I just noticed somewhat mysterious loops / hooks hidden under two sliding plastic covers. They are located on the inside, by the hinges on the back hatch. You can see them when the hatch is opened. I looked in the owner's manual and can't find them mentioned. Any idea what they are for?

The hooks are to secure child seats. (look at sliding tabs)

Jay - they're tiny, upside-down ashtrays that are meant to frustrate smokers into quitting. :lol:

Just kidding, Bob is right they're part of the child safty restraint system called LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers Child Harness - or some such verbage).

they are also used to hook the interior privacy screen...