Item: 2021 Volvo S60
Rating: 3.9
Author: Matthew Keegan

Overview

What's New

The 2021 Volvo S60 sedan receives additional standard safety and convenience features on the base trim. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, two rear USB ports, keyless entry, and a hands-free power trunk now come standard.

Meanwhile, the company’s 112 mph top speed mandate goes into effect across all Volvo models. The plug-in hybrid variant will also now be known as Recharge instead of T8.

Choosing Your Volvo S60

The S60 is available in four trim levels: Momentum, R-Design, Inscription, and Polestar Engineered. Pricing starts at $39,390 including destination for the base Momentum and rises to $65,795 for the Polestar Engineered.

Engine Choices

The S60 offers four different powertrains that are all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The least powerful version, the T5, is turbocharged only and standard on the lower three trim levels.

The T6, a $4,500 upgrade, adds a supercharger for increased output. The S60 Recharge nomenclature designates its plug-in hybrid powertrain which utilizes the engine to power the front wheels and an 11.6-kWh battery pack to power the electric motor at the rear axle. The Recharge is available on all but Momentum. The Polestar Engineered trim alone receives an enhanced version of the plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Engine Type	Horsepower	Torque	Fuel Economy (Combined)
T5 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	250 hp	258 lb-ft	27 mpg
T6 2.0L Turbo and Supercharged 4-Cylinder	316 hp	295 lb-ft	25 mpg
T8 2.0L Turbo and Supercharged 4-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid	400 hp	472 lb-ft	30 mpg
T8 Polestar Engineered	415 hp	472 lb-ft	30 mpg

The T5 engine comes standard with front-wheel drive, while other powertrains get all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles gear shifts.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The S60’s length of 187.4 inches is right on top of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, while its 113.1-inch wheelbase and 72.8-inch width are slightly greater than the BMW 3-Series and afford a touch more leg room and shoulder room.

The S60’s trunk volume is noticeably smaller at just 11.6 cubic feet. However, a hands-free tailgate, remote seatback release (standard on R-Design and up), a trunk pass-through, and clever bag hooks attempt to make the space as user-friendly as possible.

Safety Features

Volvo’s commitment to safety is demonstrated with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection. Lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are also standard.

The R-Design adds front parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering is part of the Advanced Package on lower trims and standard on models with the T8 powertrain.

Connectivity

The S60 features a 9-inch portrait-layout infotainment touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD radio. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also a nice feature. Volvo On Call is standard and can unlock/lock, pre-condition the cabin, and even notify the driver of a possible break-in.

The R-Design gets navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system with a subwoofer.

Momentum - From $39,390

The base trim of the S60 receives several updates for 2021 while carrying forward its already impressive list of standard features. These include adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic sunroof.

Inside, leatherette upholstery, power front seats with driver memory, two-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker audio complement the handsome styling.

Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated wiper-integrated washers are offered as part of the $750 Climate Package. The $1,700 Premium Package adds front parking sensors, HomeLink connectivity, and navigation. With the Premium Package selected, the Advanced Package can be added for $2,100 and it includes a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and extended interior ambient lighting.

R-Design - From $45,140

The R-Design trim takes on a sportier attitude with unique front and rear fascia designs, gloss-black exterior trim, black mirror housings, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. The suspension has been stiffened and the body sits one inch lower for improved handling.

The seats receive additional bolstering and powered cushion extensions up front to better hold one’s body through the winding roads. Additional touches of luxury include Nappa leather seating, contrast stitching on the dash, metal mesh trim, four-zone climate control, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

Inscription - From $45,140

The Inscription builds on the more comfort-minded mission of the Momentum and adds the same level of features as the R-Design. It features oak interior trim, ventilated Nappa seating, and comfort seat padding.

Polestar Engineered - From $65,795

The Polestar Engineered follows along the path of a Mercedes AMG or BMW M, but to a lesser extent. In the case of the S60, the top performance trim features a Polestar-tuned chassis with Ohlins dampers, unique 19-inch wheels, black chrome exhaust finishers, and gold-colored seat belts.

A head-up display, Bowers and Wilkins audio system, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and paddle shifters are standard.

Compare S60 Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The 2021 Volvo S60 offers a unique alternative to the competition from Germany and Japan. The Momentum trim with the Advanced Package puts most of the luxurious goodies on board while retaining its most desirable and notable class-exclusive feature: plaid-patterned cloth seats.

Matthew Pilgrim

Automotive Editor - October 22, 2020

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Expert Review

Pros

Strong boosted engines
Highly comfortable seats
Class-leading standard safety features
Available plug-in hybrid

Cons

Narrow rear seat
Below average trunk
Costly Polestar Engineered model

Expert Rating

3.9

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - January 21, 2021

Elegant styling inside and out. With the 2021 Volvo S60, the brand's styling has evolved to yield a handsome sedan. Up front, it’s marked by a bold grille amplified by Volvo’s iconic emblem. The headlights are accented by “Thor’s Hammer” LED lights. Pretty character lines and body sculpting dominate the profile. The rear supplies its own drama with pretty LED lights and massive exhaust ports.

Inside, the cabin features a minimalist design with modern and classic elements converging to form an attractive interior. It’s a coherent design with light colors, clean but elegant lines, and beautiful imitation leather or real hides. Not one feature besides the 9-inch touchscreen display dominates the cabin as everything flows seamlessly.

Class-leading safety features. The S60 scored well with the IIHS, but it hasn’t been tested by the federal NHTSA yet. That said, we rate the S60 high due to its long list of standard advanced driver assist safety features.

This year, Volvo made adaptive headlights and blind-spot monitoring standard equipment. That’s impressive because some manufacturers don’t offer these options on base models, then bundle them for a pricey upgrade elsewhere.

Other standard features include automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. Pilot Assist is also included, a feature that brings in semi-autonomous driving to the product line. Lastly, we think that the S60’s design is an added benefit, especially the thin roof pillars and large windows that benefit outward visibility.

Volvo S60

Making do with boosted engines. You won’t find a single five- or six-cylinder Volvo model anywhere these days, as the automaker retired its older engines for a solitary 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It’s what Volvo does with this engine that makes a difference between trims and models.

The base T5 model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers have a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. This one is quick enough, but Volvo doesn’t stop there. Choose the AWD-only T6 trim and Volvo adds a supercharger with a turbocharger, boosting performance to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

At the top end of the spectrum is the AWD T8, a plug-in hybrid model with 22 miles of all-electric range. This one utilizes the T6’s engine and electric motors to reach 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers top out at 415 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque with the Polestar variant of the T8.

Excellent ride and handling. The powertrain choices alone give shoppers much to consider, with high-end performance squeezed out of the most efficient version of its one-size-fits-all engine. Beyond the powertrain, the S60 has other features that make this sedan truly drivable.

Its quick steering enables the sedan to ease in and out of lanes comfortably. While doing that, it delivers a ride that’s comfortable, easily swallowing up bumps. It fulfills its mission in its own way, taking aim at the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C Class.

Final thoughts. The 2021 Volvo V60 is an excellent midsize sedan. Thanks to its variety of powertrain options, long list of standard safety features, and elegant styling, it's a jack of all trades that can suit the needs of many different types of buyers.

In terms of its rivals, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is arguably more stylish and is better equipped. However, it starts at just over $54,000, while the S60 is priced just over $39,000 to start.

Check prices for the 2021 Volvo S60 »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

Standard: 2.0L I-4 / 250 HP / 258 ft.lbs.

Available: 2.0L I-4 / 258 HP / 295 ft.lbs.

Transmission

Geartronic 8-spd Geartronic w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

23 / 34 / 28 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	Standard: 2.0L I-4 / 250 HP / 258 ft.lbs. Available: 2.0L I-4 / 258 HP / 295 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	23 / 34 / 28 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	15.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$61

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	11.6 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length	187.4 "
Exterior Width	72.8 "
Exterior Height	56.3 "
Front Headroom	37.4 "
Rear Headroom	37.2 "
Front Legroom	42.3 "
Rear Legroom	35.2 "
Front Shoulder Room	56.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,724 Lbs.
Wheel Base	113 "
Turning Radius	18.5 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 19.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers	Body-colored / Body-colored With Metal-look Insert
Grille Moldings	Black
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust	Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Leatherette / City Weave Cloth/leatherette
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats	Bench / 60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Sensus Connect Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers	10 / 14 Harman/kardon
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof	Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	1 / 2

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Sips Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Sips Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	City Safety Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor	Blis W/steer Assist Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning	Lane Keeping Aid/run-off Road Mitigation Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control	Intellisafe Asssist - Pilot Assist Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection	Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert	Driver Alert Control Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	Auto Highbeam (ahb) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights	Active Bending Lights Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors	Rear / Rear Park Assist Front And Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation	144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2021 Volvo S60 for Sale