Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Volvo S60

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo S60
2019 Volvo S60
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo S60
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1985-1992

Years produced

2001-2009

MSRP

$32,445

MSRP

$35,800

Listings

3900

Listings

2053

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Improved technology

  • Impressive fuel economy

Cons

  • Price increase reduces overall value

  • Frustrated haptic slider controls remain

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Poor ergonomic design

Reviews Summary

Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year.

Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive.

Reviews Summary

The Volvo S60 competes with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Infiniti Q50. But the S60 wasn't always so competitive. In fact, dating back to 2000, it was kind of its own thing, the closest competitor being Saab. Well, Saab is no more, and Volvo woke up, realizing it had to make a sedan with mass appeal. From a visual standpoint, it’s hard not to find the S60 appealing.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

36
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo S60
2019 Volvo S60
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo S60
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1985-1992
2001-2009
MSRP
$32,445
$35,800
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.5

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Improved technology

  • Impressive fuel economy

Cons

  • Price increase reduces overall value

  • Frustrated haptic slider controls remain

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Poor ergonomic design

Summary

Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year.

Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive.

The Volvo S60 competes with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Infiniti Q50. But the S60 wasn't always so competitive. In fact, dating back to 2000, it was kind of its own thing, the closest competitor being Saab. Well, Saab is no more, and Volvo woke up, realizing it had to make a sedan with mass appeal. From a visual standpoint, it’s hard not to find the S60 appealing.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 241 hp I4
2.0L 250 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
24
24
MPG Highway
32
36
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