Toyota Corolla vs Volvo S60

Volvo had successfully transformed its image from quirky to sexy over the past decade, and the 2019 S60 was a testament to this change. 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. The exterior featured straight lines and precise angles, with an athletic stance thanks to the rear fender and C-pillar. The interior trims ranged from the entry-level Momentum, which included a panoramic moonroof and dual-zone climate control, to the range-topping Inscription, which added genuine leather upholstery and 4-zone climate control.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Corolla's design was less universally appealing, with a front end that some might describe as aggressive. However, the SE and XSE trims, especially in the Celestite paint color, offered a more attractive look. Inside, the Corolla XSE showed significant improvements in perceived quality, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the cheap plastics of previous models. Despite these upgrades, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla’s economy car roots. The Corolla started at a base price of $19,600, with the top XSE trim costing around $28,800.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered three powertrain options: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 featured 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 driven for this comparison, had 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 21-mile all-electric range. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T6 provided instant throttle and transmission responses, and the car felt firmly planted through corners. Fuel economy for the T6 was estimated at 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, with observed fuel economy at 23.2 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The XSE trim provided a smooth and stable ride thanks to its independent rear suspension. However, the Corolla XSE struggled with acceleration, especially when passing slower vehicles or climbing mountains. Fuel economy for the XSE was rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, with observed fuel economy at 29.8 mpg.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior focused on aesthetics, with sensible steering-wheel-mounted controls and ample cubby space. However, some controls, like the starter and drive-mode selector, were awkwardly placed. The conventional shifter was a welcome choice. The backseat offered decent space, and the trunk provided 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for the class.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, officially rated as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a roomy interior. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports made it less comfortable for rear passengers. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position made entry and exit challenging. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, enough for several suitcases and bags.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which had a tablet-like interface. However, many functions were buried in the screen, making simple tasks cumbersome. The system occasionally lagged and froze, which could be frustrating.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar volume and tuning knobs. The Corolla also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and several trial services for navigation and connectivity. Higher trims added advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system.

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 features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning. The Advance Package added a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system operated with impressive refinement and accuracy, though the lane-departure warning alert was irritating. The Corolla also offered a blind-spot monitoring system, standard on higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Corolla a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019.