Volvo S60 2012 vs 2013?
Volvo S60 2012 vs 2013?
TL;DR: The 2012 and 2013 Volvo S60 share the same second-generation body and the same 250-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder in T5 trim — Volvo did not change the engine’s output between these years. The meaningful 2013 upgrades are: all-wheel drive became available on the T5 for the first time (about a $2,000 option), and the T6 R-Design’s 3.0-liter turbo six jumped from 300 to 325 horsepower. Styling is essentially identical; the visual facelift didn’t arrive until the 2014 model year. Buy the 2012 for the lowest entry price, the 2013 if you want T5 AWD or the stronger R-Design.
| Key Takeaways | |
|---|---|
| Engine (T5) | Same 2.5L turbo I-5, 250 hp / 266 lb-ft, both years — no power change |
| Biggest 2013 change | T5 AWD added as an option (~$2,000); 2012 T5 was FWD-only |
| R-Design | 2013 T6 R-Design up to 325 hp / 354 lb-ft, plus bigger front brakes |
| Styling | Virtually identical — the facelift came in 2014, not 2013 |
| Used prices | 2012 examples typically list $1,000–$2,000 less than comparable 2013s |
Powertrains: What Actually Changed
Let’s clear up the most common misconception first: the 2013 T5 did not get a new or more powerful engine in the U.S. market. Both the 2012 and 2013 S60 T5 use the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five rated at 250 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed Geartronic automatic. (European-market figures sometimes quote 254 PS / 251 bhp for the same engine with the Powershift dual-clutch — same engine, different rating convention and transmission.) The T6’s 3.0-liter turbo inline-six also carried over at 300 hp and 325 lb-ft.
What 2013 did add was drivetrain choice. For 2012, the T5 was front-wheel drive only. For 2013, Volvo made all-wheel drive an available option on the T5 — Motor Trend’s test of a 2013 S60 T5 AWD listed AWD as a $2,000 option on a $32,795 base price, versus roughly $31,900 for the FWD car. The AWD system is a Haldex-based on-demand setup that sends power rearward when the front wheels slip, and it’s the single biggest functional difference between the two model years.
The other real 2013 change was at the top of the range: the T6 R-Design’s turbo six was retuned from 300 hp / 325 lb-ft to 325 hp / 354 lb-ft, and the R-Design gained larger front brakes and standard heated rear seats. Everything else — the 109.3-inch wheelbase, 12-cubic-foot trunk, City Safety as standard, the optional Technology package with adaptive cruise and pedestrian detection — carried over untouched.
Spec Comparison
| Spec | 2012 S60 T5 | 2013 S60 T5 | 2013 S60 T6 R-Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I-5 | 2.5L turbo I-5 | 3.0L turbo I-6 |
| Power | 250 hp @ 5,400 rpm | 250 hp @ 5,400 rpm | 325 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft @ 1,600–4,200 | 266 lb-ft @ 1,600–4,200 | 354 lb-ft @ 3,000–3,600 |
| Drivetrain | FWD only | FWD or AWD (new) | AWD |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| EPA economy | 21/30 mpg (FWD) | 21/30 FWD; 20/29 AWD | 18/25 mpg |
| Base price (new) | ~$31,175 | ~$31,900 FWD / ~$32,795 AWD | ~$43,000+ |
Note on the 2012 base price: Volvo’s MSRP crept upward each year, and the ~$31,175 figure is the commonly cited 2012 T5 starting price; 2013’s was about $31,900 for FWD. On the used market today the gap matters more than the original MSRP — expect to pay roughly $1,000–$2,000 more for a comparable 2013, with AWD examples commanding the top of that range.
Power Output Across the Range
Driving Differences You’ll Actually Feel
Between a 2012 T5 FWD and a 2013 T5 FWD, you will feel essentially nothing — same engine, same gearbox, same chassis tuning. The difference you can feel is the AWD system: the 2013 T5 AWD adds roughly 100 pounds and a touch of drivetrain drag (hence 20/29 mpg versus 21/30), but it transforms winter confidence and wet-weather launches. Motor Trend’s 2013 AWD tester noted the car hit the “Swede spot” of design, value, and drivability, and the publication kept a 2013 T5 in its long-term garage.
The R-Design is the enthusiast pick in either year, but the 2013’s extra 25 hp and 29 lb-ft, plus the bigger front brakes, make it meaningfully sharper. That said, the R-Design rides firmly and drinks more (18/25 mpg), so it’s a conscious trade.
Used-Buying Checklist (Both Years)
These are 12- to 14-year-old cars now, so condition beats model year. Service history is the single most important factor. On the 2.5L turbo five, check for oil consumption on high-mileage examples and listen for PCV system issues (a whistling or moaning from the engine bay at idle is the classic tell). Verify the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly and that all the electronics — infotainment, BLIS blind-spot, the optional Technology package sensors — work, because module repairs get expensive. AWD examples add a Haldex coupling and rear differential to the inspection list: ask when the Haldex fluid was last serviced. And get a pre-purchase inspection from a Volvo-independent specialist, not just a general shop.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the 2012 T5. Same engine, same body, same safety tech — and the lowest asking prices of the pair. Put the savings toward fresh tires and a full fluid service.
Buy the 2013 T5 AWD. It’s the only way to get all-wheel drive with the efficient five-cylinder in these years, and the Haldex system is well proven. Budget for Haldex fluid service if there’s no record of it.
Buy the 2013 T6 R-Design. 325 hp, 354 lb-ft, bigger brakes — the only S60 here with a genuine performance edge. Accept 18/25 mpg as the price of admission.
Buy the cleanest 2013 T5 FWD you can find. You get the newest car of the group with the best fuel economy (21/30 mpg), and you avoid the AWD system’s extra maintenance. A one-owner car with records beats a rougher AWD every time.
Tip: 2014 brought the facelift (new front end, TFT instrument cluster). If a 2013 costs nearly as much as a 2014, stretch to the facelift car instead.
Verdict
Neither year is “better” in any absolute sense — the 2013’s advantages are specific, not sweeping. If you want all-wheel drive with the 2.5L turbo five, or you want the 325-hp R-Design, the 2013 is your only option and worth the premium. If you want a front-drive T5 at the lowest possible price, the 2012 is the same car for less money. In both cases, buy on condition and service history first, model year second — a documented 2012 will always beat a neglected 2013.
Sources
- Motor Trend — “Driven: 2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD” and 2013 S60 expert review: 250 hp / 266 lb-ft, AWD $2,000 option, 20/29 mpg AWD, 18/25 T6, $31,900–$32,795 base pricing
- JD Power — 2013 Volvo S60 preview: T5 2.5L I-5 250 hp, T6 3.0L I-6 300 hp, T6 R-Design 325 hp / 354 lb-ft, trim and package details
- Carfolio / Car.info — 2013 S60 T5 AWD specifications: 2.5L five-cylinder, 254 PS (251 bhp) European rating, 360 Nm torque
- The Auto Channel — 2013 Volvo S60 T5 review: engine specs, curb weight, Geartronic transmission details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2012 and 2013 Volvo S60?
The main differences: the 2013 added all-wheel drive as an option on the T5 (2012 was FWD-only), and the 2013 T6 R-Design got a power bump to 325 hp. The T5 engine itself — a 2.5L turbo five with 250 hp — is unchanged, and styling is essentially identical.
Did the 2013 S60 get a new engine?
No. In the U.S., both the 2012 and 2013 S60 T5 use the same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five rated at 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The 2013’s news was the new T5 AWD option, not a new engine.
Is the 2013 Volvo S60 T5 reliable?
The 2.5L turbo five and 6-speed automatic are generally regarded as solid, but these are 12+ year-old cars — service history matters more than model year. Check for oil consumption, PCV issues, and full maintenance records, and get a pre-purchase inspection.
How much does a used 2012 or 2013 S60 cost?
Pricing varies by region and condition, but 2012 T5 examples typically list $1,000–$2,000 below comparable 2013s, with 2013 T5 AWD and R-Design models at the top of the range. Always compare against condition and mileage, not just year.
Which S60 is better in snow, 2012 or 2013?
The 2013 T5 AWD is the clear pick for winter driving — it’s the only one of these two years offering all-wheel drive with the efficient five-cylinder. A 2012 with good winter tires is still capable, but it can’t match AWD traction.
Should I get a 2014 S60 instead?
If the price is close, yes — the 2014 brought a facelift with a new front end and updated interior tech. But a well-kept, well-priced 2012 or 2013 T5 remains a strong value if the 2014s in your market carry a big premium.
