Polestar 2 vs. Tesla Model 3

Tesla’s reign has recently come under fire, as more automakers start to come out with affordable options. The Tesla Model 3 continues to pave the way forward for small electric sedans with an incredible amount of range, impressive performance, and cutting-edge tech features. New competitors may be coming out, but the Model 3 continues to be the benchmark.

One of the newer electric cars on the market is the Polestar 2. It arrived as an all-new model in 2021 as Volvo’s spin-off on an all-new electric sedan. While the Polestar 2 doesn’t lead the segment in range or performance, it features a comfortable ride, an upscale interior, and easy-to-use tech features.

The Model 3 and Polestar 2 lineup against one another evenly on paper. We’ll compare the two EVs against one another to see which one comes out on top.

What the Tesla Model 3 Gets Right

The Model 3 continues to be the leader in the segment when it comes to range. Tesla’s most affordable vehicle can travel up to 358 miles on a single charge. That easily outdoes the Polestar 2, which has a range of up to 270 miles. If you compare base to base models, the difference in range is only 2 miles in the Tesla’s favor. Tesla’s sedan also has a more impressive performance than the Polestar 2. The Model 3 Performance can get to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, while the quickest Polestar 2 can make the sprint in 4.5 seconds.

Techies will find the Model 3 to be the more exciting of the two. The Tesla comes with impressive tech features that include a massive 15-inch touchscreen where drivers control all of the vehicle’s functions from. Additionally, the Model 3 is available with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Capability package that includes Summon, Autopark, Auto Lane Change, and Navigate on Autopilot. You won’t find these features on anything other than a Tesla.

While the Polestar 2 looks like the larger vehicle of the two from the outside, the Model 3 has a roomier interior. The Model 3 offers more front and rear legroom, rear headroom, and more rear shoulder room. The largest difference is for rear legroom where the Model 3 offers 1.3 more inches of space.

Read Our Tesla Model 3 Overview

What the Polestar 2 Gets Right

For buyers on a budget, the Polestar 2 is the better choice. Pricing for the Polestar 2 starts at $47,200 (with destination), while the Model 3 costs $48,190. Additionally, the Polestar 2 is eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. None of Tesla’s vehicles are eligible for any portion of the tax credit.

While the Model 3 comes with the more advanced infotainment system, the Polestar 2’s system is far easier to use. The Polestar 2 comes with an 11.2-inch touchscreen with Google Android Automotive OS system. The infotainment system is meant to resemble a smartphone for ease of use. Google Assistant is also included and brings “Hey, Google” voice command capability. The best part of the infotainment system is that Google Maps is the integrated navigation system that has helpful electric-vehicle-specific information.

The Polestar 2’s cabin has a clear edge over the Model 3’s with a handsome look and more high-quality materials. Cargo capacity is also in the Polestar 2’s favor. Thanks to its hatchback design, the Polestar 2 has 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which opens up to 38.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Model 3 has a total of 23 cubic feet of cargo space.

Read Our Polestar 2 Overview

Our Verdict

With its comfortable ride, intuitive tech features, and high-end feel, the Polestar 2 is an electric car that stands out. It takes a different approach to being an EV compared to the Model 3 and is the better for it.

It’s also more affordable than the Model 3, especially if you can take advantage of the federal tax credit. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t have the range to match the Model 3, but that isn’t a problem if you’re comparing the entry-level versions of the two vehicles.

With far more range, performance, and tech features, the Tesla Model 3 wins this comparison. If we were only comparing the entry-level EVs to one another, it would be a closer race, but the Model 3 takes it by offering best-in-class range, tech features you can’t find anywhere else, a roomier cabin, and sports car levels of acceleration.

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