First I had decided on Pilot over MDX. I preferred the boxier styling, the substantially greater head room (because of no sunroof), the backup sensor option, the console space because of the gear shift being on the steering column, the use of regular rather than premium gas, the significantly lower selling price, etc.
My switch from the Pilot to the XC90 mainly boils down to safety. I'm convinced it is going to be superior at avoiding accidents, and at protecting us in case of an accident. All the styling and features of other cars would be of little solace in case of significant injuries in an accident. I have also owned a couple of Volvos in the past, and been very pleased with them. I also like getting an in-dash 6 CD changer (the Pilot EX model is under seat), a longer warranty, a third row seat that is more comfortably set up to seat two people (rather than the Pilot's jamming three sets of seat belts), the more powerful T6 engine, the narrower body (making fitting in parking spots a bit easier), a power passenger seat, etc. Plus a free trip to Sweden ain't bad!
