2022 Polestar 2 Review

The new entry-level Polestar 2 uses a single electric motor. It sends 231 horsepower through the front wheels and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.1 seconds. The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is considerably quicker — it zipped to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds in our testing — but 7.1 seconds is comparable to what you might expect to get from a sporty sedan such as the previous-generation Honda Civic Si. The returning dual-motor setup continues to send 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, which yields a 0-60 sprint time of 4.3 seconds, according to Edmunds' performance testing.

Estimated range for the single-motor version is 265 miles, while the dual-motor variant's range is 249 miles on a full charge — an increase of 16 miles compared to last year's model. There are also a number of packages and stand-alone options to outfit the Polestar 2 with even more features.

Thanks to the instant torque delivery, the single-motor Polestar 2 feels quicker than its numbers suggest. This compact hatchback is peppy at lower speeds, allowing it to keep up with traffic with ease. You don't get the same pinned-to-the-back-of-your-seat experience as with the dual-motor model, but the single-motor is fast enough for typical daily driving.

We previously evaluated the Polestar 2 with the optional Performance package, which includes manually adjustable suspension dampers with 22 different settings. The dampers allow you to customize the balance between a comfortable ride and a sporty setup that allows you to gracefully carve corners with minimal body roll.

Now that we've been able to sample a Polestar 2 without the trick dampers, we can report that the standard suspension is on the firm side. This might not come as a surprise for those with experience with the current crop of Volvos (Polestar's parent company) since those vehicles also generally have a busy ride. But buyers looking for a cushy experience that you'd typically find in a luxury car might not have their needs met by the Polestar 2. That said, the ride is composed and far from punishing, and does have a sharp handling payoff.

The Polestar 2's infotainment system is the first on the market to utilize the Android Automotive interface. Developed by Google, the system is more intuitive and snappier than the older interface found in most modern Volvos. There's no integration with Apple CarPlay yet, but wireless compatibility is in the works and should be deployed by year's end.

No new EV would be complete without a set of driving aids. Unfortunately, many of the advanced safety systems that came on last year's fully loaded Polestar 2 are optional for the new base version. Every model comes with forward collision with automatic braking and lane keeping assist. If you want blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control or rear automatic braking, you'll have to pony up for the $3,200 Pilot package. It's unfortunate that you have to pay extra for these increasingly commonplace features.