2025 Volvo S60 vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Volvo S60 and the 2026 Nissan Z brings up a classic dilemma: luxury comfort versus raw performance. If your priority is daily driving efficiency, the S60 offers a clear win with its 30 MPG combined, significantly better than the Z’s 20 MPG combined rating. This efficiency comes at the cost of power, as the Volvo puts out 247 hp compared to the Nissan's potent 400 hp. For sheer muscle, the Z dominates with 350 lb-ft of torque versus the S60’s 258 lb-ft. Despite the performance gap, the S60 has a slightly higher MSRP at $42,600 versus the Z's $42,970, though they are priced closely. Furthermore, the S60 provides a practical sedan body with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, while the Z is a smaller, lower coupe at 51.8 inches tall.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo S60
The 2025 Volvo S60 is the superior commuter due to its much better fuel economy of 30 MPG combined.
2025 Volvo S60
As a sedan with four doors and a more practical 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, the S60 better serves family needs than the two-seat Nissan Z coupe.
2026 Nissan Z
The 2026 Nissan Z will excite drivers more with its 400 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque, and engaging rear-wheel-drive, manual transmission setup.
2025 Volvo S60
For a slightly lower initial price, the S60 offers substantially lower running costs thanks to its superior fuel economy.
Choose the Volvo S60 if...
- You prioritize running costs and excellent fuel economy, specifically achieving 36 MPG on the highway.
- You need a practical four-door sedan layout for passengers and moderate cargo (11.6 cu ft).
- You prefer the stability and predictable handling of a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Maximum driving excitement is paramount, driven by the 400 hp engine and standard manual transmission.
- You prefer the dynamic feel and power delivery of rear-wheel drive.
- A low-slung coupe profile is more appealing than a traditional sedan, despite the smaller overall footprint (172.4 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo S60 | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.1" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.8" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.6" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 113.1" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/36 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 429.3/572.4 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 8.0 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 | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.4 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 245/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo S60 and 2026 Nissan Z.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the Volvo S60 and the Nissan Z?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Volvo S60 achieves a combined 30 MPG, whereas the 2026 Nissan Z is rated for only 20 MPG combined. This 10 MPG gap means the S60 will cost considerably less to fuel over the long term.
If I enjoy shifting my own gears, which car fits my needs?
The 2026 Nissan Z is the clear choice as it comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, perfect for enthusiast driving. The 2025 Volvo S60 only offers an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Which vehicle is physically larger and offers more interior space?
The Volvo S60 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 188.1 inches long compared to the Z's 172.4 inches. Additionally, the S60’s sedan body provides a usable 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which the compact Z coupe lacks.
Does the premium unleaded fuel recommendation mean both cars are expensive to run?
Both cars require premium fuel, but the S60's much better efficiency (30 MPG combined vs. 20 MPG combined) means its overall fuel expenses will be lower despite the premium requirement.
Which car offers substantially more power output?
The 2026 Nissan Z offers dramatically more power, boasting 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the Volvo S60's 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, a difference of 153 hp.
Is there a significant height difference between these two models?
Yes, the Nissan Z is significantly lower, standing at 51.8 inches tall, enhancing its sporty appearance. The Volvo S60 sedan is taller at 56.6 inches, providing easier ingress and egress for commuters and families.
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