2009 Volvo S40: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Volvo S40 is the T5 R-Design, which pairs the turbocharged engine with standard sport-themed exterior and interior details. The 2.4i also gains substantially more standard equipment, and every U.S. S40 now has an automatic transmission.
About the 2009 Volvo S40
2nd generation S40, second year after the 2008 exterior/interior refresh.
Volvo positioned the S40 as a compact premium sedan for buyers who wanted the feel, safety, and design values of a larger Volvo in a smaller car. The pitch centered on Scandinavian design, a solid and safety-focused structure, comfortable seating, and a flexible cabin, with turbo power available for shoppers who wanted more pace. Its main distinction versus many rivals was giving buyers a small sedan with unmistakable Volvo safety engineering and a more distinctive, understated style.
The 2.4i is the comfort-focused S40, with a 168-hp five-cylinder engine, a moonroof, a power driver’s seat and an upgraded audio system. The 227-hp turbocharged T5 R-Design is the sportier model, with a unique grille and body kit, sport seats, special gauges, heated front seats and driver’s-seat memory.
What changed, by category
2009 Volvo S40 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 5-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.6 cu-ft | 12.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.4 in | 34.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Volvo S40?
The biggest change is the T5 R-Design trim. It combines the 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine with a standard sport body kit, unique grille, sport seats, sport steering wheel and special gauges.
Does the 2009 Volvo S40 have a manual transmission?
No. Every 2009 Volvo S40 sold in the U.S. has a five-speed automatic transmission; the manual transmission offered previously was dropped.
What became standard on the 2009 Volvo S40 2.4i?
The 2009 S40 2.4i gained an automatic transmission, Bluetooth, a power moonroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lights and an upgraded audio system as standard equipment.
Is the 2009 Volvo S40 a full redesign?
No. The 2009 S40 is not a full redesign. It is the second model year after the 2008 exterior and interior refresh, with changes focused on trims, standard equipment and the end of manual transmissions in the U.S.
What are the main differences between the 2009 S40 2.4i and T5 R-Design?
The 2.4i is the comfort-focused model with a 168-hp non-turbo five-cylinder engine. The T5 R-Design has a 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine plus sportier exterior trim, sport seats, heated front seats and driver’s-seat memory.