2020 Volvo S60 Review

　　

2020 Volvo S60 Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　More than just a four-door Swede packed with safety features, the 2020 Volvo S60 is a true contender in the luxury sedan class. Impressive driving performance, a comfortable cabin, and a long list of high-tech features are just a few of the items that qualify the latest S60 to compete with long-standing class leaders such as the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Volvo S60 T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$169/mo  for S60 T5 Momentum

　　S60 T5 Momentum

　　T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $36,050 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $40,550 MSRPT5 Inscription 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,900 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,900 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $47,400 MSRPT6 R-Design 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $47,400 MSRPT8 R-Design Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $55,400 MSRPT8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $55,400 MSRPT8 Polestar Engineered 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $64,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Much like its luxury-sedan brethren, the S60 is available with a wide variety of trim levels and engine options. Even the base-level S60 comes with impressive equipment such as automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument panel display, forward collision warning, and a drowsy driver warning system. But if you want more, there's plenty of room on the options sheet for more luxury comforts and added power.

　　Drawbacks for the S60 aren't abundant, but there are a few worth talking about. For instance, the infotainment interface is difficult to learn, even for tech-savvy shoppers, and searching for touchscreen-only buttons can be distracting while you're driving. And, as far as luxury-sedan ride quality goes, the S60 doesn't offer the world's best. All things considered, though, the 2020 Volvo S60 offers an excellent balance of performance and comfort in an elegant package. It's certainly worth a test drive.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the S60 drive? The Volvo S60 delivers a deft combination of performance with very little effort on the driver's part. The S60's twin-charged 2.0-liter, which features both a super- and turbocharger, is responsive and saucy. Its flexible powerband could easily be mistaken for a larger V6 engine. In our testing, it propelled the S60 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, which more than satisfies expectations for the class.

　　The brakes have good mannerisms — they are easy to modulate smoothly in everyday commuting, yet they exhibit powerful stopping capability. Steering and handling are just as impressive in the S60. This Volvo isn't as playful as some rear-wheel-drive sport sedans, but it allows you to move at a good clip without much effort.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the S60? The high comfort point for the S60 are its seats with their excellent balance of support and compliance and nice mix of cloth and leather upholstery. Unfortunately, the ride on our test vehicle skewed stiff likely due to the optional sport suspension.

　　Inside the cabin, noise is mostly dependent on the road surface you're on. Rougher and more textured pavement creates low-frequency rumble that's ever present, while smoother surfaces return virtually no road noise. Wind noise is nicely isolated in nearly all situations. Finally, the climate control system's touchscreen dependence is far from ideal, but the four-zone system is effective at cooling and heating the cabin.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? We appreciate the appeal of Volvo's clean and simple interior design, but it comes at the expense of convenience and usability. Many functions are touchscreen-controlled, which detracts from the quick access and convenience provided by hard buttons. Almost everything takes two button presses when one would normally do, and that becomes a hassle when on the move.

　　The driving position will accommodate a broad range of body types thanks to highly adjustable seats. Outward visibility is outstanding thanks to door-mounted mirrors and rear headrests that fold with the touch of a button. The abundant driver aids include an optional 360-degree camera to help you see all the corners around you.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The S60 benefits from an excellent optional audio system, a sharp nav system and effective driver aids. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, but oddly there's no wireless charging option or rear-mounted USB ports. Voice controls have a little bit more functionality than some rivals. You can use them to program the climate control, too, but the system didn't always fully understand our commands in our testing.

　　The optional Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control and standard lane keeping are well-sorted systems, and they will work down to a full stop. They don't operate as smoothly as some competitor systems, but they're certainly above average compared to the whole spectrum of offerings.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The S60's trunk is nice and wide but a little short. Either the load floor is high or the deck height is low, but overall volume is a couple of cubic feet smaller than in competitor luxury compacts. The hinges, however, are enclosed so there's no chance of crushing cargo in the back.

　　Interior cabin storage is mostly typical of a luxury sedan, with typically small cupholders and door pockets — there aren't many options for larger items such as purses or water bottles. Car seat installation is relatively easy thanks to thoughtful touches such as easy-release headrests.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Volvo's midtier T6 twin-charged engine configuration lines up efficiency-wise even with BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six, but it doesn't return as big a power punch. It's thirstier than most other four-cylinders in the segment, but it also has more power, at least on paper. We had few real-world fill-ups but didn't see averages much higher than 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the S60 a good value? On the whole, the S60 is legitimate competition for the German luxury mainstays. The Swedish approach may not feel as luxurious, but build quality looks to be as good as the best of them. Volvo offers plenty of high-end materials and puts them all together with care. Average scores for Volvo's warranty are buoyed by an above-average lifetime-towing program and impressive scheduled-service coverage. And when it comes to equipment, you'll get a hair more for your dollar with this Swede than some of its German competitors.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　The S60 is definitely one of the coolest new kids on the block. It's handsome, athletic, polished and confident. The sure-footed confidence that comes from the S60 T6's highly tractable power will have you grinning at how quick and easy this thing bends around corners. It's engaging yet safe. We're thankful Volvo decided to shed that whole contrived "naughty" campaign and get back to its Swedish roots. This brand is on the up and up, and we like what we see.

　　

Which S60 does zzdcar recommend?

While we wouldn't begrudge any buyers from upgrading to the Inscription, R-Design or Polestar trim levels, we recommend the base S60 Momentum. It comes with lots of standard equipment and an impressive array of safety features. It's also available with either the T5 or T6 powertrain, both of which should be satisfying for most. Want some extra safety stuff? You can have that, too, thanks to an excellent selection of available option packages.

　　

2020 Volvo S60 models

The 2020 Volvo S60 is available in four trim levels: Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and Polestar Engineered. There are four powertrain choices, starting with the T5 that uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). It's mated to an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. The T6 has a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft) that comes with all-wheel drive. The T8 hybrid takes the T6's engine and adds electric motors (combined output of 400 hp, 472 lb-ft). It, too, is all-wheel-drive only and estimated to deliver 21 miles of electric-only range. The T8 Polestar Engineered gets a higher-output version of the plug-in hybrid that produces 415 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque.

　　The Momentum trim can be had with either the T5 or T6 powertrain. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument panel display, simulated leather upholstery, heated four-way power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory functions, split-folding rear seats with power-folding headrests, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

　　On the tech front, you also get a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. Advanced safety features include forward collision warning, full-speed automatic emergency braking, run-off road mitigation, lane keeping assist, a road sign reader, a drowsy driver warning system, and remote vehicle controls.

　　The sporty R-Design spices things up with unique exterior design elements, LED foglights, a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, four-zone automatic climate control, premium leather and fabric upholstery, and the 10-way power front seats.

　　The Inscription builds on the Momentum features by adding the LED foglights, wood interior trim, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, and passenger-seat memory functions. This trim is also eligible for the Luxury Seating package that adds premium leather upholstery and ventilated front seats with power-adjustable side bolsters and massage functions.

　　All trims are eligible for the Premium package that adds a hands-free trunklid, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry, a blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning system with automatic braking and steering assist, and an automated perpendicular and parallel parking system. Also available on those trims are a 14-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system and the Multimedia package that includes a navigation system.

　　If you get the Premium and Multimedia packages, the Advanced package becomes available and adds adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, LED foglights, headlight washers, a head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-automated drive system with adaptive cruise control.

　　The T8 Polestar Engineered model is almost fully loaded with the above features along with 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob.

　　Some features are available on supporting trims as options. Other add-ons for most trims include an adaptive air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.

　　

2020 S60 Highlights

Type: T8 Polestar EngineeredSedanPlug-in HybridSedan

　　Trim: T5 MomentumT6 MomentumT5 InscriptionT5 R-DesignT6 InscriptionT6 R-DesignT8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In HybridT8 R-Design Twin Engine Plug-In HybridT8 Polestar EngineeredT5 Momentum

　　

Base MSRP	$36,050
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$169/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles