Shopping for a new, sporty, and luxurious sedan is an exciting time that can quickly get bogged down by a cornucopia of popular brands and phenomenal modern technology. While a lot of this certainly makes for a more convenient ride, it also makes today's luxury sedans some of the safest on the road. Of course, it's no surprise that Volvo knows a few things about safety. After all, this is the company that invented the three-point seatbelt and gave it to the world without a patent because it was more important for everyone to be safer on the roads.
Certainly, Volvo continues to set the standard for safety, value, and reliability, but how does it compare to a competing model like the new 2021 Acura TLX? Both brands harken from distinguished pedigrees and these models each start out with a similar price tag. So, what is it that each one is offering for your money? Even we were surprised to find how much more the latest 2021 Volvo S60 brings to the table. Get a preview below, then come discover it all firsthand with us at Volvo Cars South Bay.
2021 Volvo S60 vs Acura TLX: Design, Comfort & Convenience
In terms of space, the new 2021 Volvo S60 and Acura TLX are similar. However, that's also about where the two models diverge. Take your place behind the wheel, and the new Volvo S60 conveniently puts a 12.3-inch digital driver display in place of the traditional gauge cluster. This advanced display layout adapts to how you use it and there are four graphic modes to choose from. The new Acura TLX, on the other hand, presents a more traditional dash with two analogue gauges and a small digital display between them. Both cars do come standard with a touchscreen interface as part of the center stack, but the Volvo S60 provides a much larger screen for safer, more intuitive operation. Did we mention that you also get a hands-free power trunk in the luxury sedan from Volvo?
2021 Volvo S60 vs Acura TLX: Technology & Connectivity
Virtually all new cars today connect to modern smartphones through Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™. That goes for the new 2021 Volvo S60 and Acura TLX. Both cars can be connected to your smartphone, which allows you to check the car's fuel level and even lock or unlock the doors from your compatible smartphone. However, Volvo On Call smartphone integration takes this connection a step further by allowing you to climatize the vehicle from your phone as well as providing 24/7 personal assistance.
Also standard on every new Volvo S60 are rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, and blind spot monitoring. These are features that will cost more as upgrades on the latest Acura TLX and they're just a few more examples of how upgrading your vehicle to a new Volvo simply provides more for your money.
2021 Volvo S60 vs Acura TLX: Performance
If you've not yet been behind the wheel of a modern Volvo, you're in for a treat when you take the new S60 out for a test drive. The standard direct-injected turbocharged engine pumps out a healthy 250 horsepower while still getting up to 34 MPG. While the Acura TLX does show a little over twenty more horsepower on paper, it's not exactly enough to notice from behind the wheel. And the fuel economy in the luxury sedan from Acura just isn't as good as what you'll get in the Volvo. Of course, power and fuel economy is only the beginning of the luxury car performance story.
To truly understand the difference in ride quality, handling, and overall road noise, we recommend taking each for a test drive. When you do, we think you'll find that the Volvo S60 is simply a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. In fact, the critics at Motor Trend boast that the Volvo S60 is "a great road trip companion." Schedule your test drive with Volvo Cars South Bay to experience exactly what they're talking about.
2021 Volvo S60 vs Acura TLX: Safety
Today's roads are crowded and distracted drivers are the norm, so safety is more important than ever. On this subject, it's almost not fair to the rest of the industry to compare anything to a Volvo. For nearly a century, Volvo has been defined by its pursuit of safety above all else. This is clear when you compare the new 2021 Volvo S60 to the Acura TLX. In fact, you don't even have to take our word for it. The independent experts at the IIHS recently awarded the Volvo S60 their prestigious 2020 Top Safety Pick. It denotes a level of safety you just don't find in the Acura TLX. So, what makes the Volvo so much safer? It has a lot to do with generous standard driver assistance technology and equipment.
2021 Volvo S60 vs Acura TLX: Driver Assistance
You've probably heard that today's new cars are coming with a host of impressive driver assistance technology like automatic pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. This is true of the new 2021 Volvo S60 and the Acura TLX. However, Volvo takes things a bit further. We already mentioned the standard blind spot monitor that will cost extra in the Acura TLX, but the Volvo S60 comes with so much more. For instance, rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, and power rear door child locks are all standard on this luxury sedan from Volvo. You can pay more for similar rear sensors in the Acura TLX, but no matter which model you choose, you'll be stuck with manual child locks. For even better rear visibility, ask us about getting a new Volvo S60 equipped with power folding rear headrests.
Which Luxury Sedan Offers More For Your Money?
When you first look at the starting MSRP for each of these luxurious sedans, it may seem like you could save a few bucks by going with the Acura TLX. However, it doesn't take much digging through the standard and available features to realize that you're getting much more value for your money from the latest Volvo S60. Before you make your final decision, we invite you to take a test drive at Volvo Cars South Bay. We'll show you the respect you deserve no matter which conclusion you reach about a new Volvo.
| 2021 Volvo S60 |  | 2021 Acura TLX |
| $38,395 | Starting MSRP* | $37,500 |
| 250 | Standard Horsepower | 272 |
| 34 Highway - 23 City | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 31 Highway - 22 City |
| Standard | Drive Mode Settings | Standard |
| 18" Diamond Cut Alloy | Standard Wheels | 18" Glitter Silver |
| Standard | Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Rear Park Assist | Available Upgrade |
| Standard with Cross Traffic Alert | Blind Spot Information | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Rain Sensing Wipers | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Voice Control | Standard |
*As a model year progresses, changes may occur in some of the specs, features, options and pricing. The manufacturer reserves the right to make such changes. Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP***). Options may vary by region. See your Authorized Volvo Dealer for details.
AdChoices