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Does the Volvo S60 outrank the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in any category? The most recent J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) ranks the Volvo S60 higher than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In the Compact Premium Car category, the S60 ranks second, while the C-Class doesn’t crack the top three models in this class.

What does this study tell us about the Volvo S60 and its dependability?

J.D. Power conducts the VDS annually to determine the continued dependability of vehicles from three model years prior. This means the 2020 versions of the S60 and C-Class were reviewed, along with the rest of the vehicle class, to determine the rankings. In the Compact Premium Car category, the BMW 4 Series ranks highest, and the BMW 3 Series takes the third spot with the S60 sandwiched between them.

When comparing the Volvo and Mercedes-Benz entries in this class, the Volvo ranked two points higher overall than the Benz. In the Quality and Reliability category, the S60 scores five points higher than the C-Class, making it more dependable to drive.

What do owners like most about the 2020 Volvo S60?

This stylish compact luxury sedan from Volvo has a lot going for it. The top three things that owners like about the Volvo S60 are:

  • The cabin is well-insulated from outside noises
  • This Volvo sedan feels safe and secure on the road
  • High-quality materials throughout the cabin

What do owners dislike about the 2020 Volvo S60?

Although this small Volvo sedan has many admirable qualities, it’s pretty easy to find a few drawbacks. The disliked qualities are:

  • Lower-than-average navigation experience
  • The engine sound is bothersome
  • Other vehicles feel better when started

What did Volvo add compared to its previous model year?

The 2020 version of the S60 received a few upgrades and changes compared to its previous model year iteration. These changes include:

  • Discontinuation of the Four C-Active
  • All versions received a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • A new paint color, Bursting Blue Metallic, was added
  • R-Design models received a new Slate Gray Nappa Leather interior color

Among the many features included in this Volvo sedan, the City Safety tech is a favorite. This safety technology packages the benefits of automatic braking and other collision-avoidance systems to keep you safe on the road. At the time, the City Safety system was the only safety package on the market that detects pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

2020 Volvo S60 powertrain options

Volvo includes three different power levels for this dependable three-year-old sedan. All three powertrains utilize a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. These powertrains are:

T5

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine/eight-speed automatic

250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque

23/34 mpg (FWD), 21/32 mpg (AWD)

T6

2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged four-cylinder engine/eight-speed automatic

316 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque

21/32 mpg (AWD only)

T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid

2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged PHEV four-cylinder engine

400 horsepower, 472 lb-ft of torque

30 mpg combined, 69 MPGe

This Volvo sedan could be right for you

J.D. Power proves that the 2020 Volvo S60 is one of the highest-ranking premium sedans in its annual dependability study. The S60 was offered in nine trim levels, which are much more affordable three years later than in 2020. Consumers searching for an affordable, low-mileage, dependable premium sedan should consider the S60. This Volvo sedan could be the car many enjoy driving for several years down the road.