Thinking about luxury SUVs? Two names pop up often. The Lincoln Aviator, for sure. And then there’s the Volvo XC90. Both promise real comfort. Lots of cool tech too. And a definite touch of class. But honestly, they’re quite different. Especially inside their cabins. What about those driving help systems? Let’s truly dig into each one. We can see where each vehicle shines. Maybe we’ll find some surprises. I am excited to explore this.
Interior Quality: Materials and Design
Let’s start by stepping inside the Lincoln Aviator. It feels incredibly welcoming. You instantly notice the luxury. It’s hard to miss. The Aviator uses truly high-quality materials. Think about soft leather upholstery. Real wood trim adds a warm feel. Shiny metal accents catch your eye. Lincoln designers focused on peacefulness. They wanted a serene space for everyone. The interior truly prioritizes comfort. It feels so calm inside. It’s quite impressive, honestly.
They even offer an amazing sound system. The optional Revel Ultima 3D audio system has 28 speakers. It makes music sound incredible. It wraps around you beautifully. It’s like being at a live concert. What an experience! I believe this system sets a high bar. A survey by J.D. Power actually found Lincoln owners highly satisfied. Their interior quality and design often earn top marks. This really speaks volumes about the brand’s efforts.
Now, let’s compare that to the Volvo XC90. It also has a lovely inside. Volvo follows Scandinavian design rules. That means simple and functional. They use soft-touch plastics. High-quality leather is also present. This gives it a very elegant vibe. But here’s the thing. Some people feel the XC90 isn’t as luxurious. Especially when you consider material variety. A review from [Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/) mentioned this. The XC90 is stylish, for sure. It’s wonderfully minimalist. But it might lack some of the Aviator’s richness. It’s a matter of preference, really. Some prefer understated elegance. Others crave more visual grandeur.
Think about cargo space for a moment. The Aviator offers 78.9 cubic feet. That’s with the back seats folded flat. The XC90 gives you 85.7 cubic feet. So, the XC90 has more overall room. This might appeal to large families. But the Aviator’s design makes it feel grander. Its materials add a plush comfort. This can make a big difference for passengers. It makes journeys feel special. It truly offers an inviting atmosphere.
Comfort and Space
Imagine this after a long day. You just settle into a roomy, cozy cabin. The Aviator absolutely nails this feeling. It gives you plenty of head and legroom. Both front and back seats are generous. You can even get 30-way power-adjustable front seats. Talk about customization! Drivers and passengers can find their perfect spot. It truly molds to you. The Aviator also offers a panoramic sunroof. This makes the cabin feel even bigger. It lets in so much light. It’s a wonderful touch. It definitely boosts passenger well-being.
The XC90 offers great comfort too. Its seats are very supportive. The interior feels quite spacious. Front seats are also highly adjustable. You can even get ventilation in higher trims. That’s nice for hot days. But some people have noted something. The second-row seating can feel a bit tighter. It’s compared to the Aviator, you know? Consumer Reports did a survey. An impressive 85% of Aviator owners rated seat comfort as excellent. XC90 owners rated it at 78%. That’s still good, but there’s a difference. We’re talking about true long-haul comfort here. The Aviator often wins for overall spaciousness. It feels like a living room on wheels.
To be honest, the Aviator really focuses on passenger happiness. It’s built for comfortable, long trips. Whether for work or family adventures, it performs well. It makes every mile more pleasant. I believe this focus shows through. Families taking road trips might notice. Or perhaps business travelers on long commutes. The difference in second-row legroom might matter. A few extra inches can change everything.
Technology and Infotainment Systems
Both the Aviator and XC90 pack impressive tech. Their infotainment systems work differently, though. The Lincoln Aviator uses the SYNC 3 system. It has a big touchscreen. It’s super user-friendly. It responds quickly to your touch. Features like Apple CarPlay are standard. Android Auto works seamlessly too. There’s even an optional Wi-Fi hotspot. Lincoln designed it to keep drivers focused. It makes navigation simple. No fuss, just easy use. It’s quite intuitive.
The Volvo XC90 features the Sensus system. It looks really sleek. Its design is very intuitive. However, some users find it a bit complex. It relies heavily on touchscreen controls. J.D. Power studied infotainment satisfaction. The XC90 ranked below average there. This was mainly due to its touchscreen reliance. It can be distracting for drivers. You know, sometimes physical buttons are just easier. Especially when driving on bumpy roads. It makes you wonder about the best balance.
And the sound systems? The Aviator’s Revel audio system is famous. People praise its clear sound. They love its rich depth. It fills the cabin beautifully. The XC90 has a Bowers & Wilkins system. It’s also excellent. But some might argue it doesn’t quite match Revel’s richness. It’s a subtle difference, but music lovers notice. Audiophiles often debate these points. It’s like comparing two master painters. Both are great, but distinct.
Driver Assistance Technologies
Now, let’s talk about driver assistance. Both SUVs come with lots of safety tech. How do they really stack up? The Aviator has Lincoln Co-Pilot360. This package includes many helpful features. There’s adaptive cruise control. It keeps a safe distance. Lane-keeping assist helps you stay centered. Blind-spot monitoring watches for hidden cars. One cool feature is Active Park Assist. It can steer the car into parking spots. This is such a convenience for city driving. It saves so much stress. Parking in tight spots? Not bad at all!
On the other side, the XC90 has Volvo’s Pilot Assist. This system is semi-autonomous. It helps with steering. It manages acceleration and braking too. But remember, you must stay engaged. You always need to pay attention. The [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)](https://www.iihs.org/) did a study. Vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems reduce crashes. They can cut rates by up to 30%. That’s a huge number. It’s genuinely comforting to know. It helps everyone feel safer on the road.
Both vehicles have amazing safety ratings. The Aviator earned a five-star rating. This came from the [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/). The XC90 also got top marks. Both NHTSA and IIHS gave it high scores. So, safety isn’t really a concern for either. That’s a good thing, right? Volvo has a long-standing reputation for safety innovation. This continues with the XC90. Lincoln, too, is making huge strides.
Historical Context and Evolution
Understanding these vehicles needs some history. The Lincoln Aviator returned in 2020. It had been gone for a long time. Lincoln wanted to restart its luxury SUV journey. The new Aviator aims for modern luxury. It still has classic touches. Lincoln wants to stand strong against BMW and Mercedes-Benz. They are really pushing their brand forward. They are trying to redefine American luxury. It’s a bold move.
The Volvo XC90 has been around much longer. It debuted in 2002. It’s been a staple in luxury SUVs. It evolved a lot over the years. Volvo added cutting-edge tech. Its design elements reflect Volvo’s core values. Think safety and sustainability. The XC90 has won many awards. Especially for its design and safety. Families adore it. It truly has a loyal following. Generations of drivers trust this SUV. That’s a powerful legacy.
Future Trends and Outlook
What about the future for these amazing SUVs? It’s truly exciting to imagine. Electrification is happening everywhere. Lincoln and Volvo are investing big in EVs. Lincoln plans more hybrid models. They will also introduce new electric cars. Volvo has a bold goal. They want to be fully electric by 2030. That’s not far off! This commitment is genuinely impressive.
Imagine these luxury SUVs with electric power. Think about enhanced performance. Greater energy efficiency is also possible. This could totally change the luxury SUV world. It’s a very appealing thought. Charging might become as common as refueling. We could see quieter, smoother rides.
Autonomous driving tech keeps advancing too. It will play a big part. As rules and tech improve, we’ll see more. Even more sophisticated driver assistance will arrive. This might redefine how we drive. Our cars could become even smarter. It makes you wonder what’s next. We could be looking at fully self-driving commutes. Think about the freed-up time!
FAQs and Common Myths
Okay, let’s clear up some questions. There are always myths floating around. Here are some common ones about these SUVs.
1. Is the Lincoln Aviator more luxurious than the Volvo XC90?
Many people find the Aviator’s interior more opulent. Its materials and design feel richer. The XC90 is still very luxurious. It’s just a different kind of luxury. It’s about taste, really.
2. Which SUV has better technology?
Both have great tech, honestly. The Aviator’s SYNC 3 system is often called easier to use. The XC90’s Sensus system looks super sleek. But it can be a bit tricky for some. It’s a matter of interface preference.
3. Are both vehicles safe?
Absolutely, yes! Both the Aviator and XC90 earned high safety ratings. Different organizations praise their safety features. You’re truly safe in either. Safety is a top priority for both brands.
4. Does the Aviator have better driver assistance features?
The Aviator uses Lincoln Co-Pilot360. The XC90 offers Volvo’s Pilot Assist. Both are very advanced. The Aviator’s systems often get praise for convenience. This can help reduce driving fatigue.
5. Which vehicle has better audio quality?
The Aviator’s Revel system is amazing. Its clarity and depth are top-notch. The XC90’s Bowers & Wilkins is also great. But Revel often wins in listener reviews. It’s a subjective listen.
6. Is Scandinavian design less premium than American luxury?
Not at all. Scandinavian design prioritizes simplicity and function. It offers a refined, understated luxury. American luxury often leans towards opulence. It’s just different styles. Both are valid.
7. Do luxury SUVs cost a lot to maintain?
Generally, yes, they can be more expensive. Parts and specialized service add up. But this varies greatly by model. It also depends on your driving habits. Regular maintenance is key.
8. Which vehicle holds its value better?
Resale value can fluctuate a lot. Volvo models often hold value well. Lincoln has been improving in this area. It’s wise to check current market data. Trends change frequently.
9. Are these large SUVs hard to park?
They are bigger vehicles, yes. But both offer advanced parking aids. The Aviator’s Active Park Assist helps greatly. This makes urban parking much simpler. It truly takes the guesswork out.
10. What about fuel efficiency for these SUVs?
They are luxury SUVs, so they aren’t tiny cars. Fuel efficiency is decent for their size. Both offer hybrid options. These can significantly improve mileage. That’s a smart choice for many.
11. Is the third row usable for adults?
Both have third-row seating. It’s typically better for children. Adults can fit for shorter trips. But it might not be ideal for long journeys. Consider passenger comfort carefully.
12. Which brand has a stronger legacy in safety?
Volvo has a long, strong history in safety. They pioneered many features. Lincoln has also made safety a priority. Both are truly committed to it. You get peace of mind either way.
13. Can these vehicles go off-road?
They are luxury crossovers. They can handle light off-road conditions. But they are not designed for extreme off-roading. Stick to paved roads mostly. They aren’t built for rock crawling.
14. How do their warranties compare?
Both brands offer comprehensive warranties. They typically cover standard periods. Always check the specific terms, though. Extended warranty options are often available. It’s worth looking into.
15. What about available engine choices?
Both offer powerful engine options. The Aviator often features V6 engines. The XC90 uses four-cylinder engines. These are often boosted for power. You can pick based on your preference.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90 are both excellent. They truly excel in different ways. The Aviator offers fantastic interior quality. It prioritizes comfort. Its tech is user-friendly. The XC90 stands out for its deep safety commitment. Its Scandinavian design is also a highlight. I am happy to see such healthy competition. It pushes everyone to improve.
As we look to the future, both brands are ready. They will adapt to new tastes. They embrace new technologies. I believe that choosing either SUV is a solid move. You will be investing in a top-notch luxury vehicle. It will meet your specific needs. If you’re thinking about buying one, I am excited for you. Imagine the comfort and safety waiting for you! It’s quite something, honestly.
