Pros: Crisp handling; impressive-for-the-class projected fuel economy from new 4-cylinder engine; unique available safety equipment; some testers prefer S60’s traditional push-button audio and climate controls to the touchscreen and/or joystick interfaces of many class rivals
Cons: Cramped rear-seat space; stiff ride with available 19-inch tires, acceleration isn’t very linear with 4-cylinder engines; unrefined operation of 4-cylinders’ start/stop feature
CG Says: The Volvo S60 gets new powertrains for 2015, along with a companion wagon body style called V60 (see separate review). A “Park Assist Pilot” parallel parking system is newly available as well. Two versions of Volvo’s new “Drive-E” 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine join the S60 roster: The base T5 model is turbocharged and puts out 240 horsepower; the sportier T6 version is both turbocharged and supercharged and makes 302 hp. Both of these engines are paired with a new 8-speed transmission and feature a fuel-saving start/stop function. The 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engines are carried over, but they are available only in all-wheel drive S60s. Being a Volvo, the S60 is available with a host of safety equipment, including Lane Keeping Aid and a Pedestrian Detection system that can also detect cyclists. Overall, S60 offers a likeable blend of vivid performance, distinctive styling, and upscale interior trim–as well as the safety features expected of a Volvo. While the sporty AWD R-Design has more power and sharper handling, its stiffer ride and much higher price make it a less compelling choice.
| Class | Premium Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Volvo |
| Nation of Manufacture | Belgium |
| Base Prices | T5: $33,300 AWD T5: $34,800 T5 Premier: $35,800 AWD T5 Premier: $37,300 T5 Premier Plus: $36,550 AWD T5 Premier Plus: $38,050 T5 Platinum: $39,150 AWD T5 Platinum: $40,650 T6: $38,150 T6 Premier Plus: $38,900 T6 Platinum: $41,500 AWD T6 R-Design: $42,700 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum: $45,700 |
| Base Engine turbocharged (T5) or turbocharged/supercharged (T6) 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 (T5), 302 (T6) |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24-25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 35-37 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder |
| Horsepower 250 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 325 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
