Polestar 2

One lump or two? That’s the obvious choice facing most Polestar 2 buyers. The 231-horsepower Single Motor version, which first appeared in 2022 and is front-wheel drive only, offers the most range with an EPA-estimated 270 miles. It also tends to be less expensive than its Dual Motor counterpart.

Adding a second motor not only unlocks all-wheel drive but also boosts total horsepower to 408 ponies. That helps the electric sedan hit 60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds. By comparison, a Single Motor 2 takes a full 7 Mississippis. The tradeoff, of course, is range. According to the EPA, Dual Motor variants offer between 233 and 260 miles of range, depending on the model year.

In either case, the 2 is powered by a 75-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It can be charged at speeds up to 150 kW, enabling a 10-80% refill in as little as 35 minutes.

Inside the cabin, the Polestar 2 provides an upscale, if somewhat austere, and tech-forward environment. While there’s space for four adults (five in a pinch), the front seats offer far more room and support than the rears, which can feel a bit tight. The rear hatch (in place of a trunk) is a nice touch, making it easy to access the Polestar’s 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

As you might expect from a premium EV, the 2 comes nicely equipped with luxury and tech features. Both the Single and Dual Motor versions include heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster, and an 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment. Polestar utilizes an Android-based operating system, which is good news for fans of Google Maps and other Google apps, which operate seamlessly. Don’t worry, Apple fans, because iPhone connectivity, including Apple CarPlay, is also supported.

Safety tech is a bright spot for the Polestar 2. It comes standard with forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, adaptive LED headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. For more advanced gear, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and intervention, and a surround-view camera, look for examples with the optional Pilot Pack package.