2010 Volvo V50

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 V50's performance should help drive Volvo's stodgy old image from most buyers' minds. Most performance reviews are positive, though some note that the available sport suspension makes for an uncomfortable ride.

• "It's quite peppy in any situation and has little irksome turbo lag. The transmission is generally smooth and responsive." -- Consumer Guide
• The V50's "driving dynamics are unlike any other wagon in the Volvo lineup: It's not just about getting to your destination safely; it's about having a little fun along the way." -- Edmunds

Power

The V50 comes with two engine options. The base engine is a 2.4 liter inline five-cylinder engine that makes 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes with the 2.4i trim. The T5 trim comes with a 2.5 liter turbo-charged in-line five that makes 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The 2.4i is mated to a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission that has an "Auto-Stick" mode that allows the driver to shift the engine without using a clutch. The 2.4i gets an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. More tested the V50 T5's turbocharged engine, and were pleased with its performance. The EPA estimates that a front-wheel drive T5 with an automatic transmission gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

• "2.4-liter in-line five-cylinder engine provides solid, if unspectacular performance." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The base 2.4-liter engine provides acceleration that's only slightly sprightlier than your typical four-cylinder family sedan. The turbocharged 2.5-liter unit is far superior, though it does have a rather peaky power band, with noticeable turbo lag off the line." -- Edmunds

Handling and Braking

The V50's handling is pleasing and even a little bit fun.  Of the sport suspension, standard on the T5 and optional on the 2.4i, almost all test drivers agreed that though it delivered improved handling, it came at the expense of a comfortable ride. The V50 has responsive steering that makes it a nimble about-towner. Most were pleased with the V50's braking performance, even if the brake pedal was a little soft.

• "V50 is assured and predictable, but not quite sport-sedan agile. The steering is accurate and has good feedback. Some testers find it too light for best highway-speed control." -- Consumer Guide
• "Handling is crisp and entertaining with either the standard or the sport-tuned suspension, though the V50 isn't as sharp as the A4 Avant or 3 Series wagon. The base suspension is firm without being uncomfortable, but the sport suspension can be harsh over broken pavement." -- Edmunds