2016
Volvo S60 Inscription

Starts at:
$38,900
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New 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn T5 Drive-E Premier FWD
    Starts at
    $38,900
    25 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn T5 Premier AWD
    Starts at
    $40,400
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-5
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn T5 Drive-E Platinum FWD
    Starts at
    $41,900
    25 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn T5 Platinum AWD
    Starts at
    $43,400
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-5
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription

Notable features

New Cross Country and Inscription models
Front- or all-wheel drive
City Safety low-speed collision avoidance standard
Pedestrian and cyclist detection with auto-braking available

The good & the bad

The good

Responsive steering
Smooth eight-speed automatic transmission
Sound quality of available premium stereo

The bad

Stop-start technology annoys
Nonlinear brake-pedal response
Gray interior looks dreary
See all specifications

Expert 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Volvo, now owned by Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Geely, is the first luxury brand to export a car from China to the U.S. with the new Inscription, which is an S60 with a stretched wheelbase for an additional 2.9 inches of rear legroom. The Inscription is also more luxurious and is offered with front- or all-wheel drive.

The front-drive model comes with a 240-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission while the all-wheel-drive version has a 250-hp, turbo 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic.
What’s Special

  • 2.9 inches of additional rear legroom
  • Walnut inlays and silk-finish metal interior trim
  • Interior accent lighting
  • Side window shades and a power rear shade
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

Here’s info on the regular S60:
The Volvo S60 is a five-seat luxury sedan that goes toe-to-toe with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s available with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of turbocharged engines.
New for 2016
Two new models join the S60 lineup: the China-built Inscription with front- or all-wheel drive and the all-wheel-drive Cross Country. Volvo will also offer a small run of all-wheel-drive Polestar S60s powered by a 345-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and featuring suspension and brake system modifications.

(Skip to details on the: S60 Cross Country)
Significant Standard Features

  • LED daytime running lights
  • Power front seats
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Multimedia system with 7-inch dashboard screen
  • City Safety collision avoidance system
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Heated windshield
  • Power moonroof
  • Configurable digital instrument panel
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Blind spot warning system
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Backup camera
  • Harman Kardon premium audio system
  • Dual-screen backseat entertainment system

S60 Cross Country
The S60 Cross Country uses the same basic playbook as Volvo’s other Cross Country models but in a sedan format: standard all-wheel drive, a raised suspension and SUV-like styling cues. It’s powered by a 250-hp, turbocharged five-cylinder engine.
What’s Special

  • Unique front-end styling, including a honeycomb grille
  • Black fender extensions
  • 7.9 inches of ground clearance

Back to top

2016 Volvo S60 Inscription review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Volvo, now owned by Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Geely, is the first luxury brand to export a car from China to the U.S. with the new Inscription, which is an S60 with a stretched wheelbase for an additional 2.9 inches of rear legroom. The Inscription is also more luxurious and is offered with front- or all-wheel drive.

The front-drive model comes with a 240-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission while the all-wheel-drive version has a 250-hp, turbo 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic.
What’s Special

  • 2.9 inches of additional rear legroom
  • Walnut inlays and silk-finish metal interior trim
  • Interior accent lighting
  • Side window shades and a power rear shade
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

Here’s info on the regular S60:
The Volvo S60 is a five-seat luxury sedan that goes toe-to-toe with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s available with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of turbocharged engines.
New for 2016
Two new models join the S60 lineup: the China-built Inscription with front- or all-wheel drive and the all-wheel-drive Cross Country. Volvo will also offer a small run of all-wheel-drive Polestar S60s powered by a 345-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and featuring suspension and brake system modifications.

(Skip to details on the: S60 Cross Country)
Significant Standard Features

  • LED daytime running lights
  • Power front seats
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Multimedia system with 7-inch dashboard screen
  • City Safety collision avoidance system
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Heated windshield
  • Power moonroof
  • Configurable digital instrument panel
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Blind spot warning system
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Backup camera
  • Harman Kardon premium audio system
  • Dual-screen backseat entertainment system

S60 Cross Country
The S60 Cross Country uses the same basic playbook as Volvo’s other Cross Country models but in a sedan format: standard all-wheel drive, a raised suspension and SUV-like styling cues. It’s powered by a 250-hp, turbocharged five-cylinder engine.
What’s Special

  • Unique front-end styling, including a honeycomb grille
  • Black fender extensions
  • 7.9 inches of ground clearance

Back to top

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
3 years / 30,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 5 years / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
5 years / unlimited miles , upgradeable up to 10 years
Dealer certification
170- plus point inspection
See all CPO program details

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  • 2017
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  • 2017
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Consumer reviews

75% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.5
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.1

Most recent

  • By MLJH from Greensboro
    Owns this car
    September 24, 2020

    Made a Volvo fan out of me

    I bought a fantastic car at CarLotz. No pressure. Professional, kind, efficient staff and service. Very impressive Store Manager oversaw the transaction to a smooth fruition. He did the number one thing all true sales professionals do. He asked for referrals. There you have it.....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By DDC from The Plains, VA
    Owns this car
    February 1, 2019

    Most Beautiful Car I've Owned

    I love the heated steering wheel, the heated seats, the blind spot indicators -- all the safe driving options. Mostly, I love the look of the car and the extra leg room in the back seat area.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By cshort from Gilbert az
    Owns this car
    June 13, 2018

    Great ride

    love the tech and great gas mileage 29mpg. very comfortable on road trip. love the active cruse control. sound system is very good. the car looks very sporty
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By JimEd from Kansas City
    Owns this car
    April 30, 2018

    sleek and powerful S60 inscription platinum

    I've owned my s60 Inscription Platinum for 18 months, having purchased it through the Volvo cpo program that is one of, if not the best in the industry (7 year 100,000 mile warranty - no deductible). I get many positive comments on this car. The sleek exterior look of the car is something different from the obligatory Audis or BMWs. I owned an Audi A4 that was plagued with various ills (transmission primarily). Everything on this s60 works to perfection and I've have had no problems whatsoever. This car has a powerful standard engine, huge rear legroom with extras that are worthwhile such as rear side curtains and rear window shade. The sensus entertainment system is actually very easy to operate although I've seen some auto writers who seem mystified by it. The blind spot information system and the adaptive cruise control make highway driving so much safer and pretty much a pleasure, to say nothing of the comfort of Volvo's front seats. Since I'm getting along in age, the comfortable seating is a very welcome and outstanding feature. This is my first Volvo but I have had a very positive experience with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By new volvo owner from Boise, ID
    Owns this car
    February 3, 2018

    Volvo S60 AWD

    Nice exterior styling, has high sides, but partly due to a steel cage that is built around the car and part of Volvo being one of the safest cars to drive. Nice wheels and I like the rear design also. The Inscription has the light leather color that I've always wanted, and a choice of digital design for the instrument panel, as well as color. Intuitive computer screen and well laid out interior design as well. The turbo 5 cylinder engine is smooth with no noticeable turbo lag and plenty or H.P. and torque. I did want to get a 5 cyl. as they won't be around much longer. It burns regular gas and has a 4 year warranty with 3 year free maintenance. I like the fact that it has the same size wheels all around to be able to rotate tires, and the AWD system is matched perfectly to give good grip around corners. Other AWD vehicles I've owned don't seem to be this sticky on the road, and this car will give you what you need when asked.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By 2ndchance
    Owns this car
    January 24, 2018

    The jury says do not buy this model.

    The car gets good mileage as long as eco is used but have not seen 37 to date, nice seats and has extra leg room verses other models. It drives okay and maintains speed well once it shifts through gears. But it is slow to shift. It cannot support a roof rack due to the additional length and does not have a spare. Also no settings for engine temp. Autostart /stop is not smooth and grinds at times...start at slight incline or when quick moving between pedals, warrenty now but concerned for impacts to tranny long term, the car feels cheaper than former volvos...did not notice until driving it more, roof interior fabric is thin, it is noisy around doors, windows and windsheild, the nice sound system is wasted as the car cannot support it even at low volumes and with equaliser and speaker adjustments, electronics/settings are not as navigational or straight forward as they could be, importantly for winter climates the heat air flow is almost nonexistint when using the floor setting- did volvo forget to insulate or route the duct vents in a new configuration? The upper windsheild setting stays on with more flow than other settings when not selected. We expected more and better quality for a newer car from volvo. Bring back the 5-cylinder, the interior and ride quality, please.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
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  • By Jhana88 from Charlotte, NC
    Owns this car
    April 13, 2017

    Great Handling Car with plenty of torque!

    Beautiful handling, better than Acura TLX. What kept me from buying it were several, to me important details: No oil dip stick. No spare tire. Bland looking, could've confused it with any old Ford. Made in China. Inside is gorgeous and would even improve if they lost the waterfall column taking away from storage space despite behind it keeping a hole open for personal belongings, which is too small and awkward to reach. Price is exorbitant but I'd pay extra for the safety.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By BMAC613 from Lakeside, CA
    Owns this car
    February 1, 2016

    Not typical Volvo quality

    I purchased this vehicle after coming out of a BMW 5-series sedan. I can tell you I'm very sad I made that decision. I did a short test drive with this car in Los Angeles, which really prevents it from being too long with the freeway traffic. Everything seemed fine. After a couple weeks with the car the door panels rattle horribly with the music at 1/3 volume. This isn't a good thing after paying for the Harmon-Kardon sound system upgrade. These aren't little rattles, this kind of rattle comes from a 1992 Hyundai kind of rattle, which is in both front door panels. Then you have the MPG posted on the window sticker. 25 MPG city/ 37 MPG highway. I have yet to get a tank average of 23 MPG driving 85% highway between San Diego and Los Angeles. How is that possible? Mind boggling. My 5 series sedan and my 2013 Lexus GS350 each handily beat the MPG of this 4-cylinder vehicle. I highly recommend you stay away from the inscription model, which is made in China and is really China's first mass produced US vehicle import. I would encourage you to look more at the models continuing to be made in Sweden or the US.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
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Volvo dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription?

The 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription is available in 4 trim levels:

  • T5 Drive-E Platinum (1 style)
  • T5 Drive-E Premier (1 style)
  • T5 Platinum (1 style)
  • T5 Premier (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription?

The 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 37 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription?

The 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription reliable?

The 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription has an average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription owners.

Is the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription. 75.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.1

Volvo S60 Inscription history

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