Volvo S60 vs Subaru WRX

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 models 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 2019 Volvo 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 we drove, 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, along with the contents of the Advance Package, which included active bending headlights and a 360-degree camera.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, first introduced as a performance variant of the Impreza, had evolved into its own unique model by 2015. The WRX featured a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its racy touches, the non-STI version could be a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin styling, however, was considered pedestrian for a new car in 2021.

The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The Base trim included 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and Limited trims, featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension.

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 we drove, 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 hybrid AWD layout and a 21-mile all-electric range. All powertrains used an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The T6 provided plenty of acceleration, with instantaneous throttle and transmission responses. Despite its FWD layout, the S60 felt like a firmly planted RWD sedan, staying flat through corners. The T6 with AWD was estimated to return 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined. In a week of combined driving, we found a fuel economy of 23.2 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The manual transmission featured a continuous AWD system with a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT had a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The manual transmission provided precise feedback and a smooth clutch pedal, making it ideal for performance driving.

The WRX delivered fantastic power with minimal turbo lag, and the manual transmission allowed for exhilarating acceleration. The car excelled in cornering, with precise steering and no body lean. The WRX STI, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, produced 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, featuring Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for even sharper handling. However, the taut handling resulted in a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior focused on form over function, with sensible steering-wheel-mounted controls and ample storage space. However, some physical controls, like the starter and drive-mode selector, were awkwardly placed. The conventional shifter was a smart choice, offering a familiar P-R-N-D layout. The backseat space was decent, and the S60's 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was average for the class.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's simple sedan layout provided excellent sightlines and visibility. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage compartments. The first-row seating offered ample head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for full-size adults on most trips. The WRX's 12 cubic feet of cargo space was low compared to other compact sedans but similar to other performance cars.

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 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was easy to use and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also had a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

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 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.