Overview
The 2016-2021 Volvo S60 represents the final years of the second-generation S60, a vehicle designed to compete directly with established German luxury sedans. Built on the Volvo P3 platform, this generation emphasized a balance between Scandinavian design aesthetics and high-level safety engineering. During this period, Volvo transitioned its entire engine lineup to the Drive-E family, a modular series of 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines that utilized forced induction to achieve power levels previously reserved for larger six-cylinder units.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants of this period were primarily paired with the T5 or T6 powertrain configurations. These models utilized an Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaced earlier six-speed units to improve fuel efficiency and shift quality. Manufacturing for the North American market took place at the Ghent plant in Belgium, as well as the Chengdu facility in China for specific global markets. The S60 became known for its focus on occupant protection, featuring a rigid safety cage and an extensive suite of driver-assistance technologies that defined the brand’s identity during the mid-2010s.
By the end of this production cycle, the S60 had established a reputation for comfort and understated luxury. While the interior design remained consistent with Volvo’s minimalist philosophy, the integration of the Sensus infotainment system marked a significant step in the brand’s digital development. The S60 AWD remains a popular choice in the used market for those prioritizing all-weather capability and a high standard of standard safety equipment over the aggressive sport-oriented handling of its competitors.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S60 AWD |
| Model Year | 2016-2021 |
| Generation | 2nd Generation (P3) |
| Trim | T5/T6 |
| 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 | 2021 |
| VIN Identifier | YV1 |
| Base MSRP | $36,000 – $45,000 |
| Destination Charge | $995 |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | Volvo Drive-E |
| Engine Name | B4204 |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.0 mm x 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged / Supercharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 5.9 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Horsepower | 240 – 316 hp |
| Torque | 258 – 295 lb-ft |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91+ |
| EPA City MPG | 22 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 32 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 26 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 9.0 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 17.8 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 460 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 340 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.4 s |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 – 6.8 s |
| 0-100 mph | 14.5 s |
| Quarter Mile | 14.2 s |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 118 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.85 g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | – |
| 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) | 62.1 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.3 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,600 – 3,800 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4,700 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 3,500 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,000 |
| 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 |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 5 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 | Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 7-inch |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analog Hybrid |
| Apple CarPlay | Available |
| Android Auto | Available |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon |
| Speaker Count | 8 – 12 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Available |
| 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 |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | – |
| EV Battery Warranty | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Skövde, Sweden |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Haldex AWD |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
## Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2016-2021 Volvo S60 is widely regarded as a reliable entry point into the luxury sedan market, particularly for buyers who prioritize safety and build quality. Prospective owners should be aware of potential oil consumption issues in early Drive-E engines and the occasional electronic glitch within the Sensus infotainment system. Mechanically, the Aisin eight-speed transmission is generally robust, though regular fluid changes are recommended to maintain shift smoothness. In the used market, this model offers significant value due to its lower depreciation compared to German rivals, making it an attractive option for those seeking a comfortable, well-equipped daily driver that remains competitive with modern safety standards.
