Compare the2025 Cadillac CT4VS 2025 Volvo S60

The Cadillac CT4 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The S60 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the CT4 and the S60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the CT4 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the S60. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the S60 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 2 times as many Cadillac dealers as there are Volvo dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CT4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the CT4 second among compact premium cars in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The S60 isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 28 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Cadillac higher than Volvo.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Volvo With 49 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Cadillac higher than Volvo.

The CT4’s optional 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 63 more horsepower (310 vs. 247) and 92 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 258) than the S60 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Cadillac CT4 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the S60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CT4’s fuel efficiency. The S60 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the CT4 and the S60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All CT4s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The S60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The CT4 has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the S60 (17.5 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac CT4 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the S60.

The CT4 stops shorter than the S60:

The CT4’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S60’s optional 40 series tires.

The CT4 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The S60 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the CT4 can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The S60 doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The front and rear suspension of the CT4 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the S60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Cadillac CT4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 750 pounds less than the Volvo S60.

The front grille of the CT4 Premium Luxury uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The S60 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The CT4 has .9 inches more front headroom and .1 inches more front legroom than the S60.

The engine in the CT4 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the S60. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac fifth in service department satisfaction. With a 34% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 23rd.

The CT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the CT4 has standard extendable sun visors. The S60 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The CT4 Sport offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the S60.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac CT4 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the S60.

Insurance will cost less for the CT4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CT4 will cost $1410 less than the S60 over a five-year period.

The CT4 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the CT4 will retain 50.45% to 56.58% of its original price after five years, while the S60 only retains 40.81% to 45.27%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Cadillac CT4 and the Volvo S60, based on reliability, safety and performance.