2016 Volvo S60 Pros vs Cons

Although the 2016 Volvo S60 is often overlooked by some car shoppers, it is actually one of the best all-around performers on the market. The mid-size sedan rewards drivers with outstanding crash-protection and poised handling. While the base model is an outstanding value, the performance-tuned Polestar model is an athletic racehorse. All-wheel drive makes the new 2016 Volvo S60 a capable sedan in bad weather. Even the base T5 Drive E model comes loaded with several nice features.

What’s new for 2016?

In an effort to make the 2016 Volvo S60 more appealing to a variety of different car shoppers, Volvo now offers an extended-wheelbase model. The fold-flat passenger seat is no longer available.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2016 Volvo S60 - The Pros

1) Solid Base Engine

Due to the base engine’s lively performance, most buyers will not need to upgrade to a larger engine. With the help of a turbocharger, the four-cylinder engine can develop an impressive 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The available passing power is outstanding. An eight-speed automatic gearbox comes standard.

2) Muscular Six-Cylinder Engine

Like the rest of the engine lineup, the T6 R-Design model’s six-cylinder engine is strapped with a turbocharger. It has the ability to produce a satisfying 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The T6 R-Design model can easily hit 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. The engine’s generous amount of torque gives it the punch of a traditional V-8 engine.

3) High-Performance Polestar Edition

Although the Polestar edition uses the same six-cylinder engine, it has been tweaked to pump out 20 more horsepower. A stiffer suspension system and low-profile tires also enable the Polestar edition to deliver extremely poised handling. Aside from its performance upgrades, the Polestar edition also steps up the 2016 Volvo S60’s styling by adding an exclusive set of performance wheels.

4) Good Gas Mileage

The base engine has been tuned to deliver an eco-friendly 37 mpg on the highway. This rivals the fuel economy of a lot of today's subcompact cars. Volvo also offers a special four-cylinder engine that effectively boosts efficiency by implementing the use of a supercharger and a turbocharger. This 302-horsepower engine can average at least 33 mpg on the freeway.

5) AWD Grip

Front-wheel drive comes standard on the 2016 Volvo S60. However, prospective buyers can improve the sedan’s wet-weather traction by opting for the AWD system. The AWD unit is a must-have feature for traveling on a snow-packed road. All of the high-performance models actually come standard with AWD. Luckily, the sedan’s fuel economy will not suffer drastically.

6) Value-Priced Base Model

With a starting price of around $35,000, the base T5 Drive-E proves to be a great deal. Not only will drivers benefit from the turbocharged engine’s outstanding efficiency, but they will also be surrounded by several luxurious features. Some of the standard items consist of HD radio, a seven-inch display screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth technology.

7) Extended-Wheelbase Inscription Model

Due to its extended wheelbase, the Inscription model offers a remarkable amount of space. The rear-seat provides enough legroom for tall NBA players to ride in comfort. The cabin is also extremely elegant. Test drivers will instantly notice the interior’s top-tier level of craftsmanship. Extra sound-deadening material ensures a very quiet ride.

8) Excellent Safety Profile

Volvo has always focused on producing extremely safe vehicles. The 2016 Volvo S60 certainly lives up to its reputation. Not only did the sedan earn a five-star safety rating, but it also offers several innovative components. In fact, the sedan comes standard with a City Safety system that can automatically apply pressure to the brakes. A front-side parking camera and a pedestrian detection system are offered as well.

9) Low Maintenance

Based on the feedback from current and past owners, the 2016 Volvo S60 is expected to be a low-maintenance vehicle. This is a key advantage for the drivers who have a strong desire to save money.

10) Stylish Sports Sedan

Unlike the boxy Volvo sedans of the past, the 2016 Volvo S60 is a very stylish automobile. It definitely exudes a high level of sportiness. Exotic colors such as Power Blue and Passion Red give the S60 even more flashiness.

Reasons you may not want to buy a 2016 Volvo S60 - The Cons

1) Costly Polestar Model

While the base model is praised for being a great value, the high-performance Polestar edition’s price tag may surpass $60,000. There are quite a few vehicles that can match its performance for a lower price.

2) No Traditional Manual Transmission

The 2016 Volvo S60 is not available with a manual transmission. This could be a deal-breaker for the drivers who are accustomed to changing their own gears.

3) Regular Wheelbase Offers Less Room

While the new Inscription models are definitely spacious, the regular wheelbase models offer less legroom than some of the competition.

How the 2016 S60 stacks up to the competition:

The BMW 3 Series, the Acura TLX, and the Lexus ES 350 all compete against the 2016 Volvo S60. While the BMW 3 Series remains a popular choice, the S60’s legendary crash protection gives it a distinct advantage. Although the Acura TLX is a nice luxury sedan, the Volvo S60 offers a more engaging performance on the road. Unlike the Lexus ES 350, the S60 offers AWD as an option.

Conclusion:

According to quite a few professional car reviewers, the 2016 Volvo S60 has quietly surpassed some of the traditional frontrunners. While the base T5 model shines due to its efficiency, the R-Design and Polestar models will appeal to sports car lovers. In terms of safety, the S60 remains at the top of its class.