Volvo S Vs V – Comparison Of Volvo Sedans And Wagons

Should you choose the Volvo S60 sedan or V60 wagon? These Swedish luxury vehicles each bring unique advantages to your driveway. From the S60’s sporty dynamics to the V60’s versatile design, we’ll help you decide which Volvo best fits your lifestyle.

Quick Answer: Choose the S series sedan if you prioritize fuel efficiency and sporty handling in a luxurious package. Go for the V series wagon if you need extra cargo space and versatility without sacrificing the premium Volvo experience.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Volvo Sedans (S Series) and Wagons (V Series)

Let me tell you a funny story from my years as a car reviewer. I once helped a friend move apartments using a Volvo V60, and their IKEA furniture collection (how fitting for a Swedish car!) fit so perfectly, you’d think Volvo designers had measured every BILLY bookcase. Meanwhile, another friend with an S60 had to make three trips for the same amount of stuff – though they did look incredibly stylish!

Overview of Volvo S60 and S90 Sedans

The S series sedans are Volvo’s answer to the question, “What if we made luxury cars that don’t shout about being luxury cars?” These understated performers come in two main flavors:

S60: The compact executive sedan that competes with the BMW 3 Series
S90: The flagship sedan that offers full-size luxury and presence

Fun Fact: The “S” in S60 and S90 stands for “Sedan,” while the “V” in the wagon models stands for “Versatile.” Pretty straightforward, right?

What makes these sedans special? They focus on three key areas:

Agile handling that makes city driving a joy
Sleek design that turns heads without trying too hard
Advanced safety features that remind you why Volvo has that reputation for safety

Overview of Volvo V60 and V90 Wagons

Think of the V series as the Swiss Army knives of the Volvo lineup. They’re the sedans’ more practical cousins who wore hiking boots to the party. The V60 and V90 wagons take everything great about their sedan siblings and add versatility.

Quick Comparison:

Feature	S Series (Sedans)	V Series (Wagons)
Best For	Urban commuters, couples	Families, adventurers
Cargo Space	Good (15.6 cu.ft)	Excellent (60.5 cu.ft)
Fuel Economy	Slightly better	Slightly lower
Handling	More agile	More stable

Performance Comparison

Here’s where things get interesting – and where I need to bust a common myth. Many people think wagons are slower and less fun to drive than sedans. Wrong! Let me share some real-world insights from extensive testing of both body styles.

Engine and Powertrain Options

Both S and V series models offer impressively similar performance numbers thanks to Volvo’s smart engineering. Here’s what you get:

Base T5: 250 hp turbocharged engine
T6: 316 hp turbo- and supercharged engine
Recharge: Plug-in hybrid with up to 455 hp combined (Yes, you read that right!)

Pro Tip: If you’re considering the plug-in hybrid versions, check if your daily commute falls within the 22-mile electric range. It could mean significant savings on fuel costs!

I’ve driven both the S60 and V60 extensively, and here’s something surprising: The wagon’s slightly higher weight helps it feel more planted in corners. It’s like the difference between skiing with and without a backpack – sometimes, that extra weight gives you more stability!

Fuel Economy

Remember that cousin who always brags about their car’s fuel efficiency? Well, here’s some ammunition for your next family dinner. The S60 sedan typically gets about 30 mpg combined, while the V60 wagon trails just slightly behind at around 28 mpg. Not bad for a car that can swallow a weekend’s worth of camping gear!

Green Tip: Both PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) versions can travel about 22 miles on pure electric power. That’s enough for most grocery runs and school drop-offs without using a drop of gas!

Driving Dynamics

Having tested both models on everything from twisted mountain roads to Costco parking lots, I can tell you this: The S60 feels like a dancer, while the V60 moves like a graceful athlete. Both are impressive, just in different ways.

Key Driving Characteristics:

S Series: Tighter turning radius, lighter feel
V Series: More planted feel, especially in corners
Both: Surprisingly fun to drive (yes, even the wagon!)

Design and Interior Space

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or, should I say, the extra space in the wagon.

Exterior Design: Sedans vs. Wagons

Do you know how some people look great in suits and casual wear? That’s Volvo’s design philosophy in action. The S series rocks the business formal look, while the V series pulls off smart casual perfectly.

Picture this: The S60 is like that tailored suit that makes you look sharp at every angle. The V60? It’s more like your favorite premium athleisure wear – stylish but ready for anything.

Volvo designers use the “Scandinavian Living Room” concept for their interiors. No wonder it feels like sitting in a high-end IKEA display!

Interior Dimensions and Cargo Space

Time for some real talk about space. Let me break it down with a practical example:

What Fits in an S60 Sedan:

4 golf bags (barely)
Weekly groceries for a family of four
Airport luggage for two (comfortable) or three (squeezing)

What Fits in a V60 Wagon:

4 golf bags (easily)
A month’s worth of groceries
Airport luggage for five
That impulse buy from IKEA (you know, the one)

Space Comparison by Numbers:

Area	S60 Sedan	V60 Wagon
Cargo Space	11.6 cu.ft	23.2 cu.ft
Max Cargo (seats down)	15.6 cu.ft	60.5 cu.ft
Rear Headroom	37.4 inches	38.1 inches

Technology and Infotainment Features

Remember when car infotainment systems were as user-friendly as a 1990s VCR? Well, Volvo has something different in store for you.

The Google Revolution

Both S and V series now come with built-in Google. Yes, the same Google you use every day! This means:

Google Maps without your phone
“Hey Google” voice commands that work
Apps from the Google Play Store

Pro Tip: The Google Assistant in these Volvos can even control your smart home devices. Imagine turning on your house lights while you’re still in the driveway!

Safety Tech That Makes Your Smartphone Look Basic

Volvo’s safety features are like having a super-cautious friend always watching for you. Both series include:

Collision avoidance that works even at night
Lane-keeping that doesn’t ping-pong you between lines
Pilot Assist that makes traffic jams almost bearable

Volvo invented the three-point seatbelt in 1959 and gave away the patent for free. How’s that for putting safety first?

Trim Levels and Customization Options

Here’s where things get fancy – or should I say “fancy schmancy”? Let’s break down the trim levels in a way that makes sense.

Momentum (Base Trim)

Don’t let the word “base” fool you. The Momentum trim is like flying economy on Emirates – still pretty luxurious! You get:

Leather upholstery (because Volvo knows what luxury means)
Digital driver display that makes analog gauges look ancient
Climate control that could probably handle a greenhouse

R-Design (The Sporty One)

Think of R-Design as adding a dash of pepper to your Swedish meatballs. You get:

Sports seats that hug you like a long-lost friend
Paddle shifters for when you’re feeling like a race car driver
Black exterior trim that looks seriously cool

Inscription (The Luxury Lover’s Choice)

Think of the Inscription as the trim level that makes you feel like Swedish royalty. It’s like your car got a first-class upgrade, complete with:

Nappa leather is so soft you might want to cuddle it
Driftwood trim that looks like it belongs in a designer magazine
Massage seats (because why should spas have all the fun?)

Pricing and Cost of Ownership

Let’s talk money – everyone’s favorite topic! (Well, maybe not, but it’s important.)

Base Prices That Won’t Make Your Wallet Cry (Too Much)

Starting prices for 2024 models:

S60: Starts around $42,000
V60: Starts around $45,000
Recharge PHEV versions: Add about $7,500

Money-saving tip: PHEV versions might qualify for federal tax credits up to $7,500. It’s like Uncle Sam is helping you go green!

The Real Cost Story

Here’s what nobody tells you about owning these Swedish beauties:

Service	Average Cost
Oil Change	$89-150
Brake Service	$150-300
Major Service	$300-800

Real Talk: While maintenance isn’t cheap, these cars hold better value than a savings account today!

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Volvo isn’t just talking the talk – they’re walking the green walk. The S and V series are part of Volvo’s mission to become climate-neutral by 2040. (They’re the Captain Planet of car manufacturers!)

Eco-Friendly Features

Both series offer:

Start/stop technology (saving fuel while you check Instagram at red lights)
PHEV options with impressive electric range
Materials sourced with sustainability in mind
Recyclable components (because today’s car shouldn’t be tomorrow’s landfill)

Customer Reviews and User Experiences

Let me share some real feedback from actual owners (not just what your neighbor’s cousin’s friend said).

S Series Owner Stories

“I never thought I’d love a sedan this much. It’s like dating someone who’s both smart and good-looking!” – Mike, S60 owner

Common praise includes:

Smooth ride quality
Excellent fuel economy
Tech features that make sense

V Series Owner Tales

“This wagon has carried everything from IKEA furniture to our dog’s entire birthday party setup. Yes, we throw birthday parties for our dog.” – Sarah, V60 owner.

Frequent compliments about:

Massive cargo space
Family-friendly features
All-weather capability

The Final Verdict: Which One’s For You?

Let’s make this super simple. Pick the S series if:

You’re all about that sleek sedan life
Fuel economy is your jam
You rarely need to haul big items
Parallel parking is part of your daily routine

Go for the V series if:

You’ve got kids, dogs, or a serious IKEA addiction
Adventure gear is a regular passenger
You want sedan luxury with SUV practicality
You believe bigger is better (for cargo space, that is!)

Quick Decision Tool: Answer these questions:

Do you regularly carry more than groceries?
Is fuel economy your top priority?
Do you have kids or pets?
Are you into outdoor activities?

More “yes” answers to 1, 3, and 4? V series is calling your name. More focused on 2? S series might be your soulmate.

Final Thoughts

You get a slice of Swedish excellence if you choose the S or V series. It’s like choosing between cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns – they’re both delicious in different ways!

Remember, the best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle. And hey, if all else fails, flip a Swedish krona – you can’t go wrong with either choice!

Personal Take: After countless hours with both series, they’re winners. The S series is perfect for the urban warrior, while the V series is the Swiss Army knife of luxury cars. Choose based on your lifestyle, not just what looks good in your Instagram photos (though both will rock your social media feed!)

That wraps up our deep dive into the Volvo S vs V comparison. Have questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments below. And remember, whichever you choose, you’re joining a family of owners who appreciate style and substance!