2020 Volvo S60

Pros: Nicely finished interior; invigorating performance of T8 models; full complement of safety and technology features

Cons: Complicated infotainment interface, small trunk for class

CG Says: After last year’s redesign, the 2020 Volvo S60 adds some standard equipment to most models, but is essentially unchanged. The S60 is the smaller of Volvo’s two midsize sedans. Three basic powertrains are offered. The base front-wheel-drive T5 is powered by a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The T6 has standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged and supercharged version of the 2.0-liter engine that develops 316 hp. The topline all-wheel-drive T8 plug-in hybrid combines the T6 engine with an electric motor for a total of 400 hp. A T8 Polestar Engineered model gets a specially tuned 415-hp version of the plug-in-hybrid powertrain, along with sport suspension, upgraded brakes, and other performance-focused trim features. All S60s have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian/cyclist/large-animal detection, lane-departure warning and mitigation, oncoming traffic mitigation, and road-sign identification. Also available is the Pilot Assist driver assistance system that can keep the car in a chosen lane at a selected speed up to 80 mph. However, Pilot Assist is not fully autonomous and requires the driver to hold the steering wheel. The redesigned 2019 Volvo S60 was the first U.S.-built car from this Swedish-based and Chinese-owned automaker—it’s assembled in a new plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The S60 also represented the completion of Volvo’s transition to a new brand-signature design language, a process that started with the redesign of the XC90 midsize SUV for 2016. In addition to its striking looks, the S60 boasts classy interior trimmings, up-to-the-minute technology features, a good ride/handling balance, and satisfying 4-cylinder powertrains. It’s a compelling alternative to its European rivals.