2025 Volvo S60 vs 2026 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Volvo S60 roars onto the scene with a potent 247 horsepower, offering a refined yet energetic drive centered around its 8-speed automatic transmission and efficient 30 combined MPG. Conversely, the slightly smaller 2026 Audi A3, starting at a competitive $40,100, brings the dynamic grip of All-Wheel Drive, even with a slightly lower 201 horsepower output. While the Volvo boasts superior space, with 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Audi’s 8.3 cubic feet, the A3 counters with lower running costs, requiring only regular unleaded fuel. The S60 demands a $42,600 MSRP and uses premium fuel, widening the performance gap by 46 horsepower while offering 6 MPG better efficiency overall. This comparison pits accessible AWD composure against more powerful, traditional FWD performance in the compact executive segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 offers superior fuel economy at 30 combined MPG, making daily commuting cheaper than the A3's 28 MPG rating.
2025 Volvo S60
The S60 provides significantly more utility with a 11.6 cu ft cargo area versus the A3's tighter 8.3 cu ft capacity.
2025 Volvo S60
The S60 delivers 46 more horsepower, translating to a noticeably quicker driving experience even with its FWD layout.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 has a lower starting MSRP of $40,100 and accepts regular unleaded fuel, reducing ownership overhead compared to the S60.
Choose the Volvo S60 if...
- You prioritize sheer power and enjoy having 247 horsepower readily available.
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from the substantially larger 11.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the smoother, predictable shifts provided by the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- All-wheel drive grip is essential for your typical driving conditions, as standard on the A3.
- You aim for the lowest entry price, with the A3 starting $2,500 less at $40,100.
- Minimizing fuel expense is key, as the A3 runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo S60 | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.1" | 177.3" |
| Width | 72.8" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.6" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 113.1" | 103.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm | 201 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 236 lb-ft |
| 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 | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/36 MPG | 24/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 429.3/572.4 mi. | 348.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 220W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.4 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo S60 and 2026 Audi A3.
How significant is the performance gap between the S60 and the A3?
The 2025 Volvo S60 holds a distinct advantage with 247 horsepower compared to the 2026 Audi A3's 201 horsepower, resulting in a 46 hp difference. This power edge means the S60 will feel considerably more potent when accelerating onto highways or making quick overtakes.
Which vehicle is better equipped for poor weather conditions?
The 2026 Audi A3 is inherently better equipped for slick roads because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Volvo S60 utilizes a Front Wheel Drive system, which may offer less confidence in heavy snow or rain.
Is the Volvo's higher MSRP justified by its efficiency?
The Volvo S60 starts at $42,600 versus the Audi's $40,100. While the Volvo costs more upfront, it delivers 30 combined MPG versus the Audi's 28 MPG, potentially saving on fuel costs over the long run, despite requiring premium fuel.
How much more practical is the Volvo S60 for hauling cargo?
The S60 offers significantly more storage, providing 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The A3 is notably tighter, offering only 8.3 cubic feet, making the Volvo the superior choice for shoppers who frequently carry luggage or gear.
Are there major differences in the transmissions used?
Yes, the Volvo S60 uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for smoother power delivery. In contrast, the Audi A3 employs a 7-speed automated manual, which offers a sportier feel but can sometimes behave differently during low-speed maneuvers.
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