2022 Volvo S60

Unlike some of its racier rivals, the Volvo S60 is targeted at discerning shoppers who value comfort and sophistication above all else. That's not to say that the midsize luxury sedan can't be a fun driver, but it won't deliver the same sort of thrills. Where it does impress is in its composed handling and hard-to-match ride quality. Very little upsets the stately sedan, and you can always upgrade to the all-wheel-drive drivetrain for added security, too. This will mean opting for the stronger T8 hybrid model (now known as the Recharge), which is far from a bad decision, since the base B5 lacks the kind of kick we expect from a vehicle at this price point. Nevertheless, all other concerns melt away once you are ensconced in the immaculate interior, with plush upholstery and a host of comfort features keeping you on cloud nine as the suspension smooths out just about any bump. Available in gas-fed or plug-in hybrid configurations, the S60 may not be the most athletic luxury motor car for sale in the USA, but it's hard to deny its appeal to those who prize quality over flashy fanfare.

Volvos have handsome but subdued exterior styling, which makes it hard for them to stand out beside the bolder designs from competition like Audi and BMW. But the assertive lower bumper and Thor's Hammer headlights aren't kidding around, either. The dynamic R-Design grille bears the trademark diagonal line that Volvo is known for and is now standard on the base Momentum trim too, while the Inscription trims have the standard grille with bright chrome to show off its exclusivity. Everything is LED, including the fog lights embedded in the front bumper on the upper trims. The rear sports a set of slim taillights and rounds out the image with a pair of integrated exhaust tips. Most models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels in various styles, while the T8 Polestar Engineered opts for more aggressive 19-inch bespoke wheels.

While there are various drivetrain and engine configurations, dimensions remain constant throughout the lineup. A 113.1-inch wheelbase gives the sedan its spacious cabin, while a length of 187.4 inches contributes to its stately curb appeal. Width measures 80.3 inches with the mirrors extended, and the Volvo stands 56.6 inches tall. Curb weight varies greatly across the range, with the B5 Momentum starting at 3,721 pounds, and the T8 Inscription maxing out at 4,500 lbs.

Ten paint colors are available to the S60 range, but there are a few restrictions to their application. Black Stone is the standard on any model, while the remaining metallic options each cost an extra $695. For the Momentum and Inscription, these comprise Pine Grey, Crystal White, Denim Blue, Birch Light, and the fiery Fusion Red, as well as two new colors: Bright Silver and Thunder Grey. Last year's Osmium Grey and Pebble Grey disappear off this list. The R-Design models get exclusive access to Onyx Black (replacing last year's Bursting Blue), while Pine Grey falls away for this trim. At the top of the range is the Polestar variant of the Recharge PHEV. Aside from the basic Black Stone, it can be had in Thunder Grey (replaces last year's Osmium Grey) or Crystal White, as well as Bright Silver, which gives it a more futuristic appearance.

The S60 may be a luxury sedan, but its focus is not on performance. That said, it isn't a lethargic driver. Even when equipped with the slightly lackluster base B5 powertrain, the Volvo dispatches with the 0 to 60 mph benchmark sprint is a respectable 6.4 seconds for the FWD and 6.2 seconds for the AWD.

Those wanting more potency have to look towards the S60 Recharge, but even with its most powerful T8 Polestar Engineered powertrain, the Volvo can only just match the BMW M340i's sprint times. The hybrid T8 Polestar Engineered model, tuned to generate specs of 415 horsepower and 472 lb-ft, gets the hefty sedan up to 60 mph in around 4.1 seconds, which is quite athletic for a car that focuses almost exclusively on comfort. Regardless of the powertrain you opt for, every S60 is limited to a top speed of 112 mph and rated to tow 2,000 lbs.

The base-level B5 engine is not particularly powerful, but given the size of the sedan, it supplies enough to feel lively. The turbocharged four-cylinder develops 260 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Luckily, it gets the same smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox as the rest of the range. But if you want anything more than just adequate, you'll need to upgrade to the hybrid Recharge.

The hybrid T8 is offered in two states of tune, with the less powerful variant developing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, while the Polestar Engineered turns up the heat with a combined 415 hp and 472 lb-ft. This engine provides the S60 with by far the most power and the best acceleration, so if you need to be somewhere in a hurry, it's the top choice.

Volvo has always prioritized comfort and safety over fun, but the latest generation of the S60 has proven itself to be both comfortable and enjoyable to drive. It has a fair amount of power on tap, so there really is no reason that it shouldn't be able to keep up with the likes of the Audi S4, especially if you opt for the electrified Polestar Engineered trim.

Naturally, comfort is still a primary concern, and the well-cushioned seats complement the suspension perfectly to absorb most bumps in the road with ease. In fact, it's this supreme level of comfort that disguises the Volvo's ability to have fun. You may not even realize how fast you are going when you swing into a corner, and the bolstered sport seats on the R-Design and Polestar models do an even better job of keeping you firmly in your seat.

Unfortunately, there is little-to-no feedback from the electrically assisted steering, but responses are quick and accurate. The wheel also gains a bit of heft as you speed along, ensuring that you are able to maneuver well without oversteering. Setting the drive mode to Dynamic helps a lot in this regard, as Eco and Comfort lean more into the traditional strengths of the brand.

While it may be true that there are more athletic rivals out there, the Volvo S60 isn't ready to throw in the towel. In fact, it has come a long way to stand on almost equal ground with its more famed competitors from Germany. However, it isn't yet at the level of performance-oriented rivals like the BMW M Performance or Mercedes-AMG models. Our faith has been renewed, though, and we are excited to see what Volvo has in store for us moving forward.

With two powertrain options and two drivetrain configurations, you can expect varying mileage figures. The new base-level mild-hybrid B5 engine pairs with the front-wheel drivetrain to return an EPA-estimated 26/35/30 mpg city/highway/combined - a substantial improvement over last year's T5's figures of 23/34/27 mpg. The AWD drops these estimates to 25/33/28 mpg, which even beats its FWD predecessor. Naturally, the hybrids boast even better fuel economy. Models that rely on the T8 are restricted to AWD, but they still have a combined mileage of 30 mpg, while they get 69 MPGe when using electric power in conjunction with gasoline. The battery on PHEV models takes approximately three hours to charge on a standard outlet, and the max electric-only range is set at 22 miles based on EPA testing. A 15.9-gallon gas tank is standard across the range, resulting in a maximum total range of 510 miles in the Recharge variants. Beware though, as recharging these takes some time, with a household outlet requiring more than 12 hours.

The interior of a luxury sedan needs to be a lot of things to live up to expectations, and the Volvo S60 doesn't disappoint. Only the best materials are used in its construction and styling is the epitome of Swedish simplistic elegance. Real wool inlays are present even in the cheapest models, but the quality goes up as you spend more. Unfortunately, there is not quite as much space as we'd like, especially in the rear seats, and the trunk is only passable. Where we can't fault it, though, is the comprehensive list of features. Naturally, safety comes first and the number of driver aids is staggering, but the infotainment system is extensive too. The nine-inch touchscreen is not as large as what some competitors offer, and it can be tricky to navigate at first. But, once you get used to it, you'll find that it is intuitive and requires little effort to operate.

The S60 is not quite as spacious as the full-size S90 executive sedan, but there is enough space for the whole family. The roof is a little low, though, in the name of style, but it's high enough to accommodate most tall adults. Legroom is a little more of a mixed bag; front-seat passengers have more than enough to stretch out, but they may find themselves being asked to pull forward a little so that those in the back can have a little more than the standard 35.2 inches of legroom. The rear seats are definitely not the ideal place for taller adults, but you can squeeze them in for a short jaunt around town. The ease of getting in and out depends entirely on the height of passengers, due to the aforementioned low roofline. Luckily, visibility is quite good, so you won't find yourself relying on the driver-assistance features very often.

Only the highest-quality materials are used inside the Volvo S60. The entry-tier Momentum's seats are upholstered in soft leatherette in a choice of Blond or Charcoal with wood inlays. It is also the only trim that offers the option of the Blond City Weave Textile seats, in which case the inlays change to Alloy. The Inscription upgrades to plush genuine leather. The available color schemes include Blond or Charcoal with Driftwood inlays, or Maroon Brown with wood inlays. The R-Design is a little sportier Nappa leather/Open Grid Textile seats in a choice of Slate or Charcoal with Metal Mesh inlays. The same upholstery covers the seats of the Polestar Engineered, but the only color option is Charcoal and this trim's seatbelts are orange. The cabin is extremely well put together, and there is nary a piece of hard plastic in sight.

Based on how little space there is in the trunk, one might believe that Volvo has completely abandoned the idea of the sedan as a practical body style. This is hardly a surprise considering that SUVs have all but replaced the daily driver for most families. Behind the rear seats of this luxury sedan, there is a mere 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is enough for some light errand running, or to stow a few bags for a trip to the airport. But, for anything more elaborate, you'll have to ask a friend if you can borrow their crossover.

Small-item storage around the cabin is rather average. A pair of cupholders up front are complemented by the pair in the rear fold-down armrest. The glovebox and center armrest cubby can store a few larger items, and the door pockets are wide enough for water bottles.

You can settle for an entry-level Momentum and still feel like you're getting a top-tier trim considering just how much comes standard. 12-way power-adjustable front seats with driver-seat memory, along with dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch driver information display, keyless entry and ignition, and a panoramic sunroof are all included. The list of safety features is just as comprehensive. Blind-spot monitoring, an overtaking sensor, and rear cross-traffic alert are included as basic features, bolstering the cruise control, a rearview camera, rear park assist, hill-start assist, front and rear collision avoidance, and lane-keep assist. Even more is unlocked as you move through the trim levels, adding front fog lights, passenger seat memory, front cushion extensions, quad-zone climate control, and front park assist. The hybrid models add 14-way powered and heated front seats and a 12-volt cargo area power outlet at the base level, as well as a head-up display, heated steering wheels, a 360-degree camera, and Pilot Assist on the upper-tier trim without the need to resort to packaged add-ons.

The infotainment suite on the Volvo S60 sedan can be a little tricky to use at first. Everything is accessed through a portrait-oriented nine-inch touchscreen, and the menus need to be learned through trial and error. Standard applications include built-in Google, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FM Radio, and SiriusXM. There is also an auxiliary audio jack for more old-school devices like an iPod, and various USB ports spread throughout the cabin allow for the charging of devices. The entry-level model receives a ten-speaker sound system, while the B5 R-Design and Inscription upgrade to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon setup and get wireless charging too. Navigation is also added to the upper trims in the form of Sensus Navigation Pro. Only the Polestar Engineered receives the 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins system as standard, though the R-Design and Inscription can upgrade to it.

In its review of the Volvo S60, J.D. Power awarded the 2022 vehicle a respectable 77 out of 100, which included a 78 out of 100 score for reliability. This is backed up by a history of very few recalls. In 2020, many Volvo cars, including the S60, were recalled for the automatic emergency braking which could fail to engage and the S60 was also recalled for a low-pressure fuel pump fuse that may fail. Both the 2021 and the 2022 model have fallen prey to the same recall - a malfunctioning seat-belt locking retractor. There have been no additional recalls for the 2022 model at the time of writing.

In terms of the warranty, both the limited and powertrain plans are valid for 4 years/50,000 miles, while complimentary maintenance is offered for the first three years/36,000 miles. The hybrid models get eight years/100,000 miles of cover for their unique components.

Safety reviews of the S60 returned excellent results, as is the norm for a car from the Swedish automaker. The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of five stars, with only the front passenger-side crash test receiving a lower four-star rating. The IIHS awarded the 2021 Volvo S60 with best ratings of Good for all crashworthiness tests, while giving it the Top Safety Pick+ award last year, which indicates exceptional safety standards.

Volvo's excellent safety record is courtesy of a comprehensive suite of driver aids. All the standard mechanisms are in place, such as ABS, EBD, stability and traction control, and a set of seven airbags: dual front, driver knee, front side, and side curtain. Beyond this, every model comes standard with hill-start assist, lane-keep assist, rear park assist, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and both forward and rear collision avoidance. This is upgraded with front park assist on the upper trims. The Recharge R-Design, Inscription, and Polestar Engineered get the most advanced tech, including a surround-view camera and a head-up display.

If you're looking for a comfortable, luxurious daily commuter, the 2022 Volvo S60 should definitely be on your shortlist. It is ranked as one of the safest vehicles on the road, so it is great for families, too, but the slightly cramped rear seats and small trunk mean that it lacks practicality as anything more than a town runabout.

A choice of two engines gives you some leeway to determine how athletic you want your Volvo to be. The B5 is a little underwhelming, but the T8 is more than adequate. The Polestar Engineered is particularly impressive, both for its outputs and its superior hybrid fuel economy. However, you will need to be willing to spend well above the starting $39,250 base price to get access to this model.

Even at the base level, though, you get loads of features, particularly in terms of safety, thanks to the updates for the new year. Comfort and convenience receive quite a bit of consideration, but genuine leather or Nappa leather are reserved for the upper trims. For the price, it is a pleasing and comfortable driver, but there are more athletic options out there if you're willing to invest some extra cash. With almost no real faults, the Volvo S60 is an excellent offering from the Swedish automaker and should be considered by anyone with an eye for quality.

The price of the Volvo S60 is in line with the premium level of the brand, but the base models are still relatively affordable. The B5 range starts at $39,250 with the Momentum, while the R-Design and Inscription share a price tag of $42,250. The Recharge models bear the kind of raised prices we have come to expect from hybrid vehicles. The R-Design Expression starts the bidding at $47,650, and the R-Design and Inscription again share their base price of $50,650. Since it comes with the most powerful engine and just about every feature available, the Polestar Engineered has the highest cost of any Volvo S60 at $64,800. It's worth noting that the Recharge qualifies for up to $5,419 in federal tax credit and various state-specific incentives.

These prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or the $1,045 destination fee.

There are essentially ten configurations of the 2022 Volvo S60: the mild-hybrid B5 Momentum, B5 R-Design, and B5 Inscription, as well as the hybrid T8 Recharge R-Design Expression, T8 Recharge R-Design, T8 Recharge Inscription, and T8 Recharge Polestar Engineered. The B5 trims have 260 hp and can be had in front-wheel driver or all-wheel drive, while the T8s are all AWD, with 400 hp in the normal models and 415 hp in the Polestar Engineered. All trims use the same eight-speed automatic transmission.

The base B5 Momentum comes as standard with LED headlights, LED tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunk lid, and the R-Line appearance package. Inside, it has leatherette upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats (with driver's memory), keyless entry, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. The infotainment system has a nine-inch touchscreen and includes Google built in, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, SiriusXM, and a ten-speaker audio system. Standard safety features include seven airbags, hill-start assist, a backup camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear collision detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. What the Momentum is to the B5, the Recharge R-Design Expression is to the T8, but with the hybrid powertrain, AWD, heated front seats, and a cargo-mounted 12-volt power outlet.

The B5 R-Design adds to the Momentum a more sportily tuned suspension system, bolstered sport seats with added lumbar support and cushion extensions trimmed in Nappa leather, a memory function for the front passenger, four-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The B5 Inscription does not have the sporty chassis tuning or black exterior accents, but adds a chromed grille, Driftwood interior inlays, and a generally more restrained air.

The T8 Recharge R-Design and Inscription trims are essentially the same as their B5 counterparts, but both revert to dual-zone climate control and the R-Design to the ten-speaker audio system, although they gain a surround-view camera, a head-up display, and heated front seats.

The T8 Recharge Polestar Engineered is based on the Recharge R-Design trim but adds 15 hp, Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, and essentially all the extras, including a heated steering wheel and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. It gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels and fewer paint colors.

While the S60 is remarkably well-equipped, there is still room for improvement, unless you opt for the Polestar Engineered, which has all the best features as standard. Each of the remaining trims can be equipped with the Climate Package ($750) to add heated front seats (back seats on the Recharge models), a heated steering wheel, and heated windscreen washers. Buyers of the Momentum can pay an extra $1,950 for the Premium Package which comprises folding rear head restraints, front park assist, Sensus Navigation, wireless device charging, LED front fog lights with a cornering function, a HomeLink remote, and power rear child locks. The same package costs $1,800 on the R-Design Expression, omitting the fog lights. The Advanced Package costs up to $4,200 depending on the trim you spec it to. In its entirety, it adds high-level interior illumination, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist, an advanced cabin air cleaner, and a 12-volt cargo area power outlet. These features are standard on the T8 Polestar Engineered.

If you're looking for a new Volvo S60, you'll need to first determine exactly where your priorities lie. If you just want a no-frills luxury sedan for commuting to and from work, then the base-level Momentum is an excellent fit. The B5 engine doesn't feel underwhelming, and it gets loads of tech to boot. However, if you want a few extra bells and whistles, this extra cost can feel a lot heftier when you are paying more than the base price. The Inscription and R-Design are essentially identically equipped with plusher leather and more comfort features, but their exterior styling is quite different. If you have the money, though, we can't recommend the Recharge models highly enough. They have both the highest performance and best economy figures. They do cost a lot more upfront though, although you might just recoup your investment over time.

Both are premium automobiles, but where the Volvo focuses on an exquisite interior and optimal ride comfort, its German rival leans more into the athletic side of things. Even the more powerful engine in the Audi A4 is only slightly better than the starter on the S60, developing 261 hp and 273 lb-ft and offering similar performance to the B5 on the Volvo. The Audi also gets all-wheel-drive as standard and handles significantly better, with much quicker throttle responses and better-weighted steering. Inside, it isn't quite as sumptuous, though it is still quite lavish. It does have a pinch more cargo room at 12 cubic feet, but it isn't enough to be a real sway factor. Each sedan has a respectable list of features and great safety ratings, but the Audi doesn't offer a full hybrid alternative, meaning that those with a greener mindset will prefer the S60. Overall, both are excellent options, but each will appeal to a different type of consumer. The Volvo will be preferred by those who value comfort above all else, with power to get you where you need to be quickly, while the Audi turns the tables and pairs excellent driving dynamics with a high-quality interior that doesn't quite match the Volvo's.

Although sedans aren't as popular in the US as SUVs and crossovers, those who do still desire them generally prefer the larger variety. Since both share the same Volvo DNA, their interiors are immaculate. However, the S90 does have a little more space on offer, which is also extended to the trunk. Still, 13.5 cubic feet is nothing to write home about in a car this big. Naturally, the extra weight requires a more powerful engine, so the T6 is the standard motor on the S90. It matches the smaller sedan in sub-six-second sprint times, and it offers a Recharge range, too. However, there is no Polestar variant of the S90. Regardless, it is the more expensive sedan, even though its standard list of features is similar. Unless you really need the extra space in the rear seats, there isn't much reason to opt for the larger Volvo. However, it does make a bolder impression.