Care was taken in designing the exterior to create nuances, such as the shape of the structure around the very upright windshield, to enhance both exterior aerodynamics and help keep the interior quiet at Interstate speeds. Special sound insulation materials and window sealing enable H3 occupants to carry on conversations without raising their voices even though the H3 we drove wore off-road tires, which have more aggressive and noise generating tread.
The leather seating surfaces in our test vehicle were comfortable for highway driving yet supportive for the severe off-road conditions we encountered. Lumbar support is good and headrests are properly positioned close to back of the driver and passengers' heads. In addition to the standard front and side airbags in the front seats, our H3 had the optional side-curtain airbags, which enhance occupant protection in broadside crashes.
Color-contrast piping around the edges of the leather seats enhances the luxurious look and feel of the H3 interior. The interior can be ordered in all black (ebony) or with contrasting ebony and cashmere (a beige tone) or ebony and Morocco (terra cotta) colors for the seats and door panel trim.
Metallic-colored trim finishes highlight the dashboard and center console.
Switchgear is easy to find and intuitive in its use. Knobs for the HVAC (heat/ventilation/air conditioning) system are large enough to be easily turned by gloved hands. Gauges are large and easy to read. Our test car was equipped with sun visors with pull-out extensions, a terrific feature for folks living in sunbelt states where the sunrise and sunset coming through the driver or front passenger's windows can be brutal.
The care that went into designing the interior might best be seen in the details of the vents in the dashboard for the HVAC system. Designers and engineers worked closely to create louvered vents that provide ample airflow but close flush with the surface of the dashboard when not being used.
Positioning the spare tire on the rear door provides extra room for cargo inside the H3. Even with the second row occupied, there's room for nearly 30 cubic feet of gear. Capacity nearly doubles with second-row seats flipped forward.
