Compare the2023 Lexus ISVS 2023 Volvo S60

The Lexus IS 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 IS 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, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

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

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

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS 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 IS’ reliability 29 points higher than the S60.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The S60 isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in initial quality. With 99 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volvo is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Volvo is ranked 18th.

The IS 500’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 17 more horsepower (472 vs. 455) than the S60 T8’s optional 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the IS 300 AWD 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the S60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

As tested in Car and Driver the IS 500 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the S60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

The IS has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the S60 (17.4 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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

The IS stops shorter than the S60:

The F Sport Design’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.

The IS has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The S60’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The front and rear suspension of the IS 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 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.

The IS 350 F Sport handles at .93 G’s, while the S60 AWD pulls only .90 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The IS 500 Performance executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the S60 Plus AWD (25.2 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 25.8 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the S60’s (34.2 feet vs. 37.1 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the S60’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet).

The IS 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 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 first in service department satisfaction. With a 43% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

The IS’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and 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.

The IS’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The S60 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Consumer Reports rated the IS’ headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the S60’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

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

Optional air-conditioned seats in the IS keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The S60 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the IS is less expensive to operate than the S60 because it costs $154 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the IS than the S60, including $233 less for a muffler, $84 less for front brake pads and $405 less for a fuel pump.

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The S60 isn’t in the top three.

The Lexus IS outsold the Volvo 60 Series by 69% during the 2021 model year.