2025 Lexus IS vs 2025 Volvo S60

$40,535 · Sedan

$42,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant difference between the 2025 Lexus IS and the 2025 Volvo S60 lies in fuel economy, where the S60 achieves a superior 30 MPG combined, outperforming the Lexus IS’s 25 MPG combined by a notable 5 MPG margin. Despite the fuel savings, the Lexus starts at a lower MSRP of $40,535 compared to the S60's $42,600. Performance metrics are tightly clustered, with the S60 producing 247 horsepower against the IS’s 241 hp, while both vehicles share an identical 258 lb-ft of torque. Dimensionally, the S60 is slightly longer at 188.1 inches versus 185.4 inches, offering marginally more cargo space at 11.6 cu ft compared to the IS’s 10.8 cu ft. However, the IS utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration, whereas the S60 employs front-wheel drive, influencing the driving dynamics significantly.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo S60

The 2025 Volvo S60 is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 offers slightly more utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus IS's 10.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS offers a more traditional enthusiast setup with its standard rear-wheel-drive layout, contrasting the Volvo's front-wheel drive configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS offers a $2,065 lower starting MSRP ($40,535 vs $42,600) despite offering slightly less horsepower.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

You prioritize a traditional rear-wheel-drive experience over front-wheel drive.
Minimizing the initial purchase price is key, as the Lexus IS starts at $40,535.
You prefer an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with RWD architecture.

Choose the Volvo S60 if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by the S60’s 30 MPG combined rating.
You need the extra usable space provided by 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the marginally higher output of 247 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus IS	Volvo S60
Length	185.4"	188.1"
Width	72.4"	72.8"
Height	56.5"	56.6"
Wheelbase	110.2"	113.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5200 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/31 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	365.4/539.4 mi.	429.3/572.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Stereo Power	—	220W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	37.4 in.
Front Leg Room	44.8 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	55.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.2 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.4 in.	54.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.0 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/45R18	235/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus IS and 2025 Volvo S60.

What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Lexus IS and the 2025 Volvo S60?

The Lexus IS comes standard with rear-wheel drive, utilizing an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Volvo S60 uses a front-wheel-drive setup with its matching 8-speed automatic.

How does the fuel requirement affect ownership costs?

The Lexus IS requires premium unleaded fuel, potentially increasing operational costs, while the Volvo S60 only recommends premium unleaded, giving the driver more flexibility.

Which sedan provides better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Volvo S60 is significantly better for fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined (27/36 city/highway) compared to the Lexus IS’s 25 MPG combined (21/31 city/highway).

Are there noticeable size differences between the two models?

Yes, the Volvo S60 is slightly longer (188.1 inches vs. 185.4 inches) and marginally wider and taller, translating to a slightly larger cabin and 11.6 cu ft of cargo room versus the IS’s 10.8 cu ft.