Used 2023 Volvo S60

When shopping for a compact luxury sedan, it would be easy to go with one of this segment’s big, mainstream names. However, if you’re looking for something different, consider the Volvo S60. It upholds the brand’s reputation for safety with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, and its aesthetics aren’t quite like anything else in its class.

The roomy interior is comfortable and upscale. As for driving manners, this sedan prioritizes safety and luxury over sporty driving dynamics. That said, the Polestar Engineered model is a blast to drive if you can afford the high price tag. The S60 competes primarily with luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The Volvo S60 offers the driver a smooth and comfortable ride. Its compliant suspension soaks up road imperfections while the supremely comfortable seats coddle the occupants. The standard B5 mild-hybrid powertrain delivers reasonably quick acceleration but won’t blow you away.

If you’re expecting the agile driving dynamics of a sport sedan, you’ll be more satisfied with one of the German rivals of the S60. The Volvo is comfortable and sportier than the average non-luxury sedan, but athletic handling isn’t its greatest strength, especially with front-wheel drive (FWD). It does feel a bit sportier with the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Another good way to improve the driving dynamics of the S60 is to upgrade to the optional T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. This brings a significant upgrade in performance while giving you up to 41 miles of all-electric range.

The plug-in hybrid gets even more exciting in the Polestar Engineered model. It not only has more torque than the regular plug-in hybrid, but also adds performance upgrades like a sport suspension with Öhlins dampers and upgraded brakes.

The inside of the Volvo S60 is spacious and luxurious. The interior design is unique, and the materials are lovely, especially with the optional Nappa leather or wool blend. The infotainment system has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to it, it’s pretty intuitive.

The back seats of the S60 are plenty roomy for two adults, which we can’t say about all of its rivals. Cargo space, though, is only 11.6 cubic feet — pretty small for a car of this size.

The Volvo S60 is a head-turner. It stands out in a subtle way with its unique styling and handsome light signature. It gets a mild aesthetic refresh for 2023 with a new grille insert and redesigned bumpers.

The look of the 2023 Volvo S60 changes a bit depending on how it’s optioned. For example, the Black Edition lives up to its name with stylish gloss black accents, while the Bright theme available for the Ultimate trim adds tasteful chrome. Meanwhile, the Polestar Engineered model has a unique, sporty appearance package.

The size of the Volvo S60 is in line with the compact luxury sedan segment. Its dimensions are similar to those of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4.

1. Excellent Safety Scores
Volvo has always been known for safety. The Volvo S60 earns the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. It not only achieves excellent crash test ratings, but it’s well-equipped with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, road sign information, driver alert monitor, and much more.

2. Material Options
The S60 has many options for interior materials. Of course, you can get leather seats and super luxurious Nappa leather, but some other options include leatherette, a wool blend, and what Volvo calls City Weave, a leather-free textile material.

3. Pilot Assist
The Pilot Assist driver assistance system is standard on all but the base Core trim of the S60. This semi-autonomous driving system combines features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and road sign information to make highway driving nearly effortless.

4. Google Built-In
The Google-based infotainment system in the S60 is feature-rich and easy to use. Google Maps is built in, which is one of the best navigation systems you can get in a car. It also comes with Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and four USB-C ports.

5. T8 Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
The available plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Volvo S60 improves both performance and efficiency. Travel up to 41 miles on electricity alone with a full charge. Even with a drained battery, this Volvo gets 31 combined mpg.

6. Sporty Polestar Engineered Model
If you like the idea of a plug-in hybrid luxury sport sedan, you’ll love the Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered. The plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. Upgraded brakes and a sport suspension with Öhlins dampers further add to the sporty driving dynamics.

The Volvo S60 has two engine options. The B5 powertrain is a turbocharged 4-cylinder with a mild-hybrid system that gives it a slight boost in performance and efficiency. This powertrain has standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

All S60 models with the T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain have all-wheel drive. The PHEV models benefit from a “Twincharged” (supercharged and turbocharged) gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Every hybrid S60 for the 2023 model year is an extended-range hybrid that has an impressive all-electric range of 41 miles on a full charge. Upgrading to the Polestar Engineered model yields more torque.

Every 2023 Volvo S60 employs an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 mild hybrid (B5)
247 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 (FWD), 25/33 (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged extended range inline-4 plug-in hybrid (T8 Recharge)
455 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
472 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200 rpm (523 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm in Polestar Engineered)
All-electric range: 41 miles
EPA combined fuel economy: 31 mpg (gas), 74 MPGe (gas & electric)