I don't know about the current CRV, but I had an older one previously and there was frequent complaining from larger chaps about how the driver's seat wasn't able to slide back far enough for them to have legroom. So at least comparing that older CRV to the Fit, I would actually say there is MORE room in the Fit's front seat. Perhaps they have fixed this in the CRV though. The Fit got "american sized" seats in this generation (seriously!) so it's quite decent.

As to whether you or your friends are secure enough to drive a small car, only you can answer that. Some people aren't, and every automaker will be happy to sell you a higher-profit-margin SUV vs a low-margin compact. My personal feeling is if your friends are going to make fun of you, 1) why should you care? and 2) are they really your friends?

 

I know what you meant. But I can't resist poking fun. The mental picture is way too funny!