2022 Polestar 2: A Simple, Powerful EV
The 2022 Polestar 2 comes with great improvements. Is it a top-pick EV? We look at interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s new for the 2022 Polestar 2?
The 2022 model year sees a host of important improvements to the 2. First, a new FWD version is available. The starting price for a Polestar 2 is thousands cheaper than last year too. The AWD version has more range than last year and new options packages are available across the lineup.
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The Breakdown
Excellent handling
Quick dual-motor version
Classy cabin
Shorter range than Tesla
No complimentary maintenance
Unknown future
We’d love remotely-adjustable dampers
2022 Polestar 2 Specs
- 231 horsepower from base engine
- 243 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 2 available trims
- 15.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 39.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Excellent Google infotainment system
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 4-year limited warranty
2022 Polestar 2 Powertrain
The Polestar 2 rides on the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) as the Volvo XC40. That crossover feels good in the bends but the Polestar 2 feels even better. A low center of gravity and more power make this one of the best, if not the very best all-electric compact sedan to drive enthusiastically. On center, the steering wheel has some numbness but beyond those couple of centimeters, the Polestar 2 exhibits progressive and communicative feedback through both the wheel and pedals.
That goes for both the Single Motor front-wheel drive variant and the Dual Motor AWD one. The former develops a total of 231 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The latter adds another motor to the rear axle and in total, they create 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The Dual Motor trim also has access to a performance pack which bumps total output to 476 horsepower and 502 foot-pounds of torque respectively.
While we think that both are highly engaging and good to drive, the Dual Motor is considerably more enjoyable. That sort of oomph never gets old and it makes the Polestar 2 more than just a corner carver, it turns it into a serious weapon.
2022 Polestar 2 Fuel Economy & MPG
The FWD Single Motor Polestar 2 gets an EPA-rated 107 MPGe combined and a 270 mile estimated range. That’s more than enough for most owners to drive it daily but it does fall short of rival Tesla and the Model 3. The Dual Motor version sees those figures drop to 89 MPGe and 249 miles of range.
On a normal home-wall charger the 2 can go from empty to full in about eight hours. On a DC Fast Charger it can get to 80% from zero in just under 45 minutes. That’ll come in handy as Polestar customers travel across the national EV charging network.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If there’s one thing that the Polestar 2s interior can’t be accused of, it’s being overly complicated. While not brutally minimalist in the same way that the Tesla Model 3 is, the Polestar 2 manages to stay away from the fussy trends of the day in exchange for simple elegance. A large portrait-oriented infotainment system complements a wide slab of dashboard and curvaceous door cards finish the front half of the 2 nicely.
The seats are supportive and highly adjustable. In addition, visibility is excellent. Despite the higher seating position in the 2 we had no problem getting comfortable and no issues with cramped legroom or headroom.
Ride quality is great in the Single Motor car and still good but noticeably stiffer in the Dual Motor version. An upgraded suspension is available on the Dual Motor and it comes with adjustable dampers. The only issue is that they must be manually adjusted which can be a problem for some owners.
Nevertheless, we really like the 2 for its excellent materials, above-average ride quality, and its very quiet interior. Behind the rear seats is just over 15 cubic feet worth of storage that can be expanded for larger items by folding the rear seats. Those who need more storage will have to look at other vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach E.
Entertainment & Technology
Polestar is one of the first automakers to employ Google’s Android infotainment system. No, that doesn’t mean that you’re stuck if you’re an Apple user though. Instead, it just seems to make all general interactions with the vehicle a little more intuitive and straightforward. As of this writing, wireless Apple CarPlay still hasn’t been implemented but Polestar says that it’s coming in the near future.
The 11.3-inch infotainment screen is bright, responsive, and chic in its design. It’s tied to a Harman/Kardon sound system and provides good clarity, volume, and quality. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides everything a driver could want to know and more and also integrates nicely with the main touchscreen.
Safety Features
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has yet to release any safety data on the 2 so till then we’ll have to go off of what kind of safety equipment comes on the car. To that end, Polestar includes standard driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
2022 Polestar 2 Trims & Pricing
Single Motor – $47,200
The base 2 comes with 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, four USB-C ports, eight speakers, adaptive LED headlights, and an LED rear light bar. Along with the Dual Motor have access to a number of packages with additional content. That includes a Pilot package with cornering LED fog lights, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. A Plus pack adds a 13-speaker sound system, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charger, and a panoramic sunroof.
Dual Motor – $51,200
The Dual Motor Polestar 2 is equipped just like the single motor version except that it has an extra electric motor at the back axle. The big difference is that it has access to the Performance pack with its adjustable dampers, stickier tires, more horsepower, 20-inch wheels, and Brembo four-piston brakes.
Warranties
Polestar offers a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty on every 2. In addition, it covers the battery pack and electric components for at least eight years or 100,000 miles. No complimentary maintenance is offered despite the fact that Volvo offers such service on its vehicles.
What we think
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The Polestar 2 might be the dark horse of the EV sedan world. It’s not got any of the wild fanfare of new upstart companies and it doesn’t have the hardcore legacy following of older ones. We think that makes it an even more intriguing choice.
Those willing to go the path less traveled won’t be hindered by any major drawbacks. The Polestar 2 isn’t a master of any particular domain but it’s incredibly well-rounded and a worthy competitor for Tesla, Kia, and the rest of the EV crowd.
