2019 Honda Civic vs 2019 Volvo S60

Volvo had managed to completely transform its image from quirky to sexy over the past decade. The 2019 S60, a scaled-down version of the flagship S90 sedan, competed with luxury models like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The S60 featured straight lines and precise angles, with an athletic stance thanks to its rear fender and C-pillar. The design was so appealing that it invited closer inspection, even if it didn't always prioritize function.

The 2019 S60 came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum included a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among other features. The R-Design, which was tested, added fog lights, power-retractable side-view mirrors, and an R-Design steering wheel with paddle shifters. The top-tier Inscription offered genuine leather upholstery and 4-zone climate control, along with the optional Advance Package, which included features like a 360-degree camera and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2019 Honda Civic, while not as stylish as the Mazda3, brought its own brand of upscale style with a new gloss-black upper grille, revised lower bumper, and larger 18-inch wheels. The sedan's silhouette was graceful, and the wraparound LED lights added a unique touch. The Touring-trim test car featured chrome door handles and LED headlights that resembled tiny crystals. For 2019, Honda introduced a new Sport trim with a center-mounted exhaust and exterior flash similar to the performance-oriented Si trim.

The Civic Hatchback, listed as a separate model, had a tall and aggressive rear end, while the Coupe model offered a more balanced alternative. The max-attack Civic Type R, available only in hatchback form, was essentially a race car. The interior maintained a high-tech yet simplified theme, with a central LCD screen for the tachometer and speedometer, and a thin center stack with minimal buttons. Despite a starting price under $20,000, the Civic's fit and finish felt high quality, even if the rear doors had hard plastic surfaces.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered three powertrain options: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to front-wheel drive (FWD). The T6, which was tested, had a twin-charged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, sent to all-wheel drive (AWD). The range-topping T8 was a plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 400 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, featuring a hybrid AWD layout and a 21-mile all-electric range. All powertrains used an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The T6 provided plenty of acceleration, with instantaneous throttle and transmission responses. Despite its FWD layout, the S60 felt like a firmly planted rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan, staying flat through corners. The T6 with AWD was estimated to return 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined. In a week of combined driving, it achieved 23.2 mpg. The T5 had an estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 36 highway, and 28 combined.

The 2019 Honda Civic offered a variety of engines. The LX and Sport sedans and coupes came with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, with a 6-speed manual transmission standard on the sedan and optional on the coupe. The EX and above trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 with 174 hp and 162 lb-ft, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hatchback exclusively used the turbo engine, making 180 hp in the Hatchback Sport. The Si and Type R models offered 205 hp and 306 hp, respectively, with manual transmissions.

The turbo engine was recommended for its quick response and better mid-range acceleration. The CVT was impressive, simulating gear ratios without straining the engine. The Civic's handling was superb, with direct steering, a well-balanced suspension, and strong brakes. It offered a sporty driving experience without compromising comfort and reliability.

The 2019 Volvo S60 took a form-over-function approach with its interior. While it offered sensible steering-wheel-mounted controls and ample cubby space, some physical controls were awkwardly placed. The starter was located between the front seats, requiring an awkward reach, and the drive-mode selector was a cumbersome roller. However, the conventional shifter was a smart choice, providing a familiar P-R-N-D layout. The backseat space was decent, and the 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was average for the class.

The 2019 Honda Civic improved its interior with a volume knob and shortcut buttons for the infotainment system, addressing previous complaints. The three-spoke steering wheel controlled the central display, and analog gauges flanked the central screen. The conventional PRNDL shifter was a welcome feature. The rear seat offered surprising roominess, with optional heated outboard seats. Cargo space was significant, with 15.1 cubic feet in the sedan (14.7 in the Touring), 11.9 to 12.1 cubic feet in the coupe, and up to 46.2 cubic feet in the hatchback. The center console provided ample storage, and visibility was good in all directions.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which took a tablet-like approach to menu navigation. While it looked great, many features were buried in the screen, making simple tasks cumbersome. The system occasionally lagged and froze, which could be frustrating. However, it included a volume dial, play/pause button, and a home button for easier navigation.

The 2019 Honda Civic's Android-based infotainment system felt dated compared to newer Honda models. However, it redeemed itself with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 450-watt, 10-speaker stereo on the Touring trim was improved, and Honda's LaneWatch camera provided a live feed of the blind spot. The Garmin-based navigation system was a standout, with better graphics and quick, accurate voice-based input.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It also included driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The Advance Package added a head-up display, headlight washers, a 360-degree camera, and active bending headlights, along with Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2019 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing as standard on all trims except the Si and Type R. This included forward-collision alert with emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The IIHS rated various 2016–2018 Civic models with its top Good rating in all six crash tests, and the NHTSA awarded the 2019 Civic five stars in all categories except the coupe's passenger-side frontal crash rating, which received four stars.