2020 Volvo S60 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When discussing the top small luxury sport sedans on the market, the Volvo S60 often gets lost in the shuffle. However, this car matches up well against its German competitors. Not only does the S60 offer an enjoyable driving experience, but it also provides excellent impact protection for families. You may also like the S60’s upscale styling. Let’s find out if the new 2020 Volvo S60 deserves your attention.

What’s New for 2020?

Because the S60 was recently redesigned last year, it didn’t receive as big-time updates for 2020. Nevertheless, there are a few key upgrades. Volvo’s blind-spot monitoring system has been upgraded. You’ll also enjoy a standard digital gauge cluster. The R-Design trim benefits from a few more standard features, including four-zone climate control and interior lighting.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Volvo S60 – The Pros

1. Comes Standard with a Strong yet Economical Powertrain

If you’re not looking to spend any extra money at the pump, the S60’s standard powertrain should keep you happy. It uses a strong 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Volvo rates it to crank out a fulfilling 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. When accelerating from a stop, the S60 hustles to 60 mph in a competitive 6.6 seconds. Everyday driving will be a pleasure. In terms of fuel economy, you can look forward to averaging up to 36 mpg.

2. Available T6 Engine Dials Up the Performance

When equipped with its available T6 engine, the 2020 Volvo S60 feels more like a true performance sedan. This advanced four-cylinder engine uses both a turbocharger and a supercharger. According to Volvo, it produces a solid 316 horsepower and nearly 300 pound-feet of torque. When stepping on the gas, there’s no denying the S60’s additional muscle under the hood. Expect the T6-powered S60 to reach 60 mph in a brisk 5.3 seconds.

3. T8 Polestar Engineered Hybrid Model

The S60 T8 Polestar Engineered model is designed for folks who demand more driving excitement. Its hybrid engine pushes out an exciting 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. This extra power lowers the sedan’s 0-60 mph time to an especially quick 4.5 seconds. You’ll also benefit from the sedan’s sports-tuned suspension, which brings greater control on twisty roads. Upgraded Brembo performance brakes help you to stop quickly. While the T8 Polsestar Engineered model should have no trouble returning a combined 30 mpg, a 20-mile electric driving range allows you to make short trips.

4. Offers a Relaxing Ride

The 2020 Volvo S60 handles very well for a small luxury car. However, it’s ride quality is even more impressive. This is a big plus for drivers who plan to travel often. Volvo tuned the S60’s standard suspension just right for the daily commuting. Even when driving over relatively big bumps, this car still delivers a smooth performance. An adaptive air suspension is offered on the luxurious Inscription model, which gives the sedan an even plusher feel.

5. Has a Unique Look

You probably won’t mistake the 2020 Volvo S60 for any other car in the segment. It looks far different from rivals like the BMW 3-Series. The S60’s front fascia especially stands out. Creative LED headlights and a signature Volvo grille helps distinguish the S60 from the competition. While the base S60 looks quite sleek, sportier exterior treatments give the R-Design trim a more aggressive appearance. Some of the most eye-catching paint options include Fusion Red Metallic and Birch Light Metallic.

6. Ranks Among the Safest Cars in the Class

Volvo has always been committed to building safe cars. Over the years, this Swedish automaker has become known for great impact protection. The 2020 Volvo S60 definitely provides a great deal of security. Last year, it scored well in all of the IIHS’ crash tests. Because of the S60’s sturdy design, families can ride with extra peace of mind. In the event of an accident, passengers are far less likely to get seriously injured.

7. Available Safety Features Perform Very Well

Aside from the S60’s great crash protection, it also provides some excellent accident-avoidance technologies. Virtually all of them perform well during real-world driving conditions. Standard safety gear includes pre-collision braking, run-off road mitigation, and lane-keep assist. This year, Volvo updated the S60’s optional blind-spot monitoring system with steering collision avoidance. When attempting to change lanes, the system can steer you away from oncoming traffic. You can also get the S60 with Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist, which decreases stress on the highway.

8. Extremely Comfortable Car

The 2020 Volvo S60 is a car you’ll look forward to driving each day. It’s relaxing atmosphere will ease your mind and body. You’ll especially appreciate the S60’s comfortable front seats. They provide an excellent amount of support. Ventilated, massaging, and heated seat functions are optional. Despite being classified as a small car, this sedan also provides an impressive amount of interior room. Most people will have no issues riding in the S60’s backseat.

9. Great Optional Sound System

A 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio comes standard on the 2020 Volvo S60. It will keep most music fans content. However, the S60’s optional Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system offers amazing sound. A 1,400-watt amplifier powers 19 high-end speakers. While an open-air subwoofer gives the system a heavy dose of bass, innovative tweeters help give your music more life. If you can’t make it to a live concert, this audio system will prove to be a great substitute.

10. Well-Designed Trunk

While the 2020 Volvo S60 may not have the biggest trunk in the segment, it appeals to your daily needs. Volvo engineered the trunk’s enclosed hinges to move freely without crushing stuff. Families will also enjoy the bag hooks, which are great for shopping. Furthermore, you can fold down the rear seat to create a flat floor. The extra space will come in handy when hauling home improvement supplies.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Volvo S60 – The Cons

1. Some of the Electronics Could Be Easier to Use

Volvo packed the latest S60 with a lot of technology. Unfortunately, its electronics take a while to learn. Some people may not favor the S60’s digital climate control system. Traditional knobs would be a bit easier to operate. Furthermore, Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system could be more user-friendly. Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX system and BMW’s iDrive interface are better overall.

2. Not As Athletic As a Rear-Wheel-Drive Sports Sedan

The 2020 Volvo S60 handles well enough to deliver a fun drive. However, it does come standard with a front-wheel-drive system. Traditionally, rear-wheel-drive cars offer better handling. While you can enhance the S60’s handling with a sports-tuned suspension, it’s ride quality suffers.

3. S60 T8 Polestar Engineered Model’s Cost

When compared to the competition, the new 2020 Volvo S60 proves to be quite a value. However, folks interested in the high-performance T8 Polestar Engineered model must reach deeper into their pockets. Prices start at nearly $65,000, which may be a bit too costly for some luxury car shoppers. If the S60 T8 Polestar Engineered is beyond your budget, consider the more affordable R-Design trim.

4. Sacrifices Some Reliability

Based on J.D. Power’s Dependability Study, the Volvo S60 isn’t the most reliable car in the segment. Understandably, its below-average predicted reliability will concern some people. This is especially true for people who aren’t looking to spend a lot of money on vehicle maintenance. Remember, Volvo’s warranty expires after 50,000 miles.

5. No Manual Transmission

Like so many of today’s other sports sedans, the 2020 Volvo S60 is only offered with an automatic transmission. However, there are some drivers who simply can’t live without a manual gearbox. If you like the excitement of shifting gears manually, you should consider cars like the Genesis G70 and the Honda Accord 2.0T.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

2020 BMW 3 Series

The 2020 BMW 3 Series is a very good car. While the 3 Series may handle better than the S60, it does not offer some of the S60’s cutting-edge safety technologies. Some car shoppers may also prefer the S60’s Scandinavian styling.

2020 Acura TLX

Car reviewers give the 2020 Acura TLX high marks for its good reliability scores and strong V6 engine. However, it does not feel as technologically advanced as the new Volvo S60.

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is among the highest-rated sedans in the segment. It’s elegant interior and strong engine lineup will impress a lot of drivers. However, some people have criticized the C-Class for its rather stiff standard suspension. Also, the C-Class has a noticeably higher MSRP. By opting to buy a new S60, you stand to save more than $5,000.

Conclusion

When shopping for a new small luxury sport sedan, don’t forget to check out the 2020 Volvo S60. Although the S60 may not be a big seller like the BMW 3 Series, it has many great qualities. No other car in segment is safer than the S60. The S60 also delivers a strong performance without forcing you to spend a lot of money on fuel. Meanwhile, powerful styling makes the S60 R-Design look like a Swedish muscle car.