Land Rover Discovery HSE, Lexus GX 470, Lincoln Aviator - Conclusion - Midsize Luxury SUVs Comparison

We found a few curiosities inside the Aviator which are at odds with the luxury image it portrays. First, there's no power adjust for the front seatbacks. As in many Mercedes-Benz vehicles, there is a six-way seat-bottom (and lumbar) adjuster button on the door panel, yet the back angle is manually adjusted at the cramped intersection of the door frame and seat assembly. However, the Premium model's standard, and exceptionally well-trimmed, perforated leather seats are heated and ventilated for comfort in all climates. We praised the new Lincoln design cues: satin-nickel-finished (plastic) dash surfaces, genuine walnut-burled-wood veneers, and that thick, buttery leather. Yet, despite the power adjustable pedals and comfy perch, few of us could lower the driver's seat enough to get truly comfortable behind the wheel.

Much of the Aviator's instrument panel is lit by so-called "white" LEDs, especially in the main binnacle where the speedometer and tachometer show in stark contrast to the ultra-black background. While this nice touch visually separates the Aviator from other lower-lux competitors, Lexus has been doing a similar electroluminescent treatment for a few years now.

Finally, with so much attention focused on SUV safety, our model wasn't yet fitted with two of the industry's most innovative systems: Ford's Safety Canopy and a tire-pressure-monitoring setup. While only one SUV has already come to market with such a roll-over detection, avoidance, and sustained-deployment head-airbag operation (all three rows in the Volvo XC90), Ford and Lincoln continue to report that it'll be a late-availability, first- and second-row-only canopy system. Also, we eagerly await the company's first real-time tire-pressure monitoring system (including the spare) that will alert the driver of dangerously low or high pressures through short-range radio waves. Neat stuff--but we've been reading about it since the '02 Explorer debuted last year.

For the black-top-bound SUV driver who wishes to have a measure of fun in his truck, the Aviator is the way to go. We'll have to revisit our favorite mountain trails when we can get hold of an example fitted with AdvanceTrac to determine its effectiveness. Lincoln plans to sell about 30,000 Aviators this year, and we see no reason why it won't.

It all boils down to this: If you plan to drive to Tierra del Fuego the hard way--avoiding all possible paved roads--choose the Discovery. It'll get you there--and back. If you have no need to conquer Kilimanjaro, plunk down your American greenbacks on the bulging hood of the quick, agile, and stylish Aviator.

From that musclecar V-8 to the clean-looking '60s Lincoln-inspired interior, it's the Mini-Me Navigator that won't have your neighbors thinking you just signed with Death Row Records. The one that does it all, however, is the Lexus GX 470. It blends real on- and off-road abilities and manners with pampering and electronic amenities that'll ingratiate you to your high-tech-savvy kids. You might need them to explain a few of the functions, but, hey, we all need a little humility once in a while, no matter where we're from.