Last updated August 4, 2026
The Volvo V50 lineup starts with the 2.4i Sport, the straightforward everyday wagon with a 168-hp five-cylinder engine and useful folding seats. The T5 Sport is the performance step-up, pairing the same practical shape with a 227-hp turbocharged engine. The T5 R-Design Sport keeps that turbo power and adds firmer suspension, bolder bodywork, and a sportier cabin.
The Base Model trim level—the 2.4i Sport—is the straightforward V50, focused on everyday comfort and wagon usefulness rather than a performance theme.
Best for: Drivers who want a compact, easy-to-live-with wagon with simple Swedish styling and flexible cargo space.
Highlights
The Performance trim level—the T5 Sport—is the understated turbo V50, combining stronger acceleration with a restrained cabin and practical wagon layout.
Best for: Drivers who want turbo performance and cargo flexibility without the R-Design appearance package.
Highlights
Compared with the 2.4i Sport, the T5 Sport adds a 227-hp turbocharged engine and a power driver’s seat with memory.
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The Sport Styling trim level—the T5 R-Design Sport—is the more expressive, driver-focused V50, with the T5’s turbo power plus firmer suspension and distinctive R-Design details.
Best for: Drivers who want the turbo V50’s usefulness with sharper road manners and a stronger visual identity.
Highlights
Compared with the T5 Sport, the T5 R-Design Sport keeps the same 227-hp turbo drivetrain and adds firmer suspension, R-Design bodywork, special cabin trim, a power moonroof, and a power front passenger seat.
0 in stock| Feature | Base Model | Performance | Sport Styling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | 2.4i Sport0 in stock | T5 Sport0 in stock | T5 R-Design Sport0 in stock |
| Engine | 2.4-liter five-cylinder | Turbo 2.5-liter five-cylinder | Turbo 2.5-liter five-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp |
| Driving character | Everyday comfort focus | Understated turbo performance | Turbo performance with firmer suspension |
| Exterior treatment | Standard V50 styling | Restrained T5 styling | R-Design body kit, grille, and spoilers |
| Cabin and seating emphasis | T-Tec seats; power driver’s seat | Power driver’s seat with memory | Leather sport seats; power passenger seat |
| Power moonroof | Not a signature feature | Not a signature feature | Standard |
The 2.4i uses a 168-hp non-turbo five-cylinder and front-wheel drive, while the T5 uses a stronger 227-hp turbo five-cylinder. The T5 is the better fit for quicker acceleration; the 2.4i is the simpler everyday version.
In the later lineup, both use the same 227-hp turbo engine and five-speed automatic. The R-Design adds a firmer sport suspension, a unique body kit, special cabin trim, leather-trimmed sport seats, a moonroof, and a power front passenger seat.
No. In the 2010-2011 lineup, both the T5 and T5 R-Design use the same 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder. R-Design changes the suspension, appearance, seating, and equipment rather than engine output.
R-Design is the sport-look, firmer-riding V50. On later models it brings a sport suspension, unique grille and spoilers, leather-trimmed sport seating, a sport steering wheel, blue gauges, and other special interior details.
No. The 2.4i uses a 168-hp 2.4-liter five-cylinder without a turbo. The T5 badge identifies the stronger 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the later V50 lineup.
The 2.4i is the straightforward everyday choice among 2009-2010 models. It has the non-turbo 168-hp engine, front-wheel drive, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, upgraded audio, and the V50’s folding-seat cargo flexibility.
The regular T5 is the understated turbo choice in the later lineup. It pairs the 227-hp engine with a cleaner exterior, while keeping useful features such as a memory driver’s seat and folding front and rear seats.
Look for the T5 R-Design in the later lineup. It has a unique grille, front and rear spoilers, special interior trim, leather-trimmed sport seats, blue gauges, and a firmer suspension.
No. The 2.4i Sport and regular T5 Sport do not share the R-Design’s listed dynamic sport suspension. In this lineup, “Sport” is part of the trim name; R-Design is the badge tied to the firmer suspension and sport body kit.
Yes. For 2009-2011, the 2.4i, T5, and T5 R-Design use a five-speed automatic. The turbo T5 versions also have a manual shift mode for selecting gears yourself when desired.
The T5 R-Design includes both in the 2010-2011 lineup. The regular T5 offered them through a Preferred Package in 2010, while the 2009 2.4i included a moonroof and power driver’s seat as standard equipment.
Yes. The 2.4i, T5, and T5 R-Design all retain the wagon’s useful folding-seat layout. The rear seat splits and folds, while the front passenger seat folds flat to help carry longer items.
The 2.4i has a power driver’s seat, while the regular T5 adds memory for the driver’s seat. In the later lineup, the T5 R-Design also includes a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
No. The 2009 turbo model was named T5 AWD R-Design, but the 2011 V50 lineup is listed with front-wheel drive. Check the specific used vehicle rather than assuming the R-Design badge identifies its driven wheels.