The 2023 Polestar 2 is a fashionable premium electric vehicle with cutting-edge technology and a powerful electric motor. It distinguishes itself from other premium electric cars by providing sporty handling and riding quality that rivals some of the best models on the market, regardless of powertrain. The 2023 Polestar 2 is an excellent alternative to the Tesla Model 3 for those looking for something different. It offers a good range, impressive technology, and a variety of safety features. Its stylish hatchback body style is eye-catching, and it is competitively priced. If you’re in the market for an electric car, the 2023 Polestar 2 is worth considering, especially since its features have been upgraded. Keep reading our 2023 Polestar 2 review to learn more about the electric car that many say is the best substitute for the Tesla Model 3.
Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the 2023 Polestar 2 is a five-door hatchback with a slightly elevated ride height that looks like a sedan. The combination of these features gives the Polestar 2 a distinctive appearance that doesn’t look much like a crossover but still caters to practical family needs.
The car features standard full LED headlights, although the base model does not have the optional pixel LED animation headlights that are part of the “plus” package. The car has functional vents on the sides with black accents, and the grille has openings to aid in cooling. The lower front grille also has functional openings, and the lower front skirt has non-painted black plastic. This car is 181 inches long, shorter than the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4. It has a wheelbase of 107.7 inches, which is approximately seven inches longer than the Volvo XC40 Recharge. The base model comes standard with 19-inch wheels, medium-sized tires, and disc brakes all around. The car has traditional-looking door handles and boxy, square proportions. The back also looks distinct, with LED tail lights that feature the Polestar logo, LED turn signals, and LED reverse light. The charging port is on the rear driver’s side and is equipped with a standard J1772 plug.
The cargo capacity of the 2023 Polestar 2 is adequate for a luxury electric vehicle but not as large as that of the Tesla Model Y. The cargo area behind the rear seats has 14.2 cubic feet of space, which expands to 38.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. The front trunk has an additional 1.3 cubic feet of space. The car includes a hands-free power liftgate as a standard feature.
The 2023 Polestar 2’s interior combines wood, fabric, and plastic to create a modern, minimalistic look with clean lines and a simple color palette. It incorporates some elements from Volvo, such as the steering wheel buttons and knurled start knob, but overall has a less cluttered design. The interior is also made with eco-friendly fabric. Although the carbon finish on this car is eye-catching, the interior space may feel cramped due to the wide center console, low roof line, and use of dark materials. The tinted panoramic glass roof limits the amount of light that enters the cabin. The seats are made of a vegan fabric called weave tech, and the gear shifter is surrounded by glossy black plastic. The car has slim door bins, a wireless charger, and two storage slots on either side of the center console for storage. There are also buttons for an SOS function, which can alert emergency services in the event of a problem, and a “connect” button, which allows access to free roadside assistance via a call center. The car’s backseat is small and cramped, with little headroom and knee room. Taller people may find sitting in the backseat uncomfortable due to the low roof line and lack of space. The footwells are deep, allowing for some leg room, but the transmission tunnel and separate vents take up space in the center. You also enjoy heated seats and USB-C ports. The rear seats are decent overall, but taller people may feel minor discomfort during long drives.
The 2023 Polestar 2’s infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.2-inch touchscreen that runs the Android Automotive OS infotainment system. The screen is divided into four squares, each dedicated to different apps, such as navigation, phone, or audio. This design is meant to make it easier for users to find what they need while minimizing distractions. The system uses Google Maps for navigation and provides helpful information about charging stations and charging times for electric vehicles. The car also has two USB ports in the front and two in the back, satellite radio, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. To access the car’s settings, you tap the Polestar icon. From there, you can adjust the steering feel and enable or disable the “one-pedal driving” feature, which allows the car to come to a stop using only the accelerator pedal. You can also disable the driver assistance system and turn off specific features, such as the lane-keeping assistant, which users may find annoying. Once you make these changes, they will remain in effect the next time you get into the car. Overall, the system is easy to navigate and understand.
The 2023 Polestar 2 comes in two models: Single motor and Dual motor. The Single Motor model is powered by a single electric motor that generates 231 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 miles in 7 seconds. You’ll also love its driving range of 270 miles. Meanwhile, the Dual Motor model has two electric motors, one in front and one in back, that produce 408 horsepower and provide all-wheel drive. This model can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds and has a range of 260 miles. Both models come with a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery can be fully charged in as little as eight hours using a 240-volt outlet or a Level 2 public charging station. A standard 120-volt household power outlet can add a few miles of range per hour. The quickest way to charge the car is at a Level 3 public DC Fast-Charging station, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. You’ll find very few nuisances when driving the 2023 Polestar 2. It handles well, particularly the Dual Motor all-wheel-drive model, and is easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The steering is responsive, though it doesn’t provide much feedback, and the brakes offer strong stopping power.
The base Polestar 2 Single Motor model has a starting price of $48,400, and additional options include a tow hitch for $1,300 and leather upholstery with ventilated front seats for $4,000.
There are also two packages available for the Single Motor model. The $3400 Pilot pack includes adaptive headlights and fog lights, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, rear collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera system, and side parking sensors. The Plus pack that adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a heat-pump air conditioning system, wireless device charging, a 13-speaker stereo, and a panoramic sunroof will cost an extra $4200. The Polestar 2 Dual Motor model has a starting price of $51,900, while the Polestar 2 BST edition 270 starts at $75,500.
If you’re looking for a luxury electric car, the 2023 Polestar 2 is one of the best in the market.