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2018 Volvo S60 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Volvo S60 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability 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  • Outdated infotainment system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

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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

Curious how Volvo S60 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

T5 Dynamic:

T5 Inscription:

T5 Inscription Platinum:

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

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

Customer ratings

4.4 out of 5

5 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

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 S60

Volvo S60 features and specs

Curious how Volvo S60 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

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

Optional Features

  • 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

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