Lexus IS vs Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus IS, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $850 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Volvo S60 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus IS | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 26 mpg | 31 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,900 | $2,050 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 345 g/mi | 99 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 52 | 51 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
IS vs S60: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus IS or the Volvo S60?
The Volvo S60 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus IS, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $850 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volvo S60 runs about $2,050 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Lexus IS — a difference of roughly $850 per year.
What engines do the IS and S60 offer?
Lexus IS: SIDI & PFI, SIDI. Volvo S60: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Lexus IS and the Volvo S60 as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: lexus-is-vs-volvo-s60