2020 BMW 3 Series vs. 2020 Volvo S60

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 BMW 3 Series and 2020 Volvo S60 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 BMW 3 Series and the 2020 Volvo S60.

When comparing the 2020 BMW 3 Series's and the 2020 Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the 2020 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and base engine power. The 2020 Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability and interior volume. The 2020 BMW 3 Series and 2020 Volvo S60 have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2020 BMW 3 Series's and the 2020 Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: A used 2020 BMW 3 Series ranges from $18,490 to $42,999 while a used 2020 Volvo S60 is priced between $17,498 to $29,955.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value and the 2020 Volvo S60 loses 52.4 percent of its value. This means the 2020 BMW 3 Series retains 1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Volvo S60.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60 is 7.7 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. BMW 3 Series is ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and Volvo S60 is ranked 13 out of 36, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Volvo S60 the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Volvo S60 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the 2020 Volvo S60 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The S60 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles. This gives the 2020 BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Volvo S60. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2020 Volvo S60 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, and cargo space. The 2020 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2020 BMW 3 Series and 2020 Volvo S60 are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 BMW 3 Series and the 2020 Volvo S60 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.