The rear seat provides a surprising amount of space for a 2+2. A toe-operated lever on the front passenger seat allows it to slide forward for easier access to the rear compartment. The rear seat folds to expand cargo space.

The dashboard starts with a simple, clean, cross-compartment design. The gauges have orange script on a black background. Switches are easy to find and operate, particularly the stereo controls. The center console has a storage rack for eight CDs or ten cassettes.

Occupant safety remains a priority in the Celica. Side-impact beams guard against intrusion, and side airbags deploy from the front seats. The seats themselves are built with a one-piece back frame designed to limit whiplash injuries, and many interior trim pieces are deformable to soften impacts. The Celica is the first Toyota that shuts off fuel delivery if the airbags deploy.