So you‘re trying to decide between two of the most popular electric sedans – the Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3. As an EV analyst, I‘ve done deep dives on both vehicles to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Here‘s my comprehensive breakdown to help you make the right choice!
Brief background
First, some quick history on these two brands…
Polestar originally started in the mid-90s as Volvo‘s internal performance racing division – they campaigned Volvo models in touring car championships. More recently in 2017, the company was relaunched with a focus 100% on electrified high-performance vehicles.
The Polestar 2 launched in 2020 as a five-door fastback sedan – their first fully electric car built from the ground up. Being under the Volvo umbrella, Polestar has benefited from extensive tech sharing with the proven safety and engineering capabilities of its parent brand.
Tesla of course needs no introduction! They‘ve been dedicated to their electric mission since the beginning, first disrupting the luxury market in 2008 with their roadster supercar. The Model S large sedan followed in 2012 before the brand went more mainstream with the compact Model 3 in 2017.
In the 5 years since, the Model 3 has become Tesla‘s best selling model by far – over 70% of their sales last quarter. Its combination of affordability, cutting-edge tech, range, and performance make it a category leader.
So in Polestar you have an electric newcomer with racing heritage making a name for itself, while Tesla has close to a decade of EV experience under their belt. Now let‘s get into the details…
Performance and driving dynamics
Both cars deliver sports sedan levels of acceleration and handling – but the Model 3 does edge out the Polestar 2 when you look at the specs:
| Spec | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph time | 4.5 sec | 3.1 sec |
| Top speed | 127 mph | 162 mph |
| Horsepower | 408 hp | 450 hp |
| Lateral g-force | 0.97 g | 0.97 g |
Clearly with its Performance trim, the Model 3 exists in a performance tier beyond most other EVs. However, Polestar has an ace up its sleeve – a recently released $1,295 performance software upgrade delivered via over-the-air update. It extracts more power from the motors to improve acceleration as follows:
| Spec | Polestar 2 Standard | Polestar 2 Performance Software Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph time | 4.5 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Horsepower | 408 hp | 469 hp |
So with the extra power bump, the Polestar 2 can‘t quite catch the crazy fast Model 3 Performance – but it gets respectably close!
The Polestar does stand out when it comes to chassis dynamics and sheer driving enjoyment though. Engineered by the same Volvo team responsible for their renowned S60 and V60 sports sedans, that racing lineage shines through. Its precise AWD torque vectoring, near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and Öhlins adaptive dampers work together to deliver incredible grip and agility. Put it into the optional Dynamic drive mode and the Polestar 2 playfully attacks corners like few other electric sedans.
Meanwhile the Tesla favors straight line speed over twisty backroad fun. Make no mistake – the Model 3 handles very competently, but its suspension tune prioritizes comfort rather than razor sharp reflexes. Its low center of gravity does help handling, but with all that mass packed into the floorpan, the ride gets quite stiff in the Performance model. If you want a proper sports car feel, the Polestar has it over the Model 3. However Tesla wins on raw acceleration metrics.
Range and charging ability
I know maximizing driving distance per charge is a big priority for EV buyers – here‘s how they compare:
| Spec | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Max range | 249 mi | 358 mi |
| Charging speed | Up to 150 kW | Up to 250 kW |
No surprises here, Tesla‘s vast Supercharger network and battery tech still lead the industry. The Long Range Model 3 offers over 100 more miles than the Polestar 2 on a full battery.
In my experience getting 250 miles in an EV covers even most road trip needs, but that extra Tesla range provides comfort on long journeys between chargers. The Polestar 2 range should still easily cover most daily commuting and errands though without charging anxiety.
When it comes to charging speed, the Tesla again wins – its 250 kW max rate allows hyper fast refilling. The Polestar taps out at 150 kW, which is towards the top of the EV pack, but trails the Supercharger speeds.
Interior luxury and cargo flexibility
The minute you open their doors, you‘ll notice a definite difference in interior styling direction…
The Model 3 goes for a hyper-modern, minimalist look – its 15-inch center touchscreen dominates the dashboard leaving almost no physical buttons. Personalized driver profiles allow customization of the sparse controls that remain. There‘s no doubt the cabin looks sleek and futuristic.
Conversely, the Polestar 2 has a more conventional luxury feel with traditional driver gauges, climate control knobs, and switches to supplement the center touchscreen. The interface features Google‘s Android Automotive OS for intuitive operation of navigation and music apps.
Both cars seat 5 adults comfortably, but rear seat headroom and legroom is noticeably tighter in the Polestar 2 due to its lower slung roofline. For carrying longer items, the Polestar‘s hatchback design helps thanks to its square cargo opening – the Model 3‘s trunk has a lower liftover height but is more constrained.
Here‘s a cargo space comparison:
| Spec | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear cargo space | 14.3 cu ft | 15 cu ft |
| Front trunk | 1.2 cu ft | 5.3 cu ft |
So while very close on paper, I‘d give the Polestar 2 a slight edge for useable flexibility. And don‘t underestimate the value of height and depth when loading bulky cargo rather than just total volume!
Safety technology and driver assistance features
Tesla‘s Autopilot and Full Self Driving capabilities are a key selling point for technophiles. Allow me to translate what it all means…
Every Tesla comes standard with Autopilot – their advanced adaptive cruise control and lane centering system usable on highways. The $12,000 Full Self Driving (FSD) option adds automatic driving functionality on city streets. FSD is still in beta but shows massive potential as it continues improving.
By comparison, Polestar includes somewhat basic driver assistance features like forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, etc. Helpful stuff, but nowhere near Tesla‘s automation sophistication.
Now when it comes to crash protection, both vehicles perform admirably. They earned full marks in Euro NCAP and NHTSA testing thanks to rigid passenger cages, robust crumple zones, and plenty of airbags at the ready. So excellent marks to both there – but a big tech win for Tesla regarding advanced automation.
Pricing – don‘t forget the tax credits!
Alright, let‘s talk actual purchase pricing and available incentives…
| Spec | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $48,400 | $46,990 |
| Tax Credits | Up to $7,500 credit | Phaseout complete |
With potential federal tax credits factored in, you can get a Polestar 2 for around $41,000 – making it a bit cheaper than a base Model 3 actually! However, once you start adding options and performance upgrades, the Polestar creeps up to around $59,900 fully loaded. A decked out Model 3 Performance closes in on $70,000.
Of course you‘ll save money on gas and maintenance with either EV over years of ownership. Speaking of which…
5 year cost of ownership
I ran some numbers using my handy cost of ownership calculator to illustrate expenses over a 5 year span. I assumed 15,000 miles of driving per year with public fast charging rates in my area. Check out the breakdown:
| Cost | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Purchase Price | $48,400 | $54,490 |
| Electricity Costs | $4,125 | $3,150 |
| Public Charging Costs | $15,600 | $11,700 |
| Scheduled Maintenance | $1,500 | $750 |
| Total 5 Year Cost | $69,625 | $70,090 |
As expected the Tesla‘s superior efficiency pays dividends – slightly less costs despite the higher initial purchase price. However if you qualify for EV tax credits, the Polestar 2 grants a $7,500 discount upfront making its total cost of ownership less than the Model 3.
I‘ve included a $1,500 allowance for maintenance on the Polestar to account for annual servicing. Tesla‘s vehicles require far less routine maintenance thanks to fewer fluids and braking regen reducing wear – thus only $750 budgeted over 5 years.
So in the end very similar overall costs between the two…with the Polestar 2 offering greater value if you can snag the tax credit savings!
The verdict?
So in your car search adventure, which way are you now leaning – the established Tesla Model 3 or newcomer Polestar 2?
Here’s my take as your friendly EV adviser…
The Model 3 generally wins on performance, range and self-driving tech. No one can touch Tesla‘s combo of blistering speed, vast charging network, and advanced AUTOPILOT capabilities. If you want to be on the cutting edge, Tesla has the edge.
BUT…the Polestar 2 holds its own remarkably well given its younger age. It wins on driving dynamics with true sports car agility. The sustainability-focused scandinavian luxury vibe inside and out is undeniably sleek.
And with tax credits knocking its price down near $40K, suddenly we have a serious Model 3 competitor delivering great range and tech for thousands less. As Polestar ramps up and expands their lineup, Tesla should watch their back!
So in the end my friend, choose based on what calls to you more after considering those key factors relevant to your lifestyle. You can’t go wrong either way ending up in an awesome electric car – but I hope breaking down the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 comparison here helps steer you in the right direction!
Let me know if any other questions come up!
