On most models, the front passenger's seat back lies flat forward. To remove the seats, though, you must lean in, throw a couple of levers, then lift the folded seat straight up while your back is bent - prescription for wrenching pain. Cruiser is about 5 inches shorter than Ford Focus or Dodge Neon small cars but has the interior space of a midsize. Cargo space behind the back seat is about 19 cubic feet, rivaling the trunk of a Lincoln Town Car. Remove the back seat, and Cruiser offers 64 cubic feet, close to Jeep Cherokee's 66.
Gauges are big, round, easy to read.
Air vents, likewise round, have intuitive controls. And there's no penalty. It drives nicely, supplies plenty of room and is reasonably priced. Darn good question. Dealers get them late this month.