by - Andrew Lambrecht rented a 2023 Polestar 2 to compare it with his 2021 Tesla Model 3.
- He found that the Polestar 2 has a premium feel but lacks efficiency and technology compared to Tesla.
- If he were in the market for a new EV, he would choose the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD.
Last summer I bought my second used Tesla Model 3, a 2021 Long Range AWD in the low $20,000 range, with incentives. I considered several other options, but decided to buy another Model 3 because of its engaging driving dynamics, insanely fast acceleration, solid technology and reliable powertrain.
I love driving my Model 3, but the market has grown to include much more attractive options than just Tesla, like the Polestar 2, a four-door that arrived in the US in late 2020. It features a sleek yet muscular design and solid, but not groundbreaking, range, charging and performance.
The Polestar 2 seems like a good car on paper, but flies under the radar. To learn more about the sporty sedan, I rented one from Hertz for a week to test it for $48 per day, including mandatory airport fees and taxes. Business Insider compensated me for the rental price for this story.
Who is Polestar?
A 2023 Polestar 2 in magnesium. Andreas Lambrecht
Polestar is a Swedish automotive start-up founded by Volvo and China-based Geely Holding Group in 2017. The electric vehicle manufacturer offers three electric cars: the second sedan, the third SUV and the fourth crossover.
Polestars and Volvos have their roots at Volvo and share many components. Volvo recently divested Polestar, although the two automakers still collaborate on manufacturing and engineering.
Polestar 2: First impressions
The interior of the Polestar 2 features an 11.2-inch tablet-like display. Andreas Lambrecht
When I picked up the Polestar 2, I noticed that my rental car was the base 2023 dual-motor version, but no extra packages besides the upgraded 20-inch wheels. That said, the exterior and interior of all models look pretty much the same, save for different trim pieces and a glass roof.
As soon as you step into the Polestar, the Scandinavian atmosphere is clearly noticeable. Thanks to the muscular car-like proportions and the higher windshield, you feel like you’re in a cocoon. A high-placed center console, a standard metal roof and dark headliner material give the Polestar a sporty, mature and premium appearance.
It feels well built. The framed doors produce a solid “thump” when closing, and the turn signals, drive switch and steering wheel all feel high-quality.
There’s some hard-touch plastic here and there (more than in a Tesla), but elements like the brushed metal door handles shift your attention. The Polestar 2 feels better built than my older Model 3, but comparable to the updated 2024 version. I can see buyers preferring both.
On the road with the Polestar 2
A side view of the Polestar 2. The 20-inch wheels accentuate its muscular stance. Andreas Lambrecht
Despite being an AWD electric sedan like the Tesla Model 3, the most noticeable difference is the weight. The Polestar 2 weighs 4,650 pounds – the big battery Model 3 weighs 4,019 pounds. 600 pounds is a significant difference, and you can feel it when cornering.
Still, the Polestar 2 is a fast vehicle. With 402 hp, it can sprint to 60 in about 4.5 seconds. Unlike the Model 3, you can launch it by pressing your left foot on the brake pedal and your right foot on the accelerator, then releasing the brake.
On the road, the Polestar 2 also does an excellent job when it comes to minimizing vibrations. While the new Model 3 is much better in this regard, there is one notable difference from my outgoing Model 3.
Another advantage is the greater ground clearance and lower plastic cladding. Although not a rugged SUV, the Polestar 2 is capable of light off-roading with a ground clearance of 6 inches.
Polestar range and charging
A Polestar 2 charges at an Electrify America station outside Asheville, North Carolina. Andreas Lambrecht
On my last day with the Polestar, I drove through the mountains of North Carolina and stopped at a 350-kilowatt EA station outside Asheville. I recorded about 30 minutes to go from 17 to 80% charge. At the time, the charger delivered 53 kilowatt hours, which cost $30.91. This charging time is fine but not revolutionary.
The Polestar 2 has a peak charging capacity of 150 kilowatts, but fell below the 100 kilowatt threshold by about 55%. Model 3 has a peak of 250 kilowatts, but sees a similar drop to 100 kilowatts at about 60% charge. The big difference is efficiency. The Polestar has a battery similar in capacity to my Model 3, but it can only go so far on a charge.
I recorded an estimated range of 224 miles at 70 miles per hour. My 2021 Model 3 can travel about 270 miles in that speed range. Because the Polestar 2 is not as efficient as the Tesla Model 3, it requires more energy to travel the same distance, increasing costs.
I was never worried about the Polestar as the range was still more than adequate for my driving style, averaging over 100 miles per day. When I arrive on campus, I plug in and go to class.
Average technology and missing safety features
The 2024 Polestar 2 has five color options, although only Stealth Gray Metallic is included. Andreas Lambrecht
Despite having a sticker price of over $50,000, the Polestar had virtually no safety features. This didn’t have adaptive cruise control, lane centering assistance or even a blind spot monitor. By comparison, every new Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Toyota EV comes standard with adaptive cruise control.
Another disappointing aspect of the Polestar 2 is its lackluster technology. Although the Polestar has two bright displays powered by Google software, the computer chip powering them is an Intel A3900 chip, which debuted in 2016. The result is a display that can be laggy and somewhat unresponsive.
Nevertheless, it is still better than other systems I have used before. The Google-based system effortlessly adds charging stops, tells you what percentage you’re arriving at and how long to charge, but for a fresh-faced automaker it lags behind Rivian and Tesla.
Pronunciation
A Polestar2. Andreas Lambrecht
I liked a lot of things about the Polestar, but wouldn’t buy another one. Looking at the new market, the updated Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is the better buy. It offers a range of 363 miles, better charging, more standard features and a lower price tag.
If you’re buying a used one with a budget in the mid to €20,000 range, the Polestar 2 is worth a look. The 2 is refreshing just because of the large number of Teslas on the road. It drives well, has a decent range and has a seductive Scandinavian look.
While the Model 3 started it all, the Polestar is a solid alternative that ticks several boxes. There’s a lot to like about it and I’ll miss the time I spend driving it.