The current Volvo S40 can tow up to 1,500 kg braked. Figures below are the strongest variant in each generation — lighter trims and engines tow less.
Unbraked (no trailer brakes): 750 kg.
| Years | Braked | Unbraked |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–2004 | 1,400 | 500 |
| 2004–2012 | 1,500 | 750 |
Towing capacity is the manufacturer-rated maximum for the model's strongest variant in each generation, not an average across trims — a base engine will tow less than the figure shown. Cars with an implausible source-data towing figure relative to their own kerb weight are excluded rather than shown with a guessed correction.