2010 Volvo V50 Review
Price Estimate: $3,023 - $4,670
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Average price: $5,995
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent front seats, stylish and well-made interior, ample safety features, more cargo capacity than many compact SUVs, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Not quite a luxury car despite premium pricing, tepid acceleration with base engine, handling falls short of true sport wagons, underwhelming safety scores.
What’s new
For 2010, the upper-level Volvo V50 T5 AWD R-Design gets a standard six-speed manual transmission, thereby bumping the five-speed automatic to the options list. The base V50 2.4i gets standard automatic climate control and increased option availability. Option packages have also been reorganized and renamed for both trim levels, and all models get adjustable head restraints. Fuel economy improves slightly throughout the range.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Volvo V50 is a stylish, spacious and fuel-efficient alternative to compact luxury crossovers. However, it's expensive, so finding a great deal is a must.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
1 listings
- $5,995
- 103,037 miles
- 5 Seats, 21 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- 421 mi away
- Bluetooth
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
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Located in Auburn, NH
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- Features and Specs:
- 24 Combined MPG (21 City/30 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- YV1390MW9A2531425
- Stock:
- 531425
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 08-21-2025
Vehicle overview
Small wagons haven't been popular in the United States since, well come to think of it, have they ever been popular here? The 2010 Volvo V50 is unlikely to reverse this trend any time soon, but it is an appealing small wagon that could be a good choice for those searching for more space and better fuel economy than the latest wave of compact luxury crossovers. And while we think it's on the pricey side, a trend toward heavy discounts for the V50 should make it more palatable to value-conscious shoppers.
The V50 is the wagon version of Volvo's S40 sedan and boasts a healthy 63 cubic feet of cargo room with the 60/40-split rear seats folded. That's only a bit less than Volvo's new XC60 crossover but more than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK. If you're looking to save money or fuel, but still need lots of space and luxury features, the V50 is a definitely a smart alternative.
Although the V50 is now in its fifth model year, its Swedish styling inside and out still looks fresh. In particular, the ultra-slim "floating" center console looks as cool today as it did back in '05. For 2010, the V50 gets minor changes associated with optional package content, plus a standard six-speed manual for the T5 AWD R-Design trim. Fuel economy also improves slightly throughout the range.
There's certainly plenty to like about the 2010 Volvo V50. However, a comparably equipped Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen provides the same power, space and interior quality as the V50 for considerably less money. The inelegantly named V50 T5 AWD R-Design is also on the pricey side, but at least it's more comparable to even more expensive luxury wagons like the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 328i xDrive and Saab 9-3 SportCombi. Luckily, V50s tend to be heavily discounted, making the V50 a smarter purchase. Small wagons may not be popular, but that doesn't mean they should be ignored.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Volvo V50 2.4i is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-5 that produces 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Volvo predicts a 0-60 sprint of 8.5 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
The all-wheel-drive V50 T5 AWD R-Design is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 good for 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. Volvo predicts a 0-60 sprint of 6.7 seconds with the manual and 7.1 seconds with the auto. Estimated fuel economy is 20/26/22 mpg with the manual and 19/27/22 with the auto.
Safety
The 2010 Volvo V50 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. Optional features include integrated rear booster seats and a blind-spot warning system.
The V50 has not undergone official crash testing. However, in the government's frontal impact tests, the V50's S40 sedan sibling was awarded four stars for driver protection and five stars for front passenger protection, while netting a perfect five-star rating in the side-impact test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the S40 its highest rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset test, but only the second-best "Acceptable" in the side crash test.
Driving
The base five-cylinder engine provides acceleration that's only slightly sprightlier than your typical four-cylinder family sedan. The turbocharged-5 is far superior, though its turbo nature makes it a little sluggish off the line. On curvy roads, the V50 is stable and confidence-inspiring. However, real driving enthusiasts will find the Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Series more to their liking.
Interior
If you like to shop at Ikea -- or at least admire the company's modern designs -- then the 2010 Volvo V50's interior should strike your fancy. The centerpiece is the slim "floating" center stack, which is suspended between the console and the dash. Pretty much everything about the S40's interior design is a direct challenge to the relatively austere interiors found in competing models. The R-Design in particular features snazzy two-tone seats and blue-faced gauges. It certainly looks cool, but calling it "luxurious" might be a stretch.
Fortunately, function lies behind the V50's impressive form. Most of the controls are straightforward to operate (the navigation system being the major exception) and the ergonomically designed seats are extraordinarily comfortable and supportive. The rear seat folds 60/40 to reveal a maximum cargo capacity of 63 cubic feet, just a shade less than the Jetta wagon's rear cargo hold.
2010 Volvo V50 models
The 2010 Volvo V50 is a five-passenger compact wagon that comes in 2.4i and T5 AWD R-Design trim levels. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, neoprene-like T-Tec upholstery (also known as Dalaro), Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and USB/iPod audio interface.
The T5 AWD R-Design adds all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, aluminum roof rails, sporty exterior trim, partial leather upholstery, driver memory functions, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and special R-Design floor mats, steering wheel, gauges and shift knob.
The Climate package includes heated front seats, headlight washers and automatic wipers. There's also a Preferred package that gets you a sunroof, a power passenger seat and keyless ignition/entry. Stand-alone options include a blind-spot warning system, bi-xenon headlights, integrated rear booster seats, full leather upholstery, a navigation system and on the 2.4i, satellite radio and wood trim. The Multimedia package available only on the T5 R-Design is essentially a 12-speaker Dynaudio surround-sound system that includes satellite radio.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners of the 2010 Volvo V50 consistently appreciate its stylish design and versatile functionality. The vehicle's interior, noted for its welcoming and high-quality materials, is especially well-received, creating a comfortable environment for both drivers and passengers. Many find the seats exceptionally supportive, adding to the overall comfort during long drives or daily commutes. Additionally, the V50's agile handling and secure feeling on the road make it an enjoyable ride, particularly in challenging weather conditions thanks to its available all-wheel drive.
Common Issues
Drivers of the 2010 Volvo V50 frequently report frustration with certain design and mechanical issues. The keyless entry system is a notable pain point, with repeated instances of the cap for the driver’s door lock falling off, incurring frequent replacement costs. Some owners also express concerns about the low front air dam, which is prone to scraping on curbs, leading to costly repairs. In addition, electrical system quirks, such as the steering wheel lock preventing the car from starting, can be both inconvenient and stressful. These issues, coupled with disappointing gas mileage for a vehicle of its size, often overshadow its otherwise capable performance.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
Everyday drivers of the 2010 Volvo V50 find it to be a compelling blend of style and practicality despite some challenges. Its comfortable seating and reliable performance notably enhance daily commutes and road trips, often receiving praise from families and long-time Volvo enthusiasts. The car's design, while appreciated for its aesthetic and uniqueness, still prompts discussions about rear visibility and cargo space, especially for dog owners or those with larger hauling needs. While the vehicle shines in terms of driving dynamics and safety reputation, owners remain vigilant about potential electrical gremlins and the recurrent need for repair services, particularly involving intricate systems like the keyless entry.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$234/mo for V50 2.4i
V50 2.4i
vs
$210/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2010 Volvo V50 has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #23 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#23 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$544/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
2.93x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
12.7%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 10V591000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- R235
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-01-29 to 2009-03-12
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7420
- Defect Description:
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
- Defect Consequence:
- POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT RAILS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.
- Recall Number:
- 10V566000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- R231
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 416
- Defect Description:
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Defect Consequence:
- AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
- Recall Number:
- 10V255000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- R227
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-10-16 to 2010-05-11
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 536
- Defect Description:
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 C30, MODEL YEAR 2010 S40 AND V50 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STUD ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THE GEARSHIFT LEVER CABLE OR STUD ASSEMBLY BECOMES LOOSE, IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ENGAGE, DISENGAGE OR SHIFT GEARS.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL TORQUE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STUD ASSEMBLY TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM .
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Volvo V50 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(73%)
4(19%)
3(3%)
2(0%)
1(5%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Good Car
3.75 out of 5 starsmattypv50, 12/04/2012
2007 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
Mine has 156,000KM on it. Bought it as a demo with 22,000KM (Canada).
It's been good. Here is a list of things that needed repair:
1. Ambient temperature gauge wouldn't work causing the A/C to malfunction. This required 3 trips to the dear to fix it
2. A/C Air Compressor died around 130,000km
3. Both wheel bearings needed to be replaced
4. Both front shocks needed to be replaced
5. One … day while driving the car just full on shut down. Had it towed and it was a fuel line sensor
I think that's about it. So only left me stranded once. Overall, a pretty good car.
Love my car... but.
4.5 out of 5 starsSueZQ, 11/22/2010
2008 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
I've had my V50 over 2 years now. No repairs, no problems, some minor issues (buzz in a speaker, vibration here & there) but for the most part, amazing reliability. Tires totally worn at 45,000 miles. Great fuel economy (over 32 mpg on long drives below 70 mph with a/c off). Cargo space limited for a wagon, but fits a lot of stuff. My problem is the seats. No lumbar support, and … headrest tilts forward forcing me to push my head forward. Long drives leave me with hip and lower back pain, and now neck pain and headaches. I am having to give up my wonderful car because no amount of padding or support has fixed this. So be very sure the seat supports you fully before you buy.
Great Alternative to others...
4.5 out of 5 starslondonwolfe, 06/04/2012
2008 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
When I was shopping a year ago for a nice small wagon commuter car, I looked at many options, VW Jetta TDI, Subaru, Audi A3 and A4. The reviews on this little car swayed my decision to test drive. Owned it a year now and 20k miles later, no disappointments. All cars have quirks, this car has been pleasant. I have had many cars in the past 5 BMWs, 12 VWs and 7 Porsches. I am a car … enthusiast, this car has enough character to make it stand out.
Follow up
4.38 out of 5 starsChrisM, 10/21/2008
2007 Volvo V50 2.4i 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl 5A)
Had the car for just under a year and 16000 kms (10,000 miles). No mechanical problems at all, I have only done two scheduled maintenances on the car. My longest trip has been about 500 kms (300 mi) and the car performed very well. In town mileage has been around 24 mpg (US) and highway mileage in the mid 30s. Service at the dealership has been very good. The factory Continental tires … were replaced at 36000 kms and replaced with Nokians. The factory tires never seem to last too long. Still very much enjoying my first Volvo.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Volvo V50, so we've included reviews for other years of the V50 since its last redesign.
2010 V50 Features & Specs
2.4i
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $28,700 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $234/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.4 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the V50 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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