardside electric refrigerated box for stashing car snacks. You'll need to spend some time reading the owner's manual to fully appreciate versatility of the rear seat design.

For infants and toddlers, anchors are in place in the bench seat to secure two designs for rear-facing child's safety seats that use a base frame to house a cradle-style padded seat with integrated safety straps. One style fits infants weighing up to 20 pounds and another suits a child up to 40 pounds.

The generous cargo bay can be fitted with convenience items like a container for shopping bags ($125) or an optional third seat sized for children. The third seat is included in a Versatility Package ($1,150) that also brings a cargo net divider draped vertically behind the second seat and a horizontal cargo security cover.

Cross Country appointments include power controls for virtually all equipment and an automatic climate system, with deluxe audio equipment available including one kit with an in-dash compact disc player for four CDs ($1,000). The stereo is a challenge to learn how to use and the operation is fussy. Most of us don't need to save 20 stations.