Overview
The 2012-2014 Volvo S60 represents a significant period in the brand’s history, marking the second generation of the company’s compact executive sedan. Built on the Volvo P3 platform, this model was designed to compete directly with established German rivals by emphasizing a blend of Scandinavian design, advanced safety technology, and refined driving dynamics. Unlike its predecessor, the second-generation S60 adopted a more aggressive, coupe-like silhouette, moving away from the boxy aesthetic traditionally associated with the brand.
The S60 FWD variant, powered by the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, served as the entry-point for the model line in the North American market. This engine, part of the Volvo Modular Engine family, provided a balance of power and efficiency, catering to buyers who prioritized comfort and daily usability over the high-performance output of the T6 AWD variants. Manufacturing for the global market took place at the Ghent plant in Belgium, where Volvo focused on high-quality assembly standards to bolster its reputation for durability.
Engineering efforts during this model cycle centered heavily on occupant protection. The S60 introduced several safety features, including the City Safety system, which could automatically apply the brakes at low speeds to prevent or mitigate collisions. By the time the 2014 model year concluded, the S60 had solidified its position as a reliable choice for families and professionals seeking a premium vehicle that prioritized safety and understated luxury over flashy exterior styling.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S60 FWD |
| Model Year | 2012-2014 |
| Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Trim | T5 |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact Executive |
| Vehicle Class | Compact Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Volvo P3 |
| Assembly Plant | Ghent, Belgium |
| Country of Origin | Belgium |
| Production Start | 2010 |
| Production End | 2018 |
| VIN Identifier | YV1 |
| Base MSRP | $31,300 |
| Destination Charge | $895 |
| Total MSRP | $32,195 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | Volvo Modular Engine |
| Engine Name | B5254T12 |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-5 |
| Displacement | 2.5 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 83.0 mm x 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 5.8 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-30 |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Redline | 6500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.33:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 21 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 30 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 24 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 9.8 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 17.8 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 427 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 370 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.6 s |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 s |
| 0-100 mph | 17.5 s |
| Quarter Mile | 15.2 s |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 122 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.84g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 13.8 lb/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 182.5 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.4 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 82.5 |
| Height (in) | 58.4 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 109.3 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.3 |
| Rear Track (in) | 62.0 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.3 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3455 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4500 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 3300 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1045 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 93.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 12.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 37.1 ft |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 Stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 7-inch Sensus |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog/Digital Hybrid |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | 8-Speaker High Performance |
| Speaker Count | 8 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12 years / Unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / Unlimited miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Skövde, Sweden |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin Warner |
| Differential Type | Open |
| Cooling System Capacity | 9.5 Quarts |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2012-2014 Volvo S60 2.5L is widely regarded in the used car market as a comfortable, safe, and understated alternative to the ubiquitous German luxury sedans of the same era. Reliability is generally solid, though owners should be aware of potential issues with the Aisin-sourced automatic transmission, which can exhibit harsh shifting if the fluid has not been serviced regularly. Additionally, the five-cylinder engine is known for its durability, but it requires strict adherence to timing belt replacement intervals to avoid catastrophic failure. While the infotainment system feels dated by modern standards due to the lack of smartphone integration, the S60 remains a compelling value proposition for buyers who prioritize seat comfort, high-quality interior materials, and a robust safety suite over cutting-edge digital connectivity.
