2010 Volvo S40: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Volvo S40’s main change is a revised transmission mix: a five-speed manual became standard on the 2.4i, while the AWD T5 R-Design received a standard six-speed manual. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with no redesign or broad mechanical overhaul.
About the 2010 Volvo S40
2nd generation S40 (introduced in the US for 2004.5), in its facelifted late-cycle phase after the 2008 refresh.
Volvo positioned the S40 as a compact sport sedan that mixed Scandinavian design, strong safety engineering, and everyday comfort in a smaller footprint. The floating center console, simple controls, supportive seats, rigid body structure, and five-cylinder engines were central to its identity. Compared with flashier small luxury sedans, the S40 leaned toward a secure, comfortable, design-led driving experience, with the T5 models adding extra turbo power for buyers who wanted more energy without leaving the compact class.
The 2.4i is the comfort-focused S40, pairing a 168-hp five-cylinder engine with dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and the distinctive floating center console. The 227-hp turbocharged T5 R-Design is the sportier version, with unique exterior trim, sport upholstery, aluminum cabin accents, and blue-face gauges.
What changed, by category
2010 Volvo S40 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd Geartronic / Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 165–168 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 | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2010 Volvo S40 redesigned?
No. The 2010 Volvo S40 kept the body, cabin layout, safety structure, and overall appearance of the version refreshed for 2008. Its changes centered on transmissions and equipment.
What transmission changes did the 2010 Volvo S40 receive?
The 2010 S40 2.4i switched to a standard five-speed manual, and the AWD T5 R-Design switched to a standard six-speed manual. Engine output stayed the same.
What equipment changed on the 2010 Volvo S40 2.4i?
The 2010 S40 2.4i added standard dual-zone electronic climate control, a leather-wrapped gearshift with aluminum trim, and adjustable two-position front head restraints. Its five-speed manual also became standard.
Did the 2010 Volvo S40 lose any standard features?
Yes. The power moonroof changed from standard to optional across the 2010 S40 lineup, and heated front seats changed from standard to optional on the T5 R-Design.
Is the 2010 Volvo S40 meaningfully different from the 2009 model?
Only slightly. The 2010 model’s main differences are its revised standard manual transmissions and several equipment changes; it is not a redesign or a broad mechanical update.