DecodedCarsBMW 3 Series vs Volvo S60
2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Volvo S60 — two compact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Volvo S60 is the bigger car, about 3 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the BMW 3 Series has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 33).
The two cars
The 2025 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,902 lb (3-Series 330e 4dr Sedan).
The 2025 Volvo S60 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 188 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,957 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
Buying used? The 2024 3 Series and the 2018 S60 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 S60.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the BMW 3 Series if…
- You put reliability history first (4 vs 33 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Volvo S60 if…
It doesn't clearly beat the BMW 3 Series on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2025 BMW 3 Series
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2025 Volvo S60
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2025 BMW 3 Series specs →Full 2025 Volvo S60 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →