Compare the2019 Lexus IS SeriesVS 2019 Volvo S60

Both the IS Series and the S60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the IS Series the rating of “Top Pick” for 2018, a rating granted to only 85 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The S60 has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS Series 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the S60. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the S60 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus 8th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 29th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 63 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 22nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2018 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in reliability. Volvo is ranked 23rd.

The IS Series has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the S60 FWD’s standard fuel tank (17.4 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The IS Series has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the S60 AWD’s standard fuel tank (17.4 vs. 15.9 gallons).

For better stopping power the IS Series’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the S60:

The IS Series’ optional 255/35R18 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S60’s optional 40 series tires.

The front and rear suspension of the IS Series uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the S60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The IS Series is 3.1 inches shorter than the S60, making the IS Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The IS Series is 9 inches narrower than the S60, making the IS Series easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The IS Series 300 RWD offers available computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The S60 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The IS Series has .8 inches more front headroom, 2.5 inches more front legroom and .6 inches more rear hip room than the S60.

The engine in the IS Series is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the S60. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in service department satisfaction. With a 29% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 14th.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS Series to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The S60 doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The Lexus IS Series outsold the Volvo 60 Series by 57% during 2017.