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 (except Inscription); 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: Volvo S60 loses an engine and gains two new models for 2016. The six-cylinder engine in the all-wheel drive T6 is replaced by a 302-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that was introduced last year in the front-wheel drive T6. The T5 is now available in a long-wheelbase Inscription series that adds three inches of additional rear legroom. The new Cross Country adds raised ride height and unique styling cues to the T5. The sporty Polestar is powered by a 345-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six. 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 T6 R-Design has 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: $34,150 AWD T5: $35,650 T5 Premier: $36,800 AWD T5 Premier: $38,300 T5 Inscription Premier: $38,900 AWD T5 Inscription Premier: $40,400 T5 Inscription Platinum: $41,900 AWD T5 Inscription Platinum: $43,400 T5 R-Design: $39,900 AWD T5 Cross Country Platinum: $43,700 T6: $39,450 T6 Platinum: $43,300 AWD T6 R-Design: $44,400 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum: $47,900 AWD T6 Polestar: $60,640 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 25-26 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 37-38 |
| Base Engine turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 302 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31-33 |
| 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) 28-29 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 345 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27 |
