2023 Volvo S60 Polestar

2023 Volvo S60 Overview

The 2023 Volvo S60 is a stylish and likable sedan that delivers a more laid-back driving experience than several sportier rivals. Drivers who like to be engaged behind the wheel will prefer a BMW 3-series, Genesis G70 or an Alfa Romeo Giulia over Volvo’s entry-luxury sedan. However, buyers more interested in a car with a roomy, handsomely designed interior that’s lined with rich materials will find the S60 an attractive ride. Its standard turbo-four powertrain is too subdued for our tastes but the plug-in-hybrid versions provide much stronger acceleration and 22 miles of electric-only range. The S60 Polestar Engineered is the sportiest model, featuring 455 horsepower and other performance enhancing equipment. The 2023 S60 lineup is bolstered by upscale standard features and, of course, plethora of driver-assistance tech—a legacy of Volvo’s long history of safety innovations.

What’s New for 2023 Volvo S60?

The S60 lineup receives a facelift and new infotainment software. The appearance changes are subtle, with small design tweaks made to the front and rear bumpers and some new wheel designs. Inside, the S60’s large, vertically oriented touchscreen now features a Google-based interface that brings new graphics and a different menu structure than its predecessor. Unfortunately its on-screen icons make it harder to operate while on the move than the previous version of the system.

2023 Volvo S60 Pricing and Which One to Buy

We’d choose the sporty R-Design trim with all-wheel drive. Its standard features include front and rear parking sensors, a Harman/Kardon audio system, leather upholstery, added front-seat adjustments and bolsters, a power-operated trunk lid, unique exterior trim, and more. We’d also recommend the Climate package (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated windshield washers) for anyone who lives in a cold-weather climate. And the Advanced package is worth it for the enhanced luxury provided by its 360-degree camera system, an additional 12-volt outlet in the cargo area, head-up display, and a semi-autonomous drive mode.

2023 Volvo S60 Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The non-hybrid S60 has a 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that pairs with front- or all-wheel drive. Power increases to 400 horsepower on the all-wheel-drive-only Recharge plug-in hybrid, and the top-of-the-line Recharge Polestar Engineered is even sportier. The latter makes 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. Along with adaptive dampers and exclusive 19-inch wheels, the Polestar edition is solely available as part of the Care by Volvo subscription plan. We were impressed with the over-the-road prowess of a T6 R-Design model we tested in 2019, but ultimately felt it lacked the driver-to-car-to-road connection and steering feel of the best sports sedans. And during a comparison test against four-cylinder rivals, a more basic S60 model finished last due to its more subdued driving nature versus sportier alternatives such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and BMW 3-series. No, the S60 leans more towards luxury than sport.

2023 Volvo S60 Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The nonhybrid S60 is rated up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The plug-in-hybrid version has a 74 MPGe estimate and an electric-only drive range of 41 miles. Once we run one on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate their real-world mpg. For more information about the S60’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.