2019 Volvo S60 vs 2020 Honda Accord

In 2019, Volvo completely transformed its image from quirky to sexy, and the Volvo S60 played a critical role in this evolution. The S60 scaled down the flagship S90 sedan’s design to fit a small luxury platform, competing with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. This transition resulted in a design that exuded flair and sophistication. The clean lines and precise angles of the exterior were complemented by a muscular rear fender and C-pillar, lending the car an athletic stance.

Trims for the 2019 S60 included Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum trim featured a panoramic moonroof, heated wiper-fluid nozzles, dual-zone climate control, and a range of other amenities. The R-Design trim, which was our test model, added sporty features like fog lights, power-retractable side-view mirrors, dual integrated exhaust outlets, and an R-Design steering wheel with paddle shifters. Optional add-ons included heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo. The top-tier Inscription trim further enhanced luxury with genuine leather upholstery, 4-zone climate control, and the high-tech Advance Package.

On the other side, the 2020 Honda Accord emerged as one of the most stylish Accords in history, despite some divisive opinions on its front styling and rounded roofline. This mainstream family sedan offered an upscale appearance, especially in the Sport and Touring trims, which came with 19-inch wheels. Other versions of the Accord had 17-inch wheels. The Accord was available in several trims, including LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with prices ranging from $24,270 to $36,400.

Our test model, the Touring trim, featured a luxurious Ivory interior contrasting sharply with the black dashboard and carpets. The primary touch points, soft leather, and simulated wood with a matte finish provided an undeniably high-quality feel.

For the 2019 Volvo S60, powertrain options included the T5, T6, and T8 designations. The T5 utilized a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels. The T6 variant, which we drove, offered a twin-charged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to an all-wheel-drive system. The range-topping T8 was a plug-in hybrid, combining the twin-charged engine of the T6 with electric power to achieve a net 400 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, offering a 21-mile all-electric range.

The T6 we drove provided agile and responsive performance. The fuel economy for the T6 was estimated at 21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, with our real-world testing showing 23.2 mpg. The T5 offered better fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Honda Accord presented different powertrains aimed at varying consumer needs. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generated 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. For those focused on efficiency, the Accord's hybrid powertrain produced 212 horsepower and achieved impressive fuel economy of 42.6 mpg during testing.

For performance enthusiasts, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offered a robust 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain made the Accord quick and engaging to drive, with Economy and Sport modes adding flexibility. In Sport mode, the car felt particularly agile. In our tests, it achieved 27.4 mpg, surpassing the EPA's estimate of 26 mpg combined.

The 2019 Volvo S60 showcased Volvo's emphasis on design, sometimes at the expense of functionality. While practical steering wheel controls, ample storage compartments, and conventional shifter were appreciated, certain design choices, like the awkwardly placed starter and drive-mode selector, detracted from the user experience. Rear-seat space in the S60 was decent, and its 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was average for the class.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord leaned heavily toward functionality and space. It effectively provided ample rear-seat legroom and an impressive 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making it suitable for long family trips. While the driver's seat in the Accord Touring offered extensive adjustments and comfort, the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear seats, however, were exceptionally comfortable with heating options in the Touring trim. The Accord also featured well-designed storage compartments, clear instrumentation, and ergonomic controls, making the cabin a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured Volvo’s Sensus touchscreen infotainment system. This system adopted a tablet-like approach. It was aesthetically pleasing yet somewhat cumbersome due to the high reliance on touchscreen controls for functions that could have easily been managed via physical buttons. The system sometimes lagged or froze, causing potential inconveniences for users.

Conversely, the 2020 Honda Accord boasted an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, deemed the best in Honda's lineup. It featured volume and tuning knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, high-quality graphics, and sensible steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and text-messaging support. Higher trims like the EX-L and Touring offered additional features, including a ten-speaker premium sound system, HondaLink subscription services, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless charging. Despite its robust capabilities, the Accord's system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring specific commands for accurate functionality.

The 2019 Volvo S60 included a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. Driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition were also standard. Our test model with the Advance Package added a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, active bending headlights, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system with smart cruise control.

The 2020 Honda Accord earned top safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and receiving five stars in every NHTSA assessment. Honda Sensing, the brand's suite of advanced driving assistance systems, came standard on all trims. It included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims like the Sport 2.0T and EX added valuable features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the adaptive cruise control could be smoother and the forward collision warning more accurate, the Accord's safety systems were generally effective and well-calibrated.