The first Crash Bandicoot game where Aku-Aku isn't a main character in the game. He does however appear in the background scenery in the Tiki Turbo racetrack in the Mystery Island area.
The first Crash game where Nina Cortex talks.
Some of the vehicles in this game come back as unlockables in "Crash Team Racing Nitro-Refueled".
Sometimes, when Coco's car is demolished, she'll cry out "Oh, derryberries!", which is a reference to Coco's voice actress Debi Derryberry.
The first Crash Bandicoot game to receive the new "Rated E for ages 10 and up" rating from the ESRB.