Compare the2022 Acura TLXVS 2022 Volvo S60

The Acura TLX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The S60 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the TLX and the S60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Acura TLX is safer than the Volvo S60:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Acura TLX is safer than the Volvo S60:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the TLX 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.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the TLX’s reliability 58 points higher than the S60.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 26th in initial quality. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 29th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 25th.

The TLX’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 25 more horsepower (272 vs. 247) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 258) than the S60 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Acura TLX turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the S60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the TLX Type S’ fuel efficiency. The S60 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the TLX and the S60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All TLXs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The S60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura TLX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The S60 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura TLX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the S60.

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

The TLX stops shorter than the S60:

For better traction, the TLX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S60 (255/35R20 vs. 235/45R18).

The TLX Type S’ 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.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TLX Type S has standard 20-inch wheels. The S60’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The TLX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The S60 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The front and rear suspension of the TLX 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 TLX offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The S60’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the TLX is 1 inch wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than on the S60.

The TLX Type S handles at .97 G’s, while the S60 Polestar pulls only .90 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The TLX Type S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the S60 R-Design AWD (25 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 25.8 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

The TLX uses 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 TLX has .2 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front hip room, 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the S60.

The TLX has a much larger trunk than the S60 (13.5 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 4% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 11th.

The TLX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Acura TLX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volvo S60 isn't recommended.

The Acura TLX outsold the Volvo 60 Series by almost two to one during the 2021 model year.