The Polestar 2, a tall hatchback from Volvo’s electric vehicle sub-brand, failed to impress with its bone-jarring ride, tight interior, and confusing controls, all of which more than overshadowed the positives of its zippy acceleration and agile handling. Range has been increased to 276 miles recently for the dual motor AWD version; we saw 248 miles in our own 70-mph highway range test with our 2021 Polestar 2. It takes more than 10 hours to charge on a 240-volt connection. The RWD version is capable of charging at 205 kW in DC-fast charging public places, which is competitive. The AWD version is capable of charging only at 155 kW.
The hatchback scoots off the line when you tromp on the accelerator pedal, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is admirable for any vehicle. Power is smooth and effortless, as is typical of EVs. Dual front and rear motors give it the assurance of all-wheel-drive traction. A less expensive, single-motor version is also available with an EPA-rated range of 320 miles. From 2023 on, the single motor version became a rear-wheel-drive as opposed to front-drive previously.
Handling is impressive, thanks to quick steering and limited body roll. It achieved near sports-car levels of speed through our avoidance-maneuver test, which simulates swerving quickly to avoid a vehicle or obstacle on the road—and that’s in spite of the extremely limited feedback the steering delivers to the driver. The stiff and choppy ride is one of the Polestar’s worst aspects, however, with bumps striking through into the cabin even on relatively smooth highways. Although it achieved impressively short stopping distances at our test track, the brake pedal can feel grabby or touchy just as you’re about to come to a stop.
Unlike typical Volvo models, the interior is drab. Much of the fabric and many of the plastic surfaces have a somewhat cheap appearance and feel. The driving position is cramped because of the tall plastic center console that cuts into right-knee space, and the rear seat is not only tight, but it lacks thigh support. It’s also quite difficult to get in and out of the rear seat due to the sloping roofline and small door openings. Outward visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars, especially at the rear.
The extremely unintuitive controls—which garnered the lowest score we’ve ever given at the time of testing—are the final dagger. Interacting with the infotainment screen is an extremely confusing and distracting affair due to the convoluted menu structure, hidden functions, and confusing icons and text. The recent addition of Apple Car Play compatibility is a welcome relief.
Standard active safety and driver assistance features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. For 2024 blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard.