You Can Do Better Than a 2020 Volvo S60
The luxury small car segment is a crowded class for 2020. Many vehicles offer spacious interiors combined with composed driving dynamics, while other sedans in the category can’t hold a candle to the top contenders. U.S. Cars and News Report evaluated all the small luxury cars on the market to determine which ones offered not only the best quality but the best overall driving experience as well.
The 2020 Volvo S60 made it into the top 10, coming in at number seven. Although impressive, several other competing brands are worth looking at as they provide a lot more bang for the buck.
The 2020 Volvo S60 is a bit overrated
The 2020 Volvo S60 gets many praises and even has a plug-in, but it is overrated. U.S. News claims that “it comes up short against some heavy competition in this class.”
Despite the elegant cabin, the S60 underperforms with a complicated infotainment system and a lower than average predicted reliability rating. The ride is comfortable with plenty of room for passengers, but the limited trunk space is less than adequate. U.S. News felt the Volvo S60 was “not as agile as many rivals” in its handling and performance.
Quite frankly, it’s astonishing that the Volvo did so well among competitors. The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon came in at number nine, even though it is better and cheaper than the S60. With an MSRP of $36,000, U.S. News said the Arteon “is definitely worth consideration” because “you get a lot of car for your money.”
Cars to consider before selecting the Volvo S60
Looking at the U.S. Cars and News Report rankings, there are at least six better cars to consider before selecting the Volvo S60. The 2021 Genesis G70, 2020 BMW 2-Series, and 2020 Audi A5 all rank ahead of the Volvo for the best luxury small cars for 2020.
A surprise contender in the small luxury car segment is the 2020 Kia Stinger, which is tied for fourth place with the 2020 Audi A4. The Kia sports sedan offers a spacious interior filled with upgraded technology features. Precision handling and good safety ratings make the Kia Stinger a worthy competitor in the crowded class. The Audi A4 received an overall U.S. News score of 8.5 out of 10 based on its composed ride, refreshed exterior styling, and an opulent interior. Both vehicles offer comfortable rides with a luxurious feel.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-class comes in at number six, just ahead of the Volvo S60. With an overall score of 8.1 out of 10, U.S. News credits the comfortable ride and abundance of standard and optional features for its position in the top third of the luxury small car rankings.
The best luxury small cars for 2020
The 2021 Genesis G70 tops the list, being the number one choice because of its opulent cabin that includes quilted Nappa leather seats. U.S. Cars and News Report claims the G70 sedan offers “thrilling performance” from the powerful V6 engine. The segment-leading predicted reliability propels this quality vehicle to the head of the pack.
The 2020 BMW 2-Series offers a powerful combination of speed and agility that provides a “more-than-adequate punch for most driving needs.” Considered one of the best luxury small cars, there is comfortable seating, a quality infotainment system, and plenty of upgraded technology features. U.S. News says the 2-Series “will appeal to anyone who wants a fun-to-drive car.”
Taking the third-place spot is the 2020 Audi A5 with a powerful engine and high-quality interior. Intuitive tech features and updated exterior styling makes an impressive statement in this competitive segment. U.S. News says, “The A5 is one of the most well-rounded vehicles in the class and should be on the shortlist for every luxury small car shopper.”
