2021 Volvo S60 review
Volvo S60 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Smart seat design
- Plug-in hybrid is potent and efficient
- Well-tuned driver-assist technology
Cons
- Infotainment takes some getting used to
- Optional sport suspension hurts ride comfort
- Not as fun to drive as some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 32 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2021 Volvo S60 showcases Scandinavian sensibilities
The Volvo S60 is a luxurious and stylish sedan that offers a comfortable ride, an upscale interior, and plenty of standard features. Inside, the S60 is beautifully crafted with high-quality materials and a modern, minimalist design. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
The 2021 S60 underwent some light changes, with new LED headlights that feature automatic high beams. The midrange T6 engine was discontinued midway through the year, and the powerful plug-in hybrid T8 was renamed the S60 Recharge. This year also brought the discontinuation of the optional Luxury Seating package.
Overall, the 2021 Volvo S60 is an excellent choice for those who want a refined, comfortable, and safe sedan with a touch of Scandinavian luxury. In some ways, we think of it as a more sophisticated alternative to the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
All Volvo S60 years
What is new for the 2021 Volvo S60?
- S60 trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment this year.
- The T6 R-Design trim now comes with Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment.
- The T6 Momentum trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor, Smart Key, and Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
- The T5 R-Design trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
- The T5 Inscription trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
- The T5 Momentum trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters, Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Smart Key, and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
2021 Volvo S60 trims
T5 Momentum:
- 250-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Power Mirrors
- View our Volvo S60 T5 Momentum inventory
T5 R-Design:
- Includes all features available on the T5 Momentum
- Leather Seats
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Navigation System
- View our Volvo S60 T5 R-Design inventory
T5 Inscription:
- Includes all features available on the T5 R-Design
- No significant upgrades found on the T5 Inscription
- View our Volvo S60 T5 Inscription inventory
T6 Momentum:
- Includes all features available on the T5 Inscription
- 316-hp, 295-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Turbo/Supercharged Engine
- View our Volvo S60 T6 Momentum inventory
T6 R-Design:
- Includes all features available on the T6 Momentum
- No significant upgrades found on the T6 R-Design
T6 Inscription:
- Includes all features available on the T6 R-Design
- No significant upgrades found on the T6 Inscription
- View our Volvo S60 T6 Inscription inventory
Volvo S60 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Volvo S60
What We Like
Smart seat design: Volvo smartly collaborated with orthopedic experts to design the front seats of their cars. This partnership yielded some of the most comfortable seats we've encountered, as they are specifically contoured to offer long-distance comfort for a variety of passengers. The ample padding also helps to reduce hard points and fatigue.
Powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid: It's rare that a more powerful engine choice is also the most efficient, but that's precisely what the S60's T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain achieves. It produces up to 415 horsepower and you can travel an estimated 22 miles on electric power alone. Once the battery is depleted, the hybrid engine still gets 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Well-tuned driver-assist technology: Volvo's reputation for safety is well known and its expertise carries over to the latest driver-assist features. False alarms from the frontal collision warning system are virtually nonexistent and the lane keeping assistance holds the S60 centered in its lane. The adaptive cruise control isn't quite as smooth as newer systems, though.
What Needs Improvement
Unintuitive infotainment: The infotainment touchscreen controls most systems, but the menu layout isn't as user-friendly as those found in competitors. To call up some settings and options you have to swipe left, but it's not always clear where those screens can be found. This drawback is not a major issue since most users will get accustomed to it over time.
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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 Momentum 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
250
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.9
Wheelbase
113.1"
Overall length
187.4"
Width
72.8"
Height
56.3"
Leg room
F 42.3"/R 35.2"
Head room
F 37.4"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P235/45HR18
Rear tires
P235/45HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
200/2000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Volvo S60 FAQ
The 2021 Volvo S60 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- T5 Momentum: 23 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- T5 R-Design: 23 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- T5 Inscription: 23 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- T6 Momentum: 21 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- T6 R-Design: 21 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- T6 Inscription: 21 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 2021 Volvo S60 has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Volvo S60, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Volvo S60 Reviews.
The 2021 Volvo S60 has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 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 2021 Volvo S60:
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Front Seat Heaters
- Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Smart Key
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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