What's New
The big change for 2022 is the introduction of a new single motor variant, giving the Polestar 2 a more affordable starting price. You’d otherwise struggle to notice tweaks like a new steering wheel logo, or software improvements that have marginally increased the dual motor’s range.
Choosing Your Polestar 2
The main choice to be made with the all-electric Polestar 2 is whether you want a single motor or a dual motor. The former costs $47,200 including destination with the latter a $4,000 upgrade, though both models may be eligible for various incentives. At the time of writing, federal tax credits bring the current on-the-road prices down to $39,700 and $43,700 respectively.
Engine Choices
The Polestar 2 is powered by either a single or dual-motor setup. The former has a 231 hp (170 kW) electric motor delivering 265 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the latter’s dual electric motors jointly output 408 hp (300 kW) and return a range of 249 miles. Both models can replenish 70% of their charge in 35 minutes courtesy of a DC public fast charger unit.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Wattage | Estimated Range |
Single motor | 231 hp | 170 kW | 265 miles |
Dual motor | 408 hp | 300 kW | 249 miles |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity for the five-seater Polestar 2 stands at 14.3 cu ft behind the rear seats, with a 1.2 cu ft frunk under the hood.
Safety Features
The Polestar 2 offers everything from rain-sensing wipers to adaptive LED exterior lighting, while the headlights adjust their brightness in real-time depending on the presence of other vehicles and surrounding ambient lighting. Front and rear park assistance make low-speed maneuvers easier, while oncoming lane mitigation helps to avoid head-on collisions and cruise control is standard. An automatically dimming interior rearview mirror prevents dazzle, but it’s disappointing to see features like auto-dimming outside mirrors and blind-spot monitoring confined to an options pack rather than fitted as standard.
Connectivity
This is one of the areas where Volvo’s underpinnings are obvious. Every Polestar 2 has a High Performance Audio system that will be familiar from Volvo sedans and SUVs, delivering 250 watts of output through eight speakers. This is the first car in the world offering integrated Google services as standard, controlled via a usefully square 11.2-inch center display. Four USB Type-C connectors add further connectivity, and Spotify is standard.
2022 Polestar 2 – MSRfrom $47,200
The solitary trim level sits on 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels. Dual-zone climate can pre-heat or pre-cool a cabin with keyless entry and a foot-operated tailgate, while retractable frameless mirrors and part-electric front seats are standard, the latter clad in vegan material. There’s power lumbar support for the heated front seats, while the driver’s seat detects an occupant’s weight in lieu of a start button. Similarly, a smart key unlocks the vehicle when the door handle is lifted, and a 12.3-inch digital display replaces analog dials behind the steering wheel.
Safety can be enhanced with the $3,200 Pilot pack, blending side park assistance and auto-dimming outside mirrors with cross-traffic and blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, LED cornering fog lights, and adaptive cruise control with emergency stop assistance. The $4,000 Plus pack bundles a fixed panoramic sunroof and 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with full power front seats, heating elements across the rear seats and wheel, inductive smartphone charging, and distinctive cabin illumination.
Keen drivers can also spend $5,000 on the Performance Pack, which adds dual flow shock absorbers and four-piston Brembo front brake calipers. Design flourishes extend to a gloss black roof segment and 20-inch forged alloy wheels on summer performance tires.
Given Polestar’s Volvo heritage, it’s very disappointing that the Pilot safety pack is an option rather than a standard fitment. Even so, it’s an essential upgrade to bring the Polestar 2’s safety up to a satisfactory level.