Volvo S60 vs Honda Accord Hybrid

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 took the elegant design of the flagship S90 and adapted it to a smaller luxury platform, competing with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The S60 maintained Volvo's signature straight lines and precise angles, but added a touch of flair with its athletic rear fender and C-pillar. The interior was a blend of form and function, with sensible steering-wheel-mounted controls and ample storage space, though some controls were awkwardly placed. The S60 offered trims like the Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each with varying levels of luxury and technology, including features like a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive driver-assistance suite.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid maintained a more traditional design, closely resembling other models in the Accord lineup, with subtle "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic wheel designs as the only distinguishing features. This approach avoided the odd design cues often seen in hybrid versions of mainstream vehicles, making it appealing to those who appreciated the standard Accord's look. The Accord Hybrid offered four trim levels, starting with the base Hybrid and moving up to the Hybrid Touring, each providing a range of features from driver-assistance technologies to premium sound systems. The interior was spacious, with a massive backseat and a large trunk, making it a practical choice for families. The Accord Hybrid's design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with comfortable seating and ample storage space.

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 4-cylinder 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, offering a 21-mile all-electric range. The S60's performance was characterized by its responsive throttle and transmission, providing a sporty driving experience. 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 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, was designed for efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 48 mpg in combined driving. Real-world testing yielded 42.6 mpg, with city and suburban driving returning 44.1 mpg. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain consisted of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system, producing 212 combined horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line, especially in Sport mode, though the eCVT could produce a noticeable drone under hard acceleration. The Accord Hybrid's handling was predictable and composed, though it could lose some composure on undulating roads. Overall, the Accord Hybrid offered a blend of efficiency and performance, making it a practical choice for daily driving.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior was a blend of form and function, with a focus on aesthetics. While the steering-wheel-mounted controls were sensible, some physical controls were awkwardly placed, such as the starter and drive-mode selector. The S60 featured a conventional shifter, a smart choice in a market filled with proprietary designs. Backseat space was decent, and the 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was average for the class.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, however, offered a full-size interior and trunk, with no compromise on passenger space or utility. The massive backseat provided exceptional thigh support and rear air-conditioning vents, though front-seat track travel was limited. The seat cushions were comfortable, and the Touring trim added features like heated and ventilated front seats. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was a generous 16.7 cubic feet, capable of accommodating large items with ease. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have been even more practical.

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 touches for simple tasks, such as adjusting climate controls. The system occasionally lagged or froze, which could be frustrating. However, it included a volume dial and track-skip buttons for convenience.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid's Display Audio infotainment system, available on EX trim and higher, was intuitive and user-friendly. It featured large knobs for power and volume, as well as shortcut buttons, making it easy to use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and quick-charge USB ports. Higher trims added premium sound systems, navigation, and advanced connectivity features like a WiFi hotspot and HondaLink services. The system integrated well with daily driving, though voice-recognition technology could be improved.

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

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, as standard. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was smoother and more refined than previous iterations, particularly in adaptive cruise control. The Accord Hybrid also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a multi-angle reversing camera. In crash tests, the Accord received top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though only Touring versions with LED headlights earned a Top Safety Pick designation.