When Volvo refreshed its executive sedan lineup for the 2014 model year, the 2014 Volvo S60 T5 emerged as a critical turning point for the Swedish automaker. Sporting a revamped exterior, upgraded cabin tech, and crucially, the introduction of a brand-new powertrain family, this sedan aimed squarely at the entry-level luxury market dominated by German rivals. Unlike the AI-generated fluff often found online—which hilariously mislabels the front-wheel-drive S60 as rear-wheel-drive—this machine relies on a balanced front-wheel-drive layout with available all-wheel-drive configurations depending on the specific engine variant, balancing everyday wet-weather traction with refined highway cruising.
If you're evaluating a pre-owned model or researching its technical heritage, understanding what changed for 2014 matters. Volvo moved away from older inline-six and legacy turbo units for many variants, introducing modern engineering that prioritized efficiency without sacrificing punchy throttle response. Let's break down the exact specifications, real-world behavior, common maintenance pitfalls, and everything the casual car blogs missed.
Powertrain Options and Performance Figures
The 2014 Volvo S60 T5 actually featured different engines depending on whether you bought a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) model—a crucial detail glossed over by generic write-ups.
- Front-Wheel Drive T5: Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine belonging to Volvo's new Drive-E family (introduced mid-year in some markets, while early models retained the 2.5-liter turbo inline-five). The 2.0L Drive-E setup pushes out 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
- All-Wheel Drive T5: Equipped with the tried-and-true 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine generating 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a traditional six-speed automatic transmission.
Performance across both setups feels brisk. The FWD 2.0L variant hits zero to sixty in roughly 6.1 seconds, thanks to peak torque arriving remarkably low in the rev range. Throttle response feels immediate, and the eight-speed gearbox keeps the engine in its power band much better than older six-speed units.
Exterior Styling and Aerodynamic Upgrades
The 2014 model year brought a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh to the S60. Volvo redesigned the front fascia with a wider grille, repositioned daytime running lights, and integrated headlamp housings that gave the car a wider, more planted stance on the pavement.
Key exterior updates included:
- Reshaped hood lines that added muscular character without cluttering the profile.
- New alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches, optimized for reduced unsprung weight.
- Integrated exhaust tips finished in bright chrome, molded cleanly into the lower rear valance.
- Slimmer LED accent strips that modernized the front lighting signature during twilight hours.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the S60 T5 leans heavily into minimalist Scandinavian design principles. High-grade leather seating, genuine wood or brushed aluminum accents, and ergonomic cockpit layouts define the cabin. Volvo's iconic floating center stack remains a focal point, housing physical climate control buttons that are easy to operate without taking your eyes off the road.
For the driver, the instrument cluster switched to an active TFT crystal display for 2014, allowing you to choose between three distinct graphic themes: Elegance, Eco, and Performance. The central infotainment screen provides Bluetooth audio streaming, satellite radio, and navigation inputs.
For official brand heritage and historical vehicle documentation, you can review details directly through Volvo Cars.
Safety Innovations and Driver Assistance
Volvo's reputation for occupant protection shines brightly in this model. Beyond standard stability control and active head restraints, the 2014 S60 T5 features advanced electronic safety nets designed to prevent collisions before they occur.
- City Safety: Operates at speeds under 30 mph, automatically applying maximum braking force if it detects an imminent rear-end collision with a vehicle or stationary object.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection: Uses advanced radar and camera hardware embedded in the windshield to identify people stepping into the road, warning the driver with audible chimes and flashing lights.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Radar sensors mounted in the rear bumper monitor adjacent lanes, alerting you to vehicles hidden in your blind zones via indicator lights near the side mirrors.
- Cross Traffic Alert: Uses the BLIS sensors when reversing out of tight parking stalls to warn you of cross-traffic up to 65 feet away.
Real-World Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency varies depending on whether you opt for the newer four-cylinder Drive-E engine or the legacy five-cylinder AWD setup.
- 2.0L FWD Drive-E: EPA ratings sit at approximately 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, yielding an impressive combined average of around 28 mpg during mixed commuting.
- 2.5L AWD Model: Returns roughly 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, heavily penalized by the added weight and parasitic drag of the Haldex all-wheel-drive system.
To maximize fuel economy on the highway, utilizing ECO+ mode softens throttle mapping and optimizes transmission shift points, though passing slower traffic requires a deeper press of the accelerator pedal.
Common Issues and Maintenance Realities
While mechanically robust, pre-owned 2014 models come with specific quirks you need to watch out for during a pre-purchase inspection.
- Oil Consumption on Early Drive-E Engines: Some early 2.0L four-cylinder engines experienced piston ring wear leading to elevated oil consumption. Check service records for warranty ring replacements.
- Haldex AWD Pump Failures: On AWD models, the electric pump powering the rear differential can fail if fluid changes are neglected every 40,000 miles, resulting in front-wheel slip during snow or rain.
- Infotainment Glitches: The Sensus infotainment software occasionally freezes or requires a hard reboot. Software updates performed at a dealership or specialist garage usually resolve connectivity drops.
- Upper Engine Mount Wear: Hydraulic engine mounts degrade over time, leading to minor vibrations at idle. Inspect the rubber bushings for cracking or fluid leaks.
For broader automotive safety ratings and crash test evaluations, consult the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2014 Volvo S60 T5 have a turbocharger?
Yes. Every T5 variant utilizes forced induction, though the exact displacement and turbo setup differ depending on whether the car is front-wheel drive (2.0L single/twin-scroll turbo) or all-wheel drive (2.5L single turbo).
What is the difference between T4, T5, and T6 trim levels for 2014?
The designations refer to engine output and displacement. T4 models represent entry-level four-cylinder power, T5 models offer mid-tier sporty performance with around 240 to 250 horsepower, and T6 models feature larger, more powerful inline-six or supercharged/turbocharged engines pushing over 300 horsepower.
Is premium fuel required for the 2014 Volvo S60 T5?
Yes, Volvo strongly recommends premium unleaded fuel (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and to prevent engine knock under high turbo boost conditions.
Can I connect my smartphone via Bluetooth for audio streaming?
Yes. Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming come standard across all 2014 S60 trim levels, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not introduced until later model years.
