2019 Volvo S60 Review

Name: 2019 Volvo S60 Review
Brand: Volvo

Price Range: $18,998 - $28,590

Volvo S60 T6 Inscription Sedan Exterior Shown

Volvo S60 T6 Momentum Sedan Exterior Shown

+261

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12 cars

$23,638 avg. price

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Appraise My 2019 Volvo S60

Volvo S60 model years

Volvo S60 for Sale

Volvo S60 types

Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Mark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Strong acceleration and braking performance
Wonderfully comfortable and supportive seats
Well-executed Pilot Assist driving aids
Exceptional optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system

Cons

Too many controls are dependent on a frustrating tech interface
No USB ports for rear passengers
Optional sport suspension rides a little rough for a luxury sedan

What's new

Fully redesigned for 2019
New high-performance S60 T8 plug-in hybrid has up to 21 miles of EV range
New optional semi-automated Pilot Assist
Part of the third S60 generation introduced for 2019

Volvos have historically been the safe choice among the European brands, not just in terms of passenger protection but also in regard to their rather tame demeanor. The latest models from Sweden prove, though, that safe no longer has to mean boring. The redesigned 2019 Volvo S60 is a clear example of this.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

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2019 Volvo S60
T6 R-Design Sedan
$21,250
great price
- 85,191 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Carland (9 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Dallas, TX
RUNS AND DRIVES EXCELLENTONLY ONE OWNER VEHICLENO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE HISTORYCLEAN TITLECLEAN CARFAX12 SERVICE HISTORY RECORDST6 R-DESIGN ALL WHEEL DR...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (21 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 7JRA22TM9KG000907
Stock: 000907
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-01-2025
New Listing
2019 Volvo S60
T5 Momentum Sedan
$18,998
good price
$2,207 below market
- 53,365 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Irvine (1,211 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Irvine, CA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 7JR102FK8KG016905
Stock: 27196223
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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This new S60 takes design cues from the alluring S90 sedan, giving it a sleek and, dare we say, sexy exterior. It also comes with the choice of three different engines, from the satisfying 250-horsepower T5 to the impressive 316-hp T6 and the invigorating 400-hp T8. That T8 further benefits from a plug-in hybrid system that can travel up to 21 miles on electricity alone, but production is limited to only 20 units in 2019.

In keeping with Volvo's reputation for safety, the new S60 comes with a complete suite of advanced safety features. You can also add Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-automated drive system for an extra layer of protection.

The culmination of all these changes results in one of the best small luxury sedans on the market. It offers a dynamic driving experience when you want to explore its capabilities and high-tech driving aids when you don't.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Volvo S60 T6 R-Design (turbo- and supercharged 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.5

Nothing is more satisfying than a car that drives as nice as it looks, and the Volvo S60 is a looker. It delivers a deft combination of performance with very little effort on the driver's part. The S60 is perhaps the only sedan in this class that provides a balance this great across all driving categories.

Acceleration

8.0

The S60's twincharged 2.0-liter, which features both a super- and turbocharger, is responsive and saucy. Its flexible powerband could easily be mistaken for a larger V6 engine. In our testing, it propelled the S60 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, which more than satisfies expectations for the class.

Braking

8.5

The brakes have good mannerisms — they are easy to modulate smoothly in everyday commuting, yet they exhibit powerful stopping capability, especially when the S60's equipped with the optional 19-inch summer tires. Our S60 tester stopped in an impressive 105 feet from 60 mph. Its brake pads also returned a bit of squeal when cold, but we're assuming this isn't the norm.

Steering

8.5

The steering is perfectly befitting the character of the S60. It's direct, it provides good on-center feel, and it even delivers some road feedback when you're powering around turns. The amount of effort feels spot-on and varies depending on the drive mode you're in. This sport-luxury steering is solidly tuned.

Handling

8.0

The all-wheel-drive S60 feels sure-footed in every condition. The grippy tires play a part in providing exceptional cornering speed, but body roll is also very well-controlled. (Note that our test vehicle had the optional sport suspension.) It's not as playful as some rear-wheel-drive sport sedans such as the Genesis G70, but it allows you to move at a good clip without much effort.

Drivability

9.0

The S60 benefits from a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission that also delivers a quick response. It never trips over itself and works harmoniously to deliver all the juicy low-end torque produced by the engine nearly instantaneously. This engine and transmission combination is definitely one of the best in the class.

Comfort

7.5

The front seats are a highlight for the S60. They provide an excellent balance of support and compliance and are trimmed with a nice mix of cloth and leather upholstery. The ride on our test S60 skewed stiff likely due to the optional sport suspension, and the climate control system's touchscreen dependence is far from ideal.

Seat comfort

8.5

The front seat cushions have a good balance of firmness and compliance and also provide nice lateral support at the thighs and back. The combination of cloth and leather upholstery lends style and breathability. The backseat cushions are a little flatter and less supportive, but there's plenty of padding on every cabin armrest.

Ride comfort

7.0

The optional sport suspension, which is non-adjustable, lends good handling dynamics but also skews a little firm for a luxury sedan. Bumps and cracks can make the cabin feel busy with movement, but overall the ride is not too harsh. Volvo's adaptive Four-C suspension is only available on the top Inscription trim.

Noise & vibration

7.5

Cabin noise is mostly dependent on the road surface you're on. Rougher and more textured pavement creates low-frequency rumble that's ever present, while smoother surfaces return virtually no road noise. Wind noise is nicely isolated in nearly all situations. The only other factor is the engine, which sometimes whines and whooshes unbefitting the character of a luxury sedan.

Climate control

7.5

The four-zone climate system is effective but entirely touchscreen-dependent. The menu is clear and easy to use but always requires a touch to cue up. Waiting for the screen to boot to access climate controls can be painfully inconvenient, though the system can remember settings and also has cabin preconditioning. Rear passengers have their own controls and seat heaters.

Interior

7.5

We can appreciate the appeal of Volvo's clean and simple interior design, but it comes at the expense of convenience and usability. The driving position will accommodate a broad range of body types, and outward visibility is outstanding and is further aided by optional 360-degree cameras.

Ease of use

6.0

Volvo's minimalist interior design means many functions are touchscreen-controlled, which detracts from the quick access and convenience provided by hard buttons. Almost everything takes two button presses when one would normally do, and that becomes a hassle when on the move. The infotainment also takes a moment to fire up when the engine is keyed, but otherwise it's fairly easy to operate for those used to touchscreen interfaces.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

The front seats pose no issues in getting in and out, with good head clearance and knee clearance for the driver with regards to the steering wheel. Access to the back seat is also pretty decent, although the slightly sloping roof and rear wheel arch may require some shimmying through in tight parking spots.

Driving position

8.5

There are ample driver-seat adjustments, including a lower thigh extender and comprehensive lumbar settings that make it easy to find a comfortable position. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes a good amount and should accommodate a wide range of drivers. All important controls are within an arm's reach, too.

Roominess

7.5

The driver and front passenger have a lot of adjustability, and the clean cabin design feels uncluttered. A 5-foot-9 passenger sitting behind a driver of the same height will have ample legroom but not as much headroom as some other compact luxury sedans. Taller individuals may need to slouch a bit to avoid brushing their hair on the headliner.

Visibility

9.0

Visibility in this car is fantastic from the door-mounted mirrors to the rear headrests that fold with the touch of a button. Even the rear passenger windows have been pulled back to help minimize the rear three-quarter blind spot. The abundant driver aids include a 360-degree camera to help you see all the corners around you. We wish the front-facing camera would activate automatically when pulling into a stall.

Quality

8.0

Volvo's build quality feels quite good even if it doesn't exude the level of luxury of Mercedes or Audi. Materials at this level aren't quite as nice as the top Inscription trim, but the elegant design and tight panel tolerances help achieve a favorable and comfortable environment.

Utility

7.5

The S60 trunk is a bit short in height, but it's nicely shaped and outfitted with useful bag hooks and hinges that won't crush your cargo. Interior cabin storage is mostly typical of a luxury sedan, which is to say not overly generous. Car seat installation is relatively easy thanks to thoughtful touches.

Small-item storage

7.5

There are the typical storage solutions for small items, including a center armrest bin, modest door pockets and door grabs. There aren't many options for larger items such as purses or large water bottles, but they aren't as sparse as in some other luxury sedans.

Cargo space

7.5

The trunk is nice and wide but a little short. Either the load floor is high or the deck height is low, but overall volume is a couple of cubic feet smaller than in competitor luxury compacts. The hinges, however, are enclosed so there's no chance of crushing cargo in the back. Flip-down hangers help secure grocery bags, and the rear seatbacks fold forward to create a nearly flat load surface.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

The lower LATCH anchors are easy to access under flip doors, and there's sufficient space in back for even rear-facing car seats. Access to the top tethers is aided by the easy-release headrests that fold down.

Technology

8.0

The S60 benefits from an excellent optional audio system, sharp nav system, mobile app functions and effective driver aids. There are multiple ways to integrate an Apple or Android smartphone but oddly no wireless charging option or USB power outlets for rear passengers.

Audio & navigation

8.5

The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system is pricey but excellent. Advanced audiophiles will find tons of adjustments, but with a number of presets, novices can easily tailor the sound to fit the music genre. The nav system offers various views with easy pinch-to-zoom gestures and is responsive to inputs with low lag time and modern graphics. Well done.

Smartphone integration

7.0

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes standard, but you can also use Volvo's native interface if you prefer. There are two USB ports in the armrest and a 12-volt plug up front but strangely no USBs for the rear passengers (only a 12-volt outlet). Volvo also doesn't offer wireless phone charging, which is becoming a norm for new cars, especially luxury types.

Driver aids

8.0

The optional Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control and standard lane keeping are well-sorted systems and will work down to a full stop. It doesn't operate as smooth as some competitor systems, but it's certainly above average considering the whole market. The surround cameras and parking sensors also provide nice assistance but could benefit from more thoughtful execution as to when the cameras turn on.

Voice control

7.0

The voice controls have a little bit more functionality over usual navigation, radio and telephone commands. You can use it to program the climate control too, but we found the system often wasn't able to understand our commands correctly. It gets points for intent but none for execution. It's not quite natural language, but it's less rigid than the typical command structure.

Compare 2019 Volvo S60 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Volvo S60 models

The 2019 Volvo S60 is available in four trim levels: Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and a very exclusive T8 Polestar Engineered model. There are three powertrain choices, starting with the T5 that uses a 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). It's mated to an eight-speed automatic that drives the front wheels. The T6 has a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft) that comes with all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line T8 takes the T6's engine and adds electric motors (combined output of 400 hp, 475 lb-ft). It too is all-wheel-drive only and is estimated to deliver 21 miles of electric-only range.

The Momentum trim can be had with either the T5 or T6 powertrain. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, automatic high beams, a panoramic sunroof, automatic and heated wipers, keyless ignition, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch instrument panel display, simulated leather upholstery, heated four-way power-adjustable driver seats, driver-seat memory settings, split-folding rear seats with power-folding headrests, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

On the tech front, you also get a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. Advanced safety features include forward collision warning, full-speed automatic emergency braking, run-off road mitigation, lane keeping assist, a road sign reader, a drowsy driver warning system, and remote vehicle controls.

The sporty R-Design spices things up with unique exterior design elements, LED foglights, a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, premium leather and fabric upholstery, and the 10-way power front seats.

The Inscription builds on the Momentum features by adding the LED foglights, four-zone automatic climate control, wood interior trim, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, and passenger-seat memory settings. This trim is also eligible for the Luxury Seating package that adds premium leather upholstery and ventilated front seats with power-adjustable side bolsters and massage functions.

All trims are eligible for the Premium package that adds a hands-free trunklid, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry, a universal garage door opener, a blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning system with automatic braking, and an automated perpendicular and parallel parking system. Also available on those trims is the Multimedia package that includes a larger 12.3-inch virtual instrument panel, a navigation system, and a 13-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system.

On top of the Premium package, the Advanced package adds adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, LED foglights, headlight washers, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-automated drive system with adaptive cruise control.

The T8 Polestar Engineered model is limited to 20 units in the United States via Volvo's monthly subscription service and they're already spoken for. It's almost fully loaded with the above features along with a higher-horsepower version of the T8's plug-in hybrid powertrain (415 hp, 495 lb-ft), 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and an Orrefors crystal shift knob.

Some features are available on supporting trims as options. Other add-ons for most trims include an adaptive air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

Jump to:

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Volvo S60 T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.49 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas

$148/mo

$140/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#32 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volvo S60 from 2008-2022.}

$586/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.51x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.8%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Volvo S60 Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.6

21 reviews

5(57%)

4(9%)

3(0%)

2(5%)

1(29%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The Total Package

Paisa Surfer, 04/22/2019

2019 Volvo S60 T5 R-Design 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

The all new S60 is a wonderful ride, satisfying and sure-footed. So many features come as standard equipment that are only available as upgrades in its competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4, AR Giulia, MB C-class), like for example paddle shifters and blind spot monitoring. And the premium package includes equipment that would cost much more in the other brands. My wife and I traded in … our 2017 S60 Inscription for this new R-Design, and this is her daily driver, so we can make a fair comparison to the prior model, which we think is a wonderful automobile. What we notice first about the 2019 model is that Volvo listened to its owners and responded with greater attention to details, like for instance the seat memory buttons. In the 2016, you would have to hold the memory button down while the seat moved to its position (yes, I know, a tedious First-World problem). In the 2019, one press of the button and the seat re-positions (along with the mirrors), letting you do other stuff to get ready and going. The stereo system (600 watts Harmon-Kardon with 14 speakers) is vastly improved and can stand up to just about any other sound system in the segment. The leather seats and the bolstering are incredible and having nappa leather seating hands down is so much nicer than having the chemical odor of faux leather so pervasive in the BMW 3 and Mercedes C classes. The T5 power plant is superb. With butter smooth shifting, almost no turbo lag, and more than enough horses and torque to get up and go, the punchy response and acceleration will please most around town drivers--and the car MOVES gracefully on the highway. The S60 is not large, but feels solid and connected to the road at low and high speeds. Comfort and interior styling get an A+. A tall adult will fit fine in the back seat, having far more leg room than in the BMW 3 series and far more headroom than the MB CLA. The standard panorama sunroof is also a nice feature you won't find as standard equipment in the competition. Even though some criticism has been raised about the large touch screen control interface, it is not an burdensome learning curve to become adept at interacting with the car. Having both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also new standard features we really missed in the 2017 model. We do not find the steering to be lackluster or detached from the road at all (as some critics have said), the car is whisper quiet, the suspension and 18 inch wheels soak up urban highways without an issues (also contrary to some reviews), and driver visibility and driving confidence are superb. If you are looking for a compact luxury ride (although it is hard to imagine the S60 as compact), we encourage you to put the S60 on your test drive list. It is uniquely Volvo, like nothing else on the road, a driver's car while at the same time an executive's show horse. Volvo has definitely arrived in the small luxury sedan line-up with a car that meets and exceeds the competition in so many ways. This is a car that lets you run in the pack without running with the pack.

Wonderful Improved Scandinavian!

Phillip Lehrer, 04/26/2019

2019 Volvo S60 T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

This car improves in so many areas from my 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription Platinum!My 2016 had a stiff ride on NYC's rough streets,but Comfort Mode on the 2019 completely smooths out the ride and stops the jolting on uneven surfaces!Sport Mode makes the steering firm up and makes the suspension tighter,which is perfect for highway driving.The car has ten more horsepower and the eight speed …

South Carolina Jewel

Chuck and Amy Mikell, 06/14/2019

2019 Volvo S60 T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

We went to buy a new Mercedes. The Mercedes dealer here is also a Volvo dealer. We test drove one Mercedes model before my wife saw the S60. It was all over after that. She LOVED the way it looked....inside and out. I am 73 years old and have a bad back. The seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in in an automobile. We have only had the car for a week so I can't speak to …

2019 S60 T6

MRush, 02/27/2020

2019 Volvo S60 T6 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)

I’ve recently purchased a 2019 S60 T6 which is a first model year of the new S60. I am very happy with interior and exterior finish of the vehicle but my likes stop there. The 2019 S60 T6 is built on the SPA platform with awd and the car has some serious vibration problems. It is well documented online in Volvo forums, I am not sure if the T5 fwd suffers from the same issues. On the …

See all 21 reviews of the Volvo S60

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2019 Volvo S60 video

2019 Volvo S60 First Drive

Edmunds Senior Reviews Editor Mark Takahashi is a big fan of the sporty luxury sedan class that has been dominated by BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. He's also been impressed by Volvo's recent renaissance. At long last, the two have come together with the all-new 2019 Volvo S60 that has the performance, style and smarts to challenge the Germans.

2019 S60 Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

T5 Momentum

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$148/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the S60 models:

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Warns if another vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and cross-traffic alert lets you know if something is approaching as you back out.
City Safety Collision Avoidance: Warns if a collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist or animal is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
Run-Off Road Mitigation: Scans the road to detect if the vehicle may run off the road and automatically tightens seatbelts in preparation.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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