Now in its second year, the 2022 Polestar 2 offers respectable range and good power. Let’s see how it compares to an EV veteran, 2022 Tesla Model 3.
2022 Polestar 2
2022 Polestar 2 Starting Price: $45,900 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Available all-wheel drive; great safety features; power; eligible for the federal tax credit.
Below Average: Name recognition; range; thick side pillars impede visibility; rear seat is best for two; front-drive single electric motor base model.
Consensus: Looking like a cross between a crossover and a sedan, the 2022 Polestar 2 boasts good power, available all-wheel drive, and impressive safety features. The range is about average, however, and the rear can be tight for more than two adults.
2022 Tesla Model 3
2022 Tesla Model 3 Starting Price: $39,000 (est.) | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Over-the-air updates; impressive semi-autonomous driving features; driving dynamics; single-motor rear-wheel drive; Supercharger network.
Below Average: Build quality; no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration; does not qualify for the federal tax credit; everything controlled through the touchscreen.
Consensus: With a choice of models, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 offers impressive range and performance. There are still some build quality issues, and interior features are nearly all controlled through a touchscreen.
Polestar 2 vs. Model 3: Numbers Game
Polestar 2
While you may not recognize the name, the 2022 Polestar 2 comes from the Volvo Group, and its Volvo underpinnings are fairly recognizable. A bit of a hybrid in styling, the Polestar 2 looks like a blend of Volvo’s XC40 crossover and S60 sedan, except it’s fully electric.
A new entry-level Polestar 2 starts at $45,900 and includes a single 231-horsepower motor driving the front wheels, while the dual-motor AWD Polestar costs about $4,000 more and makes 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. In other words, it’s quick, with great thrust when you need it and good handling through the curves. The thick rear pillars impede rear visibility, so make sure you use your mirrors.
The more powerful Polestar 2 has 249 miles of range, while the single-motor front-drive model has an estimated range of 265 miles. Charging takes about 8 hours, although the company says a recharge can happen in 40 minutes at a public quick charger. The dual-motor Polestar 2 can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The interior is straight out of the Scandinavian playbook, both elegant and simple. Most controls are on the 11-inch vertical touchscreen, with a few redundant switches on the steering wheel. Front and rear seats are heated and made of a vegan-friendly fabric, with good bolsters.
Standard features include four USB ports, wireless phone charging, satellite radio, and a 360-degree camera. Infotainment comes via an Android system, with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play store. It also supports Apple CarPlay.
Safety features include forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tesla Model 3
As one of the rare manufacturers that has never made anything but EVs, Tesla’s been in the game longer than most. It shows in the 2022 Model 3, which even in base single-motor rear-drive form is not only quick but has an estimated 263 miles of range, which beats most competitors. There’s also a Long Range model with a larger battery and 353 miles of range, and a Performance model that’s quicker and still has more than 300 miles of range. Both come with dual motors and all-wheel drive.
With its batteries giving Tesla a low center of gravity, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 is very stable, cornering smoothly. Even the base model makes it to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds, and the Performance model with standard all-wheel drive rockets to 60 in just over 3 seconds. That’s seriously quick. Even better, everything from steering effort to brake feel can be adjusted to suit the driver’s personal taste.
Inside, the Model 3 is very minimalist and comes only in either black or white. The main feature is the giant 15-inch center touchscreen, which controls nearly every function in the car. It works well but can be challenging to use while driving. We’d prefer buttons or knobs for certain things. Tesla has also had some build quality problems, so there can be fit and finish issues.
Standard features include 12-way power front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, four USB ports, a panoramic fixed roof, and a hands-free driving feature. As of yet, there is neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto integration.
It’s also worthy of note that prices are non-negotiable and Tesla has no showrooms, so you’ll need to order your Model 3 online. Teslas no longer qualify for federal tax credits.
Similarities
Available AWD; warranty; safety features; quick; online sales.
2022 Polestar 2 Advantages
Eligible for federal tax credits; shorter charging time; hatchback cargo space.
2022 Tesla Model 3 Advantages
Longer-range and performance models; Supercharger network.
Which One is Right for Me?
The electric car from Volvo, the 2022 Polestar 2 is a good choice if you want your EV with hatchback capability, interior comfort, and available full-time all-wheel drive.
With a lower starting price and a choice of trims that offer performance, range, or a combination of the two, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 is a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable electric sedan.
Ready to buy a Polestar 2 or Tesla Model 3? Shop for one on sale now near you.
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 2022 Tesla Model 3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Electric Motor | 300 kW AC synchronous | 300 kW AC dual induction |
| Horsepower | 231 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| EPA Driving Range | 265 miles (est.) | 263 miles |
| EPA Fuel Economy | n/a | 148 city/132 hwy MPGe |
| Level 2 Charging Time | 8 hours | 8.5 hours |
| Battery pack | 78 kWh Li-ion; 324 cells | 54 kWh Li-ion; 2,976 cells |
| Also available | 408-hp dual-motor; AWD | 447/580-hp dual-motor; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Battery warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | n/a | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 inches | 113.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 181.3 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width | 73.2 inches | 72.8 inches |
| Height | 65.5 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 38.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.5 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.0 inches | 37.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.2 inches | 42.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 33.9 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 53.7 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.3 inches | 54.0 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 89 cubic feet | 97.0 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume | 15.2/37.2 cubic feet | 15.0 cubic feet |
