Polestar 2 VS Tesla Model 3

Over the last week we’ve been driving a fully-loaded Polestar 2 with all the bells and whistles, and it has drawn obvious comparisons with the world’s best known EV, Tesla’s Model 3. On a side note, when in a Model 3, no one has ever jumped out at me to ask me what I was driving, and could they have a sit in it (unlike Polestar 2).

Now that there is no free charging at Tesla super chargers, we find Teslas at the more ubiquitous public charging stations. Seeing them side-by-side is an eye opener.

Tesla claims the Model 3 is the world’s top selling EV, but Nissan claims the Leaf is top dog. Make of that what you will.

If you like chunky looks,

Polestar wins. Model 3 from the front looks dorky, and a trifle awkward, whereas Polestar looks butch and aggressive . From the side, Polestar 2 is brutalist, model 3 is smooth with a pert rounded bum. From the back, the Polestar 2 has a brilliant light array with a dazzling start up sequence, and Tesla is understated and somewhat generic.

I like the chunky looks of Polestar, which reminds me of a Tonka toy.

Convenience

Polestar 2 has a liftback, and all of the ease that comes with it.

Model 3 has a small boot opening because of the way the roof is designed. There are 2 sections of glass, so a hatch would have to hinge half way along the roof, making for a hatch the size of a small continent. Ye-gads! As it is, its tiny opening is restrictive, and is something we’ve complained about previously.

It is far easier to live with a hatch and that is all there is to it. A hatch is more versatile and spacious, and the kick to open function is handy.

Polestar wins this section, by a country mile.

This Week: 2022 Polestar 2 Dual Motor Long Range Review

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ABOVE: Tesla Model 3 VS Polestar 2

Interface

Model 3 has Tesla’s nerdy proprietary system. It is neither good nor bad, but takes getting used to. The graphics are excellent, especially at showing the surroundings. Multiple cameras are meant to futureproof the car ahead of autonomous driving, but I do not share that want or need. Several of our test cars had features that didn’t work as intended. One needed an immediate camera replacement with a trip to the local tesla doctor. the process was super-quick, but imagine that after warranty. There is no apple carplay/android auto which is a complete bummer. For the record Tesla, no, your system is not as good as CarPlay/Android Auto, it just isn’t.

Polestar 2 has an Android system fully integrated into the car, and once signed in to your personal google account, your voice assistant can be used. It almost eliminates the need for a touch interface, and although I’ve never used it before, familiarisation seemed intuitive. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy and above all, integrated my home automation. Imagine turning lights on and off with ‘im-Indoors home alone!

I’ve only needed to ring Polestar once to find the “reset” button after the Android system wouldn’t find signal. It happened twice, the 2nd time taking all sounds with it, including the indicators. For the record, the Android/Google reset is by pressing and holding the rear heater button. Carplay/Android Auto are said to be coming with the next OS update. With both cars, using “Hey Siri” will allow you to use the convenience of Apple’s hive mind as long as your phone can hear you.

Model 3 uses the interface for almost all functions, even the glove box opener, and it drives me utterly bananas. Not only that, its voice control doesn’t seem to understand Australians.

Polestar is a clear winner here.

Comfort/luxury

Both are billed as luxury vehicles, but neither actually is.

They are certainly premium, with the Polestar 2 having Swedish (Volvo) build quality (made in China) and Tesla being American (with some made in China). Panel fit in Polestar is first class. Model 3 panel fit can be patchy with shut lines often different from car to car, or from one side to the other of the same car.

Model 3 minimalist interior suits those with OCD, but the lack of buttons makes some operations difficult. Everything, including lights and wipers, is in a menu.

Polestar 2 has regular stalks for lights/wipers, and physical audio controls. Both cars have excellent sound systems (Polestar’s upgraded one includes Harmon Kardon). Tesla has a one-swipe wiper button, but as stated already, all other wiper and light functions are in a menu

The Scandi Polestar’s chic cabin feels like a dark and moody mid-century-modern gentlemen’s club, and Model 3 like a 70’s, Blake’s 7 interpretation of what the 2000’s would look like. It is a matter of taste preferences, with both having good and bad for some punters. Don’t get me wrong, I love the minimalist look of the Tesla, but it has always felt somewhat unfinished. It is as if someone forgot to install the techy stuff.

Neither is a clear winner in this category, as it is a matter of taste and opinion.

Safety

Model 3 has everything built in, but things such as Blind Spot are an option on Polestar. Once packs are added, price for price, safety and convenience for both are on par. Both have rear or AWD or Rear Wheel drive models. Model 3 may also win the range race too, but real world tests tell us there isn’t much difference in it.

On paper it is difficult to say which is ahead, and on the road, both feel equally competent.

Performance

A model-3-owning mate sent a clip of a British TV show comparing both cars on a track. This a load of old codswallop, as you can only do 110kph legally, and getting there 1.4 second faster is a ferfy. Besides, it drains your battery faster than a drag queen in a drinking contest.

Both AWD cars have neck snapping acceleration, and you find yourself doing it just because you can.

Tesla pips the post with 3.3 for its fastest time, verses 4.7 for the quickest Polestar.

Handling

Polestar 2 has firm ride, as do her Volvo sisters, with Model 3 having slightly better handling and ride. Steering feel differences as so infinitesimal as to be irrelevant. You want to throw them both into corners, but batteries weigh a shedload, and no amount of clever suspension hides the heft.

I would find it hard to choose between the two, but the Tesla is a little nicer ride-wise. Both handle well.

Glass Roof

Model 3 roof needs a shade in summer, with after market kits easily found on the interwebs. Polestar 2 has a kit coming next year, but no doubt after market ones will also pop up on those same interwebs thingies as seen for the Tesla. Polestar has inbuilt foil-like material limiting sun exposure to the equivalent of factor 50 sunscreen. However, for me, both cars require a cap with the glare getting down behind my glasses. I noticed the glare more in Model 3, but the week in Polestar 2 has been mainly overcast, I unable to give a full evaluation.

I don’t like glass roofs, and although Polestar comes without one, it is part of a pack. If you buy all the packs, you get the roof.

Conclusion:

Drum roll please!

The full Polestar review will follow, but a finger-in-the-air test brings Polestar 2 out on top.

Although I prefer the ride in Tesla, I like the Polestar 2’s look and feel. Its cabin feels like home, and its instruments are far easier to navigate. In short, Polestar’s interface is vastly superior, and there is a proper driver’s display, in front of the driver where it belongs. Model 3 uses the righthand side of the centre screen and is completely insufficient for my needs. Tesla owners tell me you get used to it, but you can also get used to camping. No thanks! Neither has an HUD which is something that really frosts my cookies!

I prefer the flat floor of the Tesla, but that makes the passenger’s ride height higher. Polestar’s power pack placement allows for a distinctly sporty feel, more akin to a coupé.

Once, Tesla was way ahead because of its free charging infrastructure, but that is no longer the case. Tesla got rid of it when Model 3 came along. There was a referral programme for a while, but that’s gone too.

Finally, I like a liftback for its superior versatility.

Full Polestar review follows in a few days.