Volvo S60 II (Y20) (2010 – 2018)

Reliability score : 7.6/10

The Volvo S60 II (Y20), built on the Ford EUCD / Volvo P3 platform, marked a radical departure from Volvo's traditional boxy designs, introducing a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. Positioned as a premium mid-size sedan, it prioritized safety (introducing City Safety with pedestrian detection), exceptional seat comfort, and refined driving dynamics over outright rear cabin space or trunk capacity. Timeline & Evolution: - 2010: Launch with a mix of Volvo's legendary 5-cylinder/6-cylinder engines and Ford-sourced 4-cylinder units. - 2013 (MY2014 Facelift): Major update featuring a wider grille, new headlights (dropping the split design), digital instrument clusters, and upgraded Sensus infotainment. - 2014: Introduction of Volvo's in-house VEA (Drive-E) 2.0L 4-cylinder engines and the excellent

✅ Strengths

Class-leading seat comfort (arguably the best in the segment)
Outstanding safety ratings and standard active safety tech (City Safety)
Excellent rust protection and high-quality exterior paint
High-end audio systems (Harman Kardon / Premium Sound)
Character and durability of the 5-cylinder engines
Smooth and responsive Aisin 8-speed automatic (post-2014)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Rear legroom and trunk space (380 liters) are below class average
Large turning circle, making city parking cumbersome
Ford Powershift dual-clutch transmission (MPS6) is highly problematic
Severe EGR and oil consumption issues on early VEA 4-cylinder diesels (2014-2016)
Infotainment system (Sensus) feels dated and can be laggy
Heavy curb weight affects agility and increases front tire wear

🎯 Verdict

The Volvo S60 II is a fantastic, comfortable, and incredibly safe cruiser, but it requires careful engine selection. For Diesel Buyers: The sweet spot is the older 2.0D or 2.4D 5-cylinder engines (D3, D4, D5 pre-2015) paired with the Aisin 6-speed automatic or manual. They are virtually indestructible if the auxiliary belt is maintained. If you want modern efficiency, a post-2017 VEA 4-cylinder diesel (D3/D4) with the 8-speed auto is excellent. What to Avoid: Strictly avoid the 1.6D (D2) paired with the Powershift automatic. Furthermore, approach 2014-2016 VEA 4-cylinder diesels with extreme caution unless the EGR recall has been fully completed and the owner can prove it doesn't burn oil.