2011 Volvo S40: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2011 is that every U.S. Volvo S40 uses the 227-hp turbocharged T5 engine after Volvo dropped the non-turbo 2.4i. This is a streamlined final-year lineup rather than a redesign.
About the 2011 Volvo S40
2nd generation S40 (launched in the U.S. as the all-new 2004.5/2005 model), final U.S. model year; third model year after the 2009 styling/content update that introduced the R-Design look.
Volvo positioned the S40 as a small premium sedan with Scandinavian design, strong safety roots, supportive seats, and useful turbo power in an easy-to-park size. It was meant for buyers who wanted something more distinctive than a typical compact sedan without moving up to a larger luxury car. The floating center stack, clean interior design, and Volvo’s safety-first engineering were central to its appeal, while the turbo five-cylinder gave it more punch than its calm, tidy look suggested.
The T5 is the understated version, with a clean Scandinavian-style cabin, a memory driver seat, Bluetooth, and upgraded audio. The T5 R-Design uses the same turbo engine but adds a sportier suspension, more aggressive body trim, special interior details, and a power moonroof.
What changed, by category
2011 Volvo S40 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 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 | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 236 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 | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Volvo S40?
The biggest change is the turbo-only U.S. lineup. Volvo dropped the non-turbo 2.4i, so every 2011 S40 uses a 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine.
Does the 2011 Volvo S40 have AWD or a manual transmission?
No. U.S. versions of the 2011 Volvo S40 are front-wheel drive and use a five-speed automatic; the previous AWD and manual-transmission versions were discontinued.
What is the difference between the 2011 S40 T5 and T5 R-Design?
The T5 and T5 R-Design use the same 227-hp turbo engine and five-speed automatic. The T5 has a more understated look, while the R-Design adds a sportier suspension, more aggressive exterior trim, special upholstery, aluminum cabin details, and sport-style controls and gauges.
Was the 2011 Volvo S40 redesigned?
No. The 2011 S40 was the final U.S. model year of the second generation, and its main updates were a simplified turbo-only lineup, revised standard equipment, and a larger grille badge.
Is the 2011 Volvo S40 more powerful than the former entry model?
Yes. The 2011 entry-level T5 uses the 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder, replacing the non-turbo 2.4i as the base S40.