2018 Volvo S60 review
Volvo S60 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Comfortable ride quality
- Powerful engine option
- Excellent crash test rating
Cons
- Outdated infotainment system
- Standard wheelbase model lacks rear legroom
- Rivals are more engaging to drive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 27 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2018 Volvo S60 is the final year of this second-generation small luxury sedan
Most vehicles undergo a full redesign every seven or eight years. This second-generation Volvo S60 debuted back in 2011, but since an all-new S60 debuted in 2019, the 2018 model was showing its age both in terms of style and technology.
With a major overhaul so near, changes to the 2018 model were limited to heated seats bundled with a heated steering wheel and a power-adjustable front passenger seat option for the base trim.
Compared to other small luxury sedans, the S60 is tuned more for comfort than performance, though the top R-Design Platinum does add some excitement with its powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension. The S60 has a solid construction feel and deserves praise for its safety scores, but it's otherwise outclassed by rivals that include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4.
All Volvo S60 years
What is new for the 2018 Volvo S60?
- The T6 Polestar trim has been discontinued for 2018.
- S60 trims have been upgraded with Supercharged Engine as standard equipment this year.
- The T6 R-Design Platinum trim now comes with Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
2018 Volvo S60 trims
T5 Dynamic:
- 240-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seats
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- View our Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic inventory
T5 Inscription:
- Includes all features available on the T5 Dynamic
- Rear Sunshade
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera
- Navigation System
- View our Volvo S60 T5 Inscription inventory
T5 Inscription Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the T5 Inscription
- Automated Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Smart Key
- Harman Kardon Sound
- View our Volvo S60 T5 Inscription Platinum inventory
T5 Cross Country Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the T5 Inscription Platinum
- 109.2 inch wheelbase
T6 R-Design Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the T5 Cross Country Platinum
- 302-hp, 295-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Rear Spoiler
- Turbo/Supercharged Engine
- Supercharged Engine
Volvo S60 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Volvo S60
What We Like
Comfortable ride and seats: The suspension engineers found an optimal balance between comfort and handling performance. Like many rivals, the suspension tuning is on the firm side, but there's plenty of compliance to smooth over ruts and bumps in the road. The front seats don't offer many adjustments, but they're well shaped and cushioned to remain comfortable on long road trips.
Powerful engine option: Just because it's a Volvo doesn't mean the S60 has to be conservative or boring. The available turbocharged and supercharged T6 engine produces an impressive 302 horsepower and makes for an excellent pairing with the top R-Design Platinum trim's sport-tuned suspension. It accelerates the sedan to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is about average for the class and plenty quick for most drivers.
Excellent driver-assist features: Advanced driver-assist features vary by trim level, but highlights include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, parking sensors, and adaptive headlights. These augment the strong chassis that is engineered for crash survivability, which helped the S60 earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
What Needs Improvement
Outdated Infotainment system: The infotainment system is controlled by a dial that is awkwardly placed in the center of the dash, making it somewhat difficult and distracting to use. On-screen graphics are sharp, but some menus tend to be overcomplicated and unintuitive. Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ could make up for shortcomings like these, but sadly neither is available.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Volvo S60 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volvo S60 32nd out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Volvo S60Volvo S60 features and specs
T5 Dynamic 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
240
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
17.8
Wheelbase
109.3"
Overall length
182.5"
Width
73.4"
Height
58.4"
Leg room
F 41.9"/R 33.5"
Head room
F 38.6"/R 37.6"
Front tires
P235/45WR18
Rear tires
P235/45WR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Volvo S60 FAQ
The 2018 Volvo S60 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- T6 Polestar : 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- T5 Dynamic : 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- T5 Inscription : 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- T5 Inscription Platinum : 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- T5 Cross Country Platinum : 22 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- T6 R-Design Platinum : 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The Volvo S60 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Volvo S60 as 31 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Car
The 2018 Volvo S60 has received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Volvo S60, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Volvo S60 Reviews.
The 2018 Volvo S60 has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Volvo S60:
- Supercharged Engine
- Turbo Charged Engine
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