Volvo S60 vs. S90: A Comparison

Volvo has solidified its ranking as a sophisticated, capable, and safety-oriented Swedish brand. However, deciding which Swedish sedan to purchase can seem daunting, especially if money is no object. The Volvo S60 and S90 sedans represent the epitome of luxury in four-door format. If you’re struggling to determine whether the S60 or S90 better suits your lifestyle, you’re not alone. 

A FINN car subscription can help simplify your decision with actual time spent behind the wheel of both Volvo sedans. FINN includes the Volvo S60 and Volvo S90 in its extensive lineup and offers flexible mileage and subscription length terms. Your FINN monthly subscription fee also includes insurance, registration, depreciation, and maintenance. 

What’s the difference between the Volvo S60 vs. S90?

While the Volvo S60 and S90 may not make the best mom cars, they do offer buyers a premium driving experience behind the wheel of a luxury sedan. Below are the main differences between the S60 and S90: 

Volvo offers a sophisticated lineup of elegant sedans, capable SUVs, and luxurious wagons. You can also purchase many of Volvo’s new cars in electrified variants, bringing an element of sustainability to a brand already well-known for safety and sumptuous features. Visit your local Volvo dealership to test drive the new Volvo S60 and S90 models.

Volvo S60 vs. S90 price

The Volvo S60 costs less than the S90 by a significant margin based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). The S60 starts at $42,450 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) base model. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) model starts at $44,705, while the T8 eAWD model is $51,950. You can also purchase the S60 Black Edition for $46,650. 

In contrast, the Volvo S90 is not available in the Black Edition. The base trim starts at $58,300, while the T8 eAWD model costs $65,650. The difference between the T8 eAWD models from the S60 to the S90 is $13,700. 

Volvo S60 vs. S90 size

While the Volvo S60 and S90 both seat up to five occupants, the S60 is technically a compact sedan, while the S90 is midsize. The S60 measures 187.4 inches long and 75.4 inches wide without mirrors. It stands 56.6 inches tall and offers 37.4 inches of front headroom, 56.1 inches of front shoulder room, and 42.3 inches of front legroom. Rear legroom measures 35.2 inches. 

In contrast, the S90 mirrors many full-size cars with a length of 200.4 inches, a width (without mirrors) of 74.9 inches, and a height of 57.4 inches. Front-seat measurements include up to 42.2 inches of legroom, 37.8 inches of front headroom, and 57.5 inches of front shoulder room. Rear legroom measures 40.4 inches, a full 5.2 inches more than the 2024 Volvo S60. 

Volvo S60 vs. S90 interior features

The Volvo S60 offers up to 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space and plenty of creature comforts to make any drive pleasant. Interior features include leather seating, keyless entry, a one-touch release to fold the rear seats, heated front seats, a panoramic roof, a power cushion extension for the driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You can also purchase various packages to complement the features of the S60’s three available trims. 

Volvo equips the S90 with up to 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The two available trims incorporate several key features, from heated and ventilated front seats and power-folding rear seats to a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Keyless entry, a hands-free power trunk lid, and power rear door sunshades also appear on the features list. Premium features include a graphical heads-up display (HUD) and a crystal shift knob by Orrefors. 

Volvo S60 vs. S90 exterior and towing capacity

Volvo’s iconic design elements are readily apparent in the S60 and S90 sedans, from exterior body lines to interior accouterments. The S60 has a slightly sportier stance with more upright styling cues. The S90 bears more resemblance to stately sedans with a somewhat relaxed stance. The S60 is poised forward for the road ahead, while the S90 glides gracefully across the pavement. 

While these Volvo sedans aren’t necessarily built for towing, they can pull up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. In addition, Volvo S90 AWD models can tow up to 2,200 pounds. Despite not being a typical selling point, Volvo does make the S60 and S90 versatile. 

Volvo S60 vs. S90 engine and fuel economy

The 2024 Volvo S60 and S90 rely on an eight-speed automatic transmission to change gears. The S60 can be purchased in FWD or AWD. The S90 comes standard with AWD. The plug-in hybrid powertrain Recharge models are also AWD standard. 

The S60 draws power from a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter engine with 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The S90 turbocharges and supercharges its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Recharge models of both sedans rely on a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine paired with an 18.8 kWh electric motor that offers a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. 

Regarding fuel efficiency, the Recharge models reign supreme with well over 60 EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). However, the 2024 Volvo S60 ranks highest in fuel efficiency with 26 city and 35 highway MPG for 30 MPG combined. The AWD model only achieves 28 MPG combined. The 2024 Volvo S90 AWD offers 22 city and 31 highway MPG for 25 MPG combined. 

Volvo S60 vs. S90 technology and safety features 

Volvo equips its vehicles with plenty of advanced safety features. Standard safety features on the S60 and S90 include: 

• Pilot Assist

• Intelligent Driver Information System 

• Heads-Up Display (HUD)

• Oncoming Lane Mitigation

• Rain Sensor

• 360-degree camera

• BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert

• Road Sign Information

• Lane-Keeping Aid

• Adaptive Cruise Control 

• Park Assist

The S90 also incorporates Rear Collision Warning. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to test the 2024 Volvo S90, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the model “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories. The IIHS also awarded the 2024 Volvo S60 similar “Good” ratings, while the NHTSA gave the model a five-star overall rating.

Standard technology features on the S60 and S90 include: 

• Nine-inch infotainment touchscreen 

• Bluetooth

• HomeLink®

• A 10-speaker sound system 

• 12-inch instrument panel

• Google built-in

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Volvo Cars app connectivity 

Higher trims can take advantage of a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.