2010 Volvo V50: Road Test
2010 Volvo V50 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $28,700 - $33,050
- Invoice: $26,978 - $31,067
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Volvo 40/50 series
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2010 Volvo V50 includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Volvo V50 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Volvo V50, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Volvo V50 help you decide if a 2010 Volvo V50 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.7 |
Only a V50 T5 R-Design with the automatic transmission has been made available for testing. It's quite peppy in any situation and has little irksome turbo lag. The transmission is generally smooth and responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a T5 R-Design with the automatic averaged 25.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. V50 uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.4 |
The AWD T5 reacts especially sharp to bumps, making for an uncomfortably stiff ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.3 |
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. The brakes ease speed quickly with fine stability and moderate nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6 |
These 5-cylinder engines lack 6-cylinder smoothness and suffer intrusive high-rpm thrum. Wind noise is modest. The tires rumble on all but the smoothest surfaces. One test model suffered from an annoying drumming resonance from the cargo area at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
Volvo's ultra-thin center stack houses audio and climate buttons that some testers say take time to sort. The windshield-wiper stalk impedes accessing the dashboard-mounted ignition switch.
DETAILS
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.2 |
The cabin has a minimalist design but includes high-quality materials. Workmanship has been solid on most examples tested, though one V50 had a persistent squeak in its driver seat.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.8 |
The interior is not that wide, but it furnishes adult-size headroom and legroom on supportive, well-shaped seats. A standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and power seat let most drivers get comfortable. Visibility is good in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.7 |
Two adults get decent headroom and elbowroom, but three will feel pinched. Knee space is tight if the front seats are set far back, but foot space is generous. The seat is short on thigh support. Narrow door thresholds impede entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 4 |
A nice little hauler for the most part. V50's liftgate lacks opening glass, and six-footers may bump their heads on the raised gate if not careful. Interior storage is subpar.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.9 |
The V50 is a solid, capable small wagon. A full range of safety features are standard. All-wheel drive is a nice safety net, but it can only be had on T5 R-Design models. Prices are competitive against most premium-compact wagons, though most rivals also offer 6-cylinder engines that are smoother and more powerful than the V50's 5-cylinder.
Total Score
| T5 R-Design, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 63 | 65 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
