Is the position of the hand brake and stick a bit awkward?
does the center console ever get in the way?
Is it just me or is there not really a clear neutral position for the stick

I find that the hand brake position *is* a little awkward, especially with the adjustable arm rest moved forward. It's still very usable.

I've not had a problem with the center console at all.

The stick looked odd at first, but it falls naturally to hand when your arm is on the adjustable arm rest. I find the neutral position is quite noticible in use. I'm up to about 1400 miles and only missed a gear once so far.

Takes about a day to get used to both. Shifter falls nicely in to hand and only looks like it would be awkward. I use the emergency when starting on hills and have no problem. I would, however, not be bringing in a 32oz big gulp and expect to either shift or pull the emergency.

Takes about a day to get used to both. Shifter falls nicely in to hand and only looks like it would be awkward. I use the emergency when starting on hills and have no problem. I would, however, not be bringing in a 32oz big gulp and expect to either shift or pull the emergency.

But, IF you were to bring in a 32oz. Big Gulp, would it fit in the cup holder?? That's one thing I forgot to try when I took a test drive, and my Dodge Ram cup holder has positively spoiled me in that regard...

RE: Big gulp. You should be able to put one in the front cupholder. The base is big enough but I think two would bump into each other. Also the back cupholder would get in the way of the arm rest. The rear ones I would not try as they are not stable enough. I would just strap a a hydration pack to the seat and that way you can eliminate the issue altogether :D

Unless your Tiny Tim or an amputee, that Big Gulp will be all over the floor shortly after you take off if you choose to use those front cup holders.

I also had a Ram last and compared to those dream cup holders - these just plain suck !

Go ahead and try - but bring a mop !

In my 2 weeks of ownership I've had 2 major coffee spills so far

The e-brake is a bit awkward with the consol forward, but it's second nature to me know to push the consol to the back when I shut the jeep off to pull up the brake and forward after I put the brake down.
The neutral on my stick is quite noticable. I love the positioning of it too, fits nice in my hand and where my arm should naturally sit.

I can fit a 32oz cup in the front cup holder no prob with no spilling problems....couldn't get my 44oz slurpee cup in there tho...but I did discover that it fits in the actual consol perfectly to the top of the cup, not the easiest to get at but it does get it home safely.

a can of beer fits fine in the cupholders. ;)