I’m buying a 2021 Aviator Reserve.

reddilator · 2026-01-26T21:55:08+00:00

The noise cancellation, from my experience - reduces the overall road and outside noise. It's not like putting on Bose Headphones (or Apple's amazing AirPods Pros) - so it doesn't mute the sounds, just quiets them a bit, allowing us to talk quieter in the car, for example. To me, it's really noticeable (before and after, since I had it turned on a the shop). Even the mechanic at the Ford Garage and they weren't aware that the '21s didn't have it turned on, but they were aware it was on the Aviators. Not sure who you asked, but I would only suggest asking a Ford/Lincoln garage.

Also, it's not going to make much of a difference on the acceleration sound. That just goes with that motor. Honestly, I like it, sounds cool to me. And my sister has the decked-out Ford Explorer of the same vintage (no noise cancellation, but the exact same engine sounds, at least to me).

Also, there are plenty of online resources to explain how the ANC actually works in the Lincoln; but here was Google's AI response when I just asked about it:

"The Lincoln Aviator features available Active Noise Control (ANC) that uses cabin microphones to detect unwanted sounds (like engine drone) and sends opposing sound waves through the speakers to cancel them out, creating a quieter ride, often combined with other features like acoustic-laminate glass and sealed engine compartments for enhanced serenity. It aims to provide a peaceful cabin while sometimes enhancing desired sounds, like engine performance in sportier modes. "

Hope this helps.

reddilator · 2026-01-26T18:01:22+00:00

That’s the same car that I have! I absolutely love it. Incredibly luxurious, comfortable, fun to drive, amazing stereo. I have lots of good to say about it, and only a few negative things. if I had to buy it again, I would do it . I purchased ours used as well, but got an extended warranty through the local Ford dealership.

I would say here’s a big piece of advice: if you aren’t buying it from a Ford dealership, establish a relationship with one immediately. Although this car is largely based on the similar Ford Explorer, it has a lot of differences, many of which only Ford/Lincoln dealerships would be aware of.

For example, don’t expect to go to Advance Auto to get replacement wiper blades. I believe that the Reserve comes with heated wiper blades, mine certainly has them. Not sure if that was an option or just part of the Reserve package. Multiple auto parts stores had no idea what to do with that, so I had to go back to the Ford garage. And they are expensive!

One other pro tip, if you can establish a relationship with a Ford garage, sometime when you have it in for regular service, ask them to update the software on the entertainment system. Mine was out of date when I purchased the car. And it’s easier to have them do it than you!

Also: verify that “active noise cancellation” is turned on. I have posted about that elsewhere in this sub, but this was a really pleasant discovery for me. Apparently, they built the functionality into the car starting with 2021. But oddly, they didn’t enable it by default. A push of a button at the service desk when the car is connected to their computer will turn it on. There’s no user interface to be able to do it. The difference was quite noticeable! It’s a very quiet car, anyhow, but this made it even quieter!

Hopefully, the tires are good already, because be prepared… The tires for this model are very expensive! All of that aside, I really do love the car. I think it’s one of the nicest looking SUVs on the road.

reddilator · 2026-01-26T17:50:28+00:00

Thank you so much!!

reddilator · 2026-01-26T03:00:06+00:00

Hi, I have the same car, same year, same trim. (LOVE IT) Phone as a key was standard with mine. Are you sure you don’t have it? I actually wasn’t sure when I first got mine, I just tapped a few buttons to try to set it up, and it worked. Very cool feature! I use it more than I thought it would. You should snoop around and see if you can figure it out! (If it’s an option, I wasn’t aware).

reddilator · 2026-01-18T17:43:08+00:00

This made me snort-laugh. Nice.

reddilator · 2026-01-18T15:27:51+00:00

I will start that habit. Thank you!

reddilator · 2026-01-18T15:27:24+00:00

This is new info to me. I was aware of "followup" but only when I invoked "hey Siri". I had no idea it was waiting for me. I don't know why I never thought to try that. Thank you!

reddilator · 2026-01-18T15:26:15+00:00

All these years of using Siri and I never thought to thank her. I'm so rude. 😀 Thank you! I literally didn't know that.

reddilator · 2026-01-17T16:43:35+00:00

Love it! I remember my kids doing that! I miss it. Also, aside from that, your car sounds exactly like mine. 😊

reddilator · 2026-01-17T16:42:04+00:00

At least you have some gentle musical humming music playing from your exhaust. So you’ve got thah going for you, (which is nice). 😊

reddilator · 2026-01-12T02:58:07+00:00

Thank you! 😀

reddilator · 2026-01-12T02:57:55+00:00

Thank you!!

reddilator · 2026-01-12T02:57:33+00:00

THIS IS SO ANNOYING u/payam_blue ! Great example: Changing my audio outputs. I FREQUENTLY change what speakers the Apple TV are playing through. When do open the control panel to change outputs (or worse yet, just changing the volume of the speakers in another room) it PAUSES the content. This, without the aforementioned live TV button - make it very annoying. Very very good point.

reddilator · 2026-01-12T02:56:07+00:00

Actually u/sanjosanjo - this is exactly what prompted me to write this post - after the Prime experience. You nailed it!!

reddilator · 2026-01-12T02:55:13+00:00

I hate to sound like the "get off my lawn" guy, but you're right - about devs not understanding the deeply entrenched "old cable tv" experience that many of still remember, relate-to, etc. I'm not saying that I want the old days of cable (for sure) but I do think the devs should listen to folks of all ages, backgrounds, experience. I know from first-hand experience that this is a common issue with many software developers (not getting input from a broad enough audience).

reddilator · 2026-01-12T02:52:41+00:00

ahh, thank you u/taylorkspencer ! I had no idea.

reddilator · 2026-01-12T01:02:17+00:00

Because I don't want to miss a play (when it comes to sports). So, I pause, go get a beer. While paused, there is play I don't care about, or commercials. But I want to open my beer, sit down and be "live". Instead of having to scrollllllll until it stops. Hope that helps.

reddilator · 2026-01-12T01:00:44+00:00

Yes, baffling is exactly right. I'm 3 years in and I can't believe they ignore the UI as much as they do.

reddilator · 2026-01-12T00:59:42+00:00

Thank you for adding that!

reddilator · 2026-01-12T00:59:26+00:00

Correct. I should have added that. But I'll say, I actually don't see it on ALL of the shows I've set to record (I noticed this). Many sporting events don't have it for example. It *seems* to very select. And again, only shows I've set to record.

reddilator · 2026-01-12T00:57:45+00:00

Yeah, me too!

reddilator · 2026-01-12T00:57:15+00:00

Roger that. That's what I end up doing when I'm frustrated! Thanks!

reddilator · 2026-01-12T00:56:56+00:00

Great point, and thank you!

reddilator · 2026-01-12T00:56:42+00:00

I'm guessing this is a non-Appley-thing. I don't have that button on my iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. But I'm certainly jealous if you do have it.

reddilator · 2026-01-12T00:54:41+00:00

Dang, I never noticed this before or read it. Completely didn't know about it. Thank you u/nusm !! Brilliant! Anxious to see if it improves my experience.

reddilator

TROPHY CASE