Polestar 2 review

The Polestar 2 is the car for people who think the default choice is... well, a bit boring.

Because let’s face it, most buyers looking for a fully electric executive car end up with a Tesla Model 3. And there are jolly good reasons for that: it’s well-priced, efficient, packed with tech and good to drive. But you’re hardly going to stand out from the crowd by driving around in a bestseller, are you?

That’s where the Polestar 2 should, in theory at least, find an audience. The Swedish brand’s mission from day one has been to tempt you away from Elon Musk’s outfit (although some might argue he’s done a good job of that himself). After a series of updates for 2026, the 2 now officially promises more than 400 miles of range, a Google-powered brain, and an interior that feels genuinely premium.

Polestar 2 video review

A straight fight with the Model 3 would be tough enough, but the Polestar 2 has to also contend with newer rivals, including the BMW i4, BYD Seal and MG IM5. 

What’s new?
- September 2025 - Faster processor for infotainment system added, along with new optional 20in Performance alloy wheels and 14-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system
- March 2023 - Limited edition BST 230 introduced – lower ride height, stiffer Öhlins suspension
- January 2023 - Minor styling tweaks, Single Motor models are now rear-wheel drive, official ranges increased, improved ride quality
- April 2021 - Entry-level Single Motor models with front-wheel drive expand the range

How fast is it and which motor is best?

The Standard Range Single Motor is more than quick enough, its 0-60mph time being a Tesla-Model-3-matching 6.2sec. That’s one reason why the Single Motor is our favourite Polestar 2, another is that it’s your cheapest option. There’s also the fact that the Single Motor’s range will be sufficient for most people, but we’ll dive into greater detail on that a little later. 

The Long Range Single Motor is marginally quicker than the Standard, but a much bigger leap comes in the form of the Polestar 2 Dual Motor. It has a 0-62mph time of 4.3sec – 4.0sec if you opt for the optional Performance pack. 

The Dual Motor feels seriously quick, even if the Model 3 Performance (2.9sec) is more astonishing still. 

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

The Polestar 2 handles tidily, with well-weighted steering and a respectable amount of grip to lean on. It’s not especially fun or engaging, though. The lighter Model 3 is more agile, and generally a better choice in those respects.  

While still not a match for the Tesla, the best handling 2 is the Dual Motor, specifically when paired with the Performance pack. It swaps the regular suspension for Öhlins suspension, which is adjustable. Somewhat annoyingly, the suspension can only be adjusted by physically getting under the car and twisting knobs, but even when left as is, the Dual Motor Performance pack has a higher level of agility than any other Polestar 2. 

The problem is the difference is minimal. What’s more, the trade off for having the Öhlins suspension is that the ride is busy and firm – too firm for a lot of people’s liking, we reckon. By contrast, if you opt for the Single Motor and stick with the standard 19in alloys, the ride is a bit calmer. It’s comfortable, albeit still not as smooth or settled as the best versions of the Tesla Model 3 and VW ID 7.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

The Polestar 2 is noisier to travel in than most of its direct rivals, mainly due to road noise. It’s noticeable from relatively low speeds and becomes a bit tiresome on a motorway cruise. There’s also a reasonable amount of wind noise from around the mirrors.

Meanwhile, the brake pedal initially feels quite wooden, but as you squeeze harder, it’s relatively easy to slow your progress smoothly. There are also three different settings for the regenerative braking (how quickly the car slows itself when you lift off the accelerator pedal). The strongest ‘one-pedal’ mode will bring the Polestar 2 to a complete stop fairly promptly.

What’s the range and efficiency like, and how quickly can it charge?

The Polestar 2 impresses on the range front. The Standard Range Single Motor model can officially do up to 344 miles on a charge; the Long Range Single Motor manages 408 miles. That's thanks to its relatively big 79kWh (usable capacity) battery. For context, the Tesla Model 3’s official range varies from 323 to 466 miles, depending on the version. 

The Standard Range can accept up to 180kW from a suitably powerful public charger, for a 10-80% top-up in around 27 minutes. That's roughly on a par with the Standard Range versions of the MG IM5 and Tesla Model 3.

The Long Range versions of the Polestar 2 have a faster maximum charging rate of 205kW, making a 10-80% top-up possible in around 28 minutes with a fast enough charger. Equivalent versions of the IM5 and Model 3 can charge even faster, but the difference won’t be a dealbreaker for most.

“I’d advise against adding the Performance pack if you’re buying the Dual Motor version. It makes the ride unnecessarily firm and doesn’t drastically improve the handling." – Will Nightingale, Reviews editor

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

A mix of squishy dashboard materials and plush inserts gives the Polestar 2 a high-quality, sophisticated feel inside. It feels even classier than as the latest Tesla Model 3's interior, while also looking less austere – the Tesla takes minimalism to the extreme. You might recognise the steering wheel and buttons from some Volvo car models but the design is different.

As standard, an eye-catching veneer of real black ash runs across the dashboard, below a contrasting fabric panel that continues on the doors – that doesn't change between trim levels. However, you can upgrade from the standard Microtech faux-leather seat upholstery to Bridge-of-Weir nappa leather, something that also brings a different light ash wood finish. 

While there are some harder plastics lower down on the dashboard and on the doors, none of them feel cheap and the interior is very solidly assembled. Those sitting in the back won't notice any reduction in plushness, either.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

The driving position in the Polestar 2 is fundamentally sound, with the pedals lining up neatly with the steering wheel and seat, and a good range of electric adjustment for the latter, including for lumbar support (a memory function is available as part of the Plus pack). There isn’t a huge amount of side support but enough to stop you sliding across the interior when going around corners.

Better news is that you can adjust the door mirrors easily using buttons, whereas the rival Tesla Model 3 requires you to delve into its centrally mounted infotainment touchscreen. And while the Model 3 displays crucial information, including your speed, out of your line of sight on its central touchscreen, the Polestar 2 gives you a sharp 12.3in digital driver's display behind the steering wheel.

Front visibility is decent, so you won't struggle to see out at junctions, while bright LED headlights (with an automatic high-beam function) help to light up the road at night. You can upgrade to Pixel LED headlights, which can shape their beam to avoid dazzling other drivers. If you add the Pilot pack, you can also get a 360-degree parking camera that displays a bird’s eye view of the car on the central touchscreen. 

You get a regular rear-view camera as standard, along with front and rear parking sensors, though. And because large rear side windows help make up for Polestar 2's small rear window, backing into a space is never too tricky.

Is the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

The chunky centre console between the driver and passenger leads up to the 11.0in touchscreen infotainment system, which was co-developed with Android. Features such as Google Maps and Google Assistant (for voice recognition) are included as standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Upgraded with more powerful hardware in 2025, the system responds quickly to prods, and the icons on the home screen are big and easy to hit. However, the app icons in other menus are a bit small, and – as with all touchscreens – we'd rather have some physical controls to help make the system less distracting to use when you're driving. That's an area where the BMW i4 has a clear edge over the Polestar 2.

The standard eight-speaker stereo can be upgraded to a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (part of the Plus pack), it’s certainly powerful but can be a little bass-heavy at times. The flagship Bowers and Wilkins stereo, meanwhile, has a much crisper, more dynamic sound. It isn’t cheap but it’s one of the best systems we’ve experienced in a car in this price bracket.

“I really like the interior. It feels properly premium, quite sporty in how low you sit too. I prefer it to the Model 3 inside.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer

How much space does it have for people?

If you’re sitting in the front of the Polestar 2, you won’t feel the slightest bit cramped. However, storage could be better because there’s a limited amount on the centre control and the door bins are rather slim.

Rear space is less impressive. Most six-footers who try to relax back in their seat and use the head rest will instead bang their head on the ceiling, and there's also less leg room than in the back of a Tesla Model 3. Mind you, if  you want limo-like amounts of rear leg room in the back of your electric car, take a look at the Kia EV6 or MG IM5.

Another negative is that there’s a large hump in the middle of the floor. This isn’t great news for the central rear passenger – or the other two passengers who’ll have their foot space invaded if you’re travelling three-up in the back. 

How much room does it have for luggage?

The Polestar 2 has a hatchback tailgate – like the BMW i4 – and there's a similar amount of boot space as there is in the i4, too.

We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. You'll fit quite a bit more in the Model 3's boot but will have to put up with a smaller, slimmer shape saloon opening. 

The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split and there’s a ski-hatch in the middle, so you can poke longer, slender items in between two rear passengers. 

Meanwhile, there's enough extra storage under the main boot floor for charging cables, plus a front boot under the bonnet – although it's not as big as the Model 3's.

“At six-foot-five, I had no trouble getting comfy behind the wheel. Switching to the rear seats, though, I had to crouch to fit, and wouldn’t fancy a long trip in the back.” – Chris Haining, Sub-editor

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

The Polestar 2 is priced roughly in line with the BYD Seal and is a bit cheaper than the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. However, it struggles to get close to the entry-level MG IM5 and Tesla Model 3, which both cost significantly less.

Every Polestar 2 comes as standard with what’s called the Prime pack, which brings with it the Plus, Pilot and Climate pack (and rear privacy glass). In essence, that means every 2 gets luxuries like a glass roof, Harman Kardon sound system, a powered tailgate, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and an EV heat pump (for more efficient heating of the interior in cool weather).

There’s also the optional Pro pack, which ups the wheel size from 19in to 20in, a Swedish gold stripe on each seatbelt and gold tyre valve caps. We’ve already talked about the Performance pack in some detail, but it’s worth noting that you also get 20in Performance-specific wheels, as well as brake callipers, seat belts, and valve caps finished in Swedish gold. 

Individual options are limited to metallic paint, pixel LED headlights and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. 

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

The Polestar 2 didn’t do very well in our 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing in 15th place (out of 19 cars) in the electric car class. True, it ranked higher than the Porsche Taycan but below most direct rivals, including the Tesla Model 3.

Every new Polestar 2 comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty; this matches Audi's warranty but Tesla offers four years of cover with the same mileage limit. 

Meanwhile, the battery has a separate eight-year/100,000 miles warranty. As part of the battery warranty, if the capacity falls below 70% of the original level it will be remedied by Polestar.

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

The Polestar 2 scored the full five stars in its Euro NCAP safety appraisal and fared particularly well for child-occupant protection. It’s important to point out that this was back in 2021 (Euro NCAP’s testing standards have become more stringent since then) but it still gives a good indication of crash protection.

The Tesla Model 3 was tested in 2025 and beat the Polestar 2 in the Pedestrian Protection and Driver Assistance categories, and the scores for Adult and Child Occupant Protection were similar between both cars. You get plenty of active safety aids as standard with the Polestar, too, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

As with most modern cars, the Polestar 2 has remote-control central locking and an alarm that detects interior movement as well as movement of the car itself. On top of this, the optional Digital Key enables you to unlock and start the car using Polestar's smartphone app. 

“I think it’s a shame the Polestar 2 has a relatively short standard warranty. Better cover would encourage buyers to take a chance on a brand that isn’t super well-known.” – Chris Haining, Sub-editor

Buy it if…

- You’re a fan of the sleek Scandinavian looks

- You’re more interested in a long range and a plush interior than having a thrilling drive on your way home from work

- You don’t want a Tesla Model 3

Don’t buy it if…

- You need to carry tall passengers in the rear

- You do most of your driving on potholed city streets

- You’re not keen on using touchscreens on the move

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