2019 Volvo S60 vs 2020 Lexus ES

Volvo had managed to completely transform its image from quirky to sexy over the past decade. The 2019 S60, a scaled-down version of the flagship S90 sedan, competed with luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The S60 featured straight lines and precise angles, but its rear fender and C-pillar gave it an athletic stance. The design was so appealing that it invited closer inspection, even if it didn't always put function first. The S60 came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum trim included a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among other features. The R-Design, which was the test model, added fog lights, power-retractable side-view mirrors, and an R-Design steering wheel with paddle shifters. The top-tier Inscription trim offered genuine leather upholstery and 4-zone climate control.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES had evolved from being labeled "boring" to a more aggressive look. The large spindle grille, introduced in 2016, grew even larger in the 2020 model, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. The rear featured thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, giving it a sleek look. Inside, the ES blended modern technology with an organic aesthetic, featuring soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen. The ES came in four trims: 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport. Standard features included a power moonroof, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10-way power-adjustable front seat. The F Sport trim, which was the test model, added a unique black mesh grille, dark window accents, and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it featured aluminum trim accents and unique heated and ventilated front bucket seats.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered three powertrain options: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 was a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to front-wheel drive. The T6, which was the test model, featured a twin-charged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine making 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, sent to all-wheel drive. The T8 was a plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 400 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, featuring a hybrid AWD layout. The T6 provided instant throttle and transmission responses, making it a joy to drive. The S60 felt like a firmly planted rear-wheel-drive sedan, staying flat through corners. The T6 with AWD had an estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined. In a week of mixed driving, it achieved 23.2 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus ES came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the steering was light but precise. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers, adding a Sport+ mode for a more engaging driving experience. The ES was not a hot performer but offered a lively driving experience with the upgraded suspension and paddle shifters.

The 2019 Volvo S60 had a form-over-function approach to its interior. While it offered sensible steering-wheel-mounted controls and plenty of storage space, some controls were awkwardly placed. The starter was located between the front seats, requiring a "T-Rex Arm" reach. The drive-mode selector was a roller that was also awkward to use. However, Volvo made a smart choice with a conventional shifter design. The backseat space was decent, and the S60 offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, about average for the class.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with plenty of head- and legroom in both rows. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console featured multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES offered 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting space for larger items.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which took a tablet-like approach to menu navigation and graphics. However, many features were tucked away into the screen, making simple tasks like changing the temperature cumbersome. The system occasionally lagged and even froze, which could be frustrating.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlled by a touch-sensitive pad in the center console. The system was not a touchscreen, but the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The ES gained standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020, making it easier to use. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It also included driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The Advance Package added a head-up display, headlight washers, a 360-degree camera, and active bending headlights, along with the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving. The ES also included a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.