2022 Polestar 2: Five Things I Like and Five Things I Don't Like
The Polestar 2 is an all electric vehicle with a fast back design that provides a highly competitive list of specs.
The Polestar 2 is currently under the microscope of everyone looking into purchasing an electric vehicle. As the competition thickens with more manufacturers releasing EVs the Polestar 2 may or may not be the choice that many land on.
I have owned a 2022 Polestar 2 for 6 months now and have driven upwards of 6000 miles. There are many things that I like about this car. As no car is perfect, there are certainly some things I do not like. This list will go over five things I like about the Polestar 2 and five things I do not like about the Polestar 2.
2022 Polestar 2 Specs
Base price: $58,400 including destination
Powertrain: 78 kWh lithium-ion battery | dual permanently synchronous electric motors | 1-speed transmission | all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 408
Torque: 487 lb-ft
Seating capacity: 5
Ground clearance front: 151 mm (5.9 inches) / 146 mm (5.7 inches) with the
Performance package
Ground clearance rear: 167 mm (6.9 inches) / 161 mm (6.3 inches) with the
Performance package
Range: 249 miles (EPA)
Quick take: The Polestar 2 provides a great driver oriented experience while being a quality daily. The competitive range will get you where you need on one charge. Although some interior design choices may leave you guessing and interior space may be an issue for larger owners, the performance and driving dynamics satisfy on all fronts.
What I liked
1. Performance
The Performance and driving dynamics that this vehicle gives is nothing short of great. I almost always choose the scenic route. When diving into those sweeping turns, the chassis feels responsive. The dual motor powertrain then launches you out of the corner with 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. It is enticing every time.
Almost all EVs have that addicting 0-60 times, and the Polestar 2 achieves this with a quick 4.6 seconds. But the even more addicting piece is while around tight corners. Even when fitted with its standard Michelin Primacy 4 tires, the compact Swedish car maintains a planted position and provides outstanding grip.
2. Pilot Assist
The Polestar 2 can also offer a calm and composed commute at 5:00 in the morning if you want to take things slowly. With the Pilot package, you get access to Volvo's Pilot Assist function. This safety assistance program makes driving on the highway and long commutes a cakewalk with minimal driving fatigue. I did a longer review on that here.
The Pilot Assist function is primarily intended for use on motorways and similar major roads where it can contribute to more comfortable driving and a more relaxed driving experience. Pilot Assist can help the driver keep the vehicle in the current traffic lane and maintain an even speed and a set time interval to the vehicle ahead. – Polestar
3. Styling
The Polestar 2's design might not be to everyone's taste. Personally, I genuinely like how sharp and boxy it feels. The rear end's continuous LED brake lights transports me to a Cyberpunk setting. Thor's Hammer LED headlights at the front of the car add a distinctive look and enhance the aesthetic.
Additionally, the interior is a pleasant space to be in. Although it is not quite as minimalistic as the Tesla Model 3, minimalism is unquestionably an important aspect of the interior design. The interior of the car is made entirely of vegan materials and is driver-focused while also being environmentally friendly.
The Polestar 2 has a different atmosphere than a Model 3, which is more like entering the cockpit of your own private jet. When you settle into your seat, you can easily access all the equipment needed to pilot your Polestar 2. This effect is furthered by the center console's high rise, which leads to the 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is located just before the gear shifter's illuminated Polestar logo. Every interaction is pleasant.
4. Pixel LED Headlights
The Polestar 2 has some of the highest tech headlights on the market. Pixel LED headlights are standard on all Polestar 2 models with the Pilot pack (not pilot lite). Each headlamp contains 84 Pixel LEDs that are controlled by a front-mounted camera. Depending on what it detects, each LED is individually turned on and off, changing the beam to always provide the best illumination.
The primary functionality of pixel headlights is disabled as a result of US regulations. According to Polestar, they are collaborating with US law enforcement and will enable full functionality as soon as new regulations take effect. Active bending lights are currently only operational in the US. In order to provide additional illumination at bends and intersections and increase the driver's visibility, active bending lights monitor steering wheel movements.
5. Accurate Range Estimation
In the roughly 6000 miles I have driven the Polestar 2 I have found that 99% of the time the Google Maps battery range estimate has been very accurate. When entering a destination, Google Maps will estimate the state of charge on arrival as well as round trip estimates. Almost every time, the state of charge at arrival is spot on or within a percentage or two with what Google Maps predicted. I have tested it in my daily normal commute as well as on slightly longer trips, both of which have been accurate.
What I Disliked
1. Stiff Ride For Long Trips
The ride comfort of the Polestar 2 can leave a bit to be desired when it comes to long trips. I do not have the Performance Pack, so I am basing this off of the standard suspension setup. The ride is by no means a harsh, however on pothole ridden roads or less than desirable roads it is obvious that the suspension is on the stiffer side. This is not a problem for a majority of the time, but when the trip lasts 4+ hours, the stiffness of the suspension becomes a bit more apparent.
2. Awkward Center Console
Although the cockpit like interior design is a nice in providing a driver oriented experience, the awkwardly large center console can be a point of contention. The center console protrudes slightly into the space of the occupant. Depending on your seating position, this may cause your knees to uncomfortably bounce off of the sharp corner of the center console. I personally sit low enough that this does not affect me, however I have had many passengers complain about this very issue. Even though the center console is awkwardly large, it does not provide a large amount of storage either.
3. Seating Position
If the steering wheel would be able to come out about 2 more inches, it would be perfect. I am 5'10" and to have my legs in a comfortable position I have to sit fairly far back. With the steering wheel pulled out as far as possible, I still feel as though I am reaching for the steering wheel. To add to this, attempting to sit with your arm on the arm rest results in a stretched feeling as well. Another issue this causes is due to only one cup holder being available, if you want to use the second hidden cupholder you will have to forgo using the center arm rest. However, aftermarket accessories have proven to be useful against this design flaw. (Check out the Top Polestar 2 Accessories in 2022 for even more useful accessories)
4. Rear Seating
The Polestar 2 is not the largest car in the world. Although the trunk provides a large amount of storage space, it is a little tight when fully occupied. It is not often that my car is fully occupied, though, as I mainly just drive it to work. However, on the few occasions that I did have a fully loaded car with 4 adults total, it was a bit tight. Often times this was for lunch runs, so this would include drinks and food as well. The rear passengers were a little cramped, but the middle section of the seats folds out to provide 2 cup holders, which is nice.
5. Efficiency Could Be Better
In the roughly 6000 miles I have driven the Polestar 2, I have averaged about 34.3 kWh/100mi. The type of driving is mainly highway driving, with about 15-25% back mountain roads. In comparison, my Tesla Model 3, with similar driving types, is getting roughly 26.6 kWh/100mi. It is glaringly obvious which manufacturer prioritized things such as aerodynamics when comparing efficiency.
That being said, the Polestar 2 range is nothing short of acceptable. The single-motor and dual-motor cars covered 289 and 288 miles, respectively. With Edmunds' real-world EV range test, it bested their EPA-estimated range by 19 and 39 miles.
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