2013 Volvo S60

 The 2013 Volvo S60 is quick, with good acceleration from its turbocharged engine, and confident handling. A wide range of safety and driver aid technology is available at all trim levels. Standard cabin tech offers the full gamut of audio sources. The bad: The 2013 Volvo S60 lacks the most advanced infotainment features of its competitors. Observed fuel economy was reasonable, but unimpressive. The bottom line: The 2013 Volvo S60 is an excellent alternative for BMW and Audi shoppers looking for a sporty, stylish sedan at a very reasonable price.

The 2013 Volvo S60 is available with turbocharged five- and six-cylinder engines, and test drivers say that the S60 offers competitive power, no matter which model you choose. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and while most reviewers have few complaints, a handful note that competitors like the Audi A4 and BMW 328i have more gears. The S60 gets up to 21/30 mpg city/highway, which is good for the class, although rivals like the A4 and 328i use less fuel. Most test drivers say that the S60 offers poised, if slightly firm, handling, which makes it fairly capable on twisty mountain roads. Still, one reviewer comments that the S60 is not as agile as the most athletic sport sedans in the class, while another says that its ride doesn’t absorb bumps as well as some comfort-tuned family sedans. The 2013 S60's reliability rating is a bit lower than most upscale midsize cars.

Engine
MSRP Starting at: $31,900 $40,650 $44,100
Engine Description

Five-cylinder Turbocharged Engine, Six-cylinder Turbocharged Engine, Six-cylinder Turbocharged Engine
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive (available with All Wheel Drive) All Wheel Drive
Number of Cylinders 5, 6
Engine Displacement 2.5 Liters, 3 Liters
Engine Bore 3.27 in. 3.23 in.
Engine Stroke 3.67 in. 3.67 in.
Horsepower 250 hp 300 hp 325 hp
Horsepower Rev 5500 rpm 5600 rpm 6500 rpm
Torque 266 lb-ft 325 lb-ft 354 lb-ft
Torque Rev 1800.0 - 4800.0 rpm 2100.0 - 4200.0 rpm 3000.0 - 3600.0 rpm
Fuel type Gasoline
Capacity
Fuel Capacity 17.8 gal.
Cargo Capacity 12 cu.ft.
Seating Capacity 5 Passengers
Maximum Towing Capacity 3307 lbs.
Weight
Total Weight
Six-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission 3548 lbs. 3812 lbs. 3877 lbs.
Fuel Economy
Estimated MPG FWD City
Six-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission 21 0 0
Estimated MPG FWD Highway
Six-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission 30 0 0
Estimated MPG AWD City
Six-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission 20 18 18
Estimated MPG AWD Highway
Six-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission 29 25

A Volvo just wouldn't be a Volvo without a bit of excellent safety tech, but our tester was mostly lacking the most advanced features. In fact, the only non-drivetrain-related bit of safety gadgetry that I had to play with was the standard City Safety system. This front-looking camera constantly scans the road ahead for pedestrians, vehicles, and other obstructions. If the vehicle detects that you're about to collide with one of these obstructions, it will warn you before automatically applying the brakes. City Safety only works between 2 mph and 30 mph, doesn't activate if you're applying even the slightest bit of manual brake pressure, and will not activate if you attempt to steer around the obstruction.