Polestar, Volvo’s all-electric offshoot, has been navigating the competitive EV landscape since its 2021 debut. The Polestar 2 stood out by blending Volvo’s engineering prowess with a sporty, exclusive touch, making it an appealing option. Polestar promised more distinct EVs in the future, but for now, the 2 remains their only product as the EV market gets increasingly crowded. However, the 2 is not static; it’s evolving.
The 2024 Polestar 2 introduces significant updates. These include powertrain modifications to improve efficiency and driving pleasure, a larger battery pack offering just over 300 miles of range on some models, and some minor styling and equipment changes.
Since the Polestar 2’s launch, Volvo has added two EVs to its lineup—the XC40 Recharge and the C40 Recharge—both of which share many components with Polestar 2. Additionally, the market now includes the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the more affordable Tesla Model 3, with the latter priced lower than the Polestar’s starting price of $51,300. Our reviewed Long Range Single Motor Plus model costs $56,750, which is not even the most expensive variant.
Styling changes for the 2024 Polestar 2 are subtle but notable. The new blanked-off grille emphasizes its electric nature and showcases an embedded radar part of the driver-assist sensor suite. The car maintains its distinctive rear design, featuring a squared-off end and unique rectangular lighting elements.
Although the Polestar 2 looks unique, certain design elements still hint at its Volvo origins, such as the signature headlights. Unlike the typical SUV EVs, the 2 has a more rugged appearance with its raised ride height and prominent fender flares, reminiscent of Volvo’s Cross Country models.
Under the surface, the Polestar 2 uses Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), a versatile platform for both EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles. This platform is shared with the Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge, which come with SUV bodies.
The interior of the Polestar 2 doesn’t feel particularly spacious due to the combination of a high seating position and a low roof. The raised center console, which brings controls closer to the driver, also contributes to a somewhat confined feeling. Despite this, the interior looks upscale, thanks to excellent fit and finish and design touches borrowed from Volvo, like a portrait-oriented touchscreen and beveled dashboard edges. The standard cloth seats are vegan and comfortable, with Nappa leather available as an option, though the material choices might not justify the car’s price.
For cargo space, the Polestar 2, a hatchback, offers 14.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 38.7 cubic feet with them folded down. There is also a small frunk with 1.2 cubic feet of space meant primarily for the charging cable.
The infotainment system remains the same, featuring an 11.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It runs on an Android-based operating system, now also used in Volvo models. Apple CarPlay is included, but the system’s integration with Google apps makes it feel like Android Auto. The interface is distinctive and user-friendly, with sharp graphics and an impressive map view for the instrument cluster.
However, the touchscreen-centric setup prioritizes form over function. Important controls for drive modes, regenerative braking, and steering weight are not easily accessible while driving. The climate controls, though easier to reach, are still less convenient than physical buttons. The lone physical control, a volume knob, tends to be overly sensitive.
Polestar shares its driver-assist technology with Volvo, including the Pilot Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering. These features are standard on dual-motor models. In 2024, all Polestar 2 models will include blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system as standard.
Mechanically, the 2024 Polestar 2 has seen some critical changes. The base single-motor model now has a larger 82-kilowatt-hour battery and switches from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. The power output increases to 299 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. These changes improve the zero-to-60-mph time to 5.9 seconds, down from 7.0 seconds, and raise the top speed to 127 mph.
Dual-motor models retain the same 78-kWh battery but now produce 421 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. The Performance Pack for these models includes upgraded brakes and manually adjustable dampers, increasing output to 455 horsepower, albeit slightly less than the 2023 model. Despite this, torque has increased for the 2024 models, with the Performance Pack models achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
The 2024 Polestar 2 maintains a good balance between ride quality and handling, making it comfortable for highway driving and enjoyable on back roads. The switch to rear-wheel drive makes the car feel more agile. Selectable regenerative braking options, including a true one-pedal mode, enhance the driving experience.
With its larger battery, the single-motor Polestar 2 now offers a maximum range of 320 miles on the base 19-inch wheels, while opting for 20-inch wheels reduces the range to 307 miles. Dual-motor models top out at 276 miles of range. Charging capabilities are solid, with single-motor models supporting DC fast charging at 205 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in about 28 minutes. Dual-motor models charge at 155 kW, stretching the same charge time to 34 minutes. All models feature an 11-kW AC charger for home use, which fully charges the battery in eight hours.
Polestar’s warranty includes a four-year, 50,000-mile coverage for the car and an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for the battery, comparable to other EVs. The battery warranty covers capacity loss below 70% within the warranty period.
Safety is a priority for Polestar, much like its parent brand Volvo. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2024 Polestar 2 a five-star overall safety rating. However, the car had not undergone testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of writing.
For driving enthusiasts, the optional Performance Pack for dual-motor models significantly enhances handling. The Long Range Single Motor model is generally the best choice for most people, offering over 300 miles of range and faster charging at a lower cost. Even with the $2,000 Pilot Pack for additional driver-assist features, it remains less expensive than the dual-motor variant.
The Polestar 2 has much to offer, like its stylish design, sporty handling, and impressive 320-mile range. It’s also unique and less common on the road, providing a sense of exclusivity. It compares well to related Volvo models, offering slightly more range for a similar price, though the Volvos offer more interior space.
However, the Polestar 2’s high-end positioning makes it less competitive in the broader EV market. The Tesla Model 3, despite its shorter range, is about $10,000 cheaper. The Hyundai Ioniq 6, with its stylish design, advanced tech, and faster charging, provides up to 361 miles of range for $46,615, making it a more practical alternative.
In a short time, the Polestar 2 has transitioned from a vital addition to a starved EV market to a unique, premium-priced option. This contrast highlights the gap between Polestar’s ambitions and its current market position.