Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Volvo S60

The 2019 Volvo S60 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving from quirky to a more sophisticated and sexy aesthetic. This model scaled down the flagship S90's design to fit a smaller luxury platform, competing with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The S60's exterior maintained the straight lines and precise angles characteristic of Volvo, but its rear fender and C-pillar gave it an athletic stance. The interior was a blend of form and function, with trims like the Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription offering various luxury features. The R-Design, in particular, added sporty elements such as fog lights and power-retractable side-view mirrors, while the Inscription trim offered genuine leather upholstery and advanced driver-assistance features.

In contrast, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about stealth and subtlety. Its design was conservative yet tailored, with a two-box design, honeycomb grille, and red accents hinting at its performance capabilities. The GTI was available in S, Rabbit Edition, SE, and Autobahn trims, with prices ranging from $27,595 to $37,095. The Rabbit Edition, a limited-production model, paid homage to GTI heritage with unique colors and gloss black finishes. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design and quality materials exuded a sense of practicality and comfort. The Clark Plaid cloth upholstery added a touch of whimsy, while the overall design focused on delivering a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered a range of powertrain options, designated as T5, T6, and T8. The base T5 engine was a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels. The T6 variant, which was tested, featured a twin-charged 2-liter engine, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to all-wheel drive. The top-tier T8 was a plug-in hybrid, combining the T6's engine with electric power for a total of 400 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The T6 provided impressive acceleration, with responsive throttle and transmission, and maintained a planted feel through corners. Fuel economy for the T6 was estimated at 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, with real-world testing showing 23.2 mpg.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its spirited performance, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's VAQ limited-slip differential was standard, enhancing traction and handling. The GTI's acceleration was brisk, with a light clutch and smooth gear shifts. The ride was stiff due to the sport suspension, but the steering was precise and responsive. The GTI's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, provided strong stopping power. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 25.1 mpg.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior design prioritized aesthetics, with some functional compromises. The steering-wheel-mounted controls were sensible, but the placement of the starter and drive-mode selector was awkward. The conventional shifter was a welcome choice, offering familiarity in a market filled with proprietary designs. The backseat offered decent space, and the trunk provided 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which was average for the class.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality, offering a spacious and versatile interior. The front seats were height-adjustable and comfortable, with ample storage options throughout the cabin. The backseat provided acceptable comfort, though legroom was tight. The trunk offered 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, though this seemed optimistic without removing the cargo cover and utilizing additional storage areas. Maximum cargo space was 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which took a tablet-like approach to menu navigation. While visually appealing, the system required multiple steps for simple tasks, such as adjusting climate controls. The system occasionally lagged or froze, which could be frustrating for users.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system varied by trim. The S and Rabbit Edition featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone integration. The SE trim offered an upgraded system with an 8-inch display, HD Radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The Autobahn trim included navigation and additional features. The Rabbit Edition's system was basic but functional, with some connectivity issues noted.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning. The Advance Package added a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard on the Rabbit Edition. The SE trim added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas received slightly lower ratings.