2023 Polestar 2: Everyday EV
What do our experts think of the 2023 Polestar 2? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s new for the 2023 Polestar 2?
Polestar adds a number of improvements to the 2 for 2023. The dual-motor version now gets an EPA-estimated 260 miles of range which is 11 better than last year. There are two new paint colors to pick from and new wheel designs as well. A super-limited-edition version called the BST 270 was available for a short time but has long since sold out as only 47 units are coming to the U.S.A.
2023 Polestar 2 – netcarshow.com | Shop 2023 Polestar 2 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Sleek interior
Powerful dual-motor version
Excellent infotainment system
Gets expensive fast
No RWD version
Limited customization
A well-rounded EV sedan
2023 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
- Google Infotainment System
- Five-star crash test rating
- Four-year warranty coverage
2023 Polestar 2 Powertrain
Underpinning the Polestar 2 is a chassis that accepts either a single or a dual motor setup feeding off of the same battery pack. The base car is a front-wheel drive single-motor setup with 231 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.
It tends to understeer when pushed hard but otherwise, we think it’s a decent everyday driving machine. The pedals and steering wheel provide above-average feedback and it’s easy to place thanks to a well-sorted suspension.
The dual motor automatically makes the 2 an AWD machine and features 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. It’ll go from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds which is properly rapid. Polestar will also sell you a Performance Pack that dials the horsepower up to 469 and adds Brembo brakes, adjustable dampers, and a stiffer suspension. By far, it’s the best of the bunch to drive.
2023 Polestar 2 Battery Range
Every Polestar 2 comes with the same 78 kWh battery pack so one might expect that the dual motor version would suffer from a big drop in overall range. That’s not the case though as the single motor has an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles while the dual motor drops to 260 miles. That’s a tiny price to pay for a lot more power.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If there’s a single word that properly describes the cabin of the Polstar 2: it’s clean. Sure, the seats are comfortable and supportive but the overall design motif is what stands out from all five seats.
The dash and materials aren’t super luxurious but they’re modern and eco-friendly. The physical switchgear feels good to use thanks to consistent high-quality feedback. The ride quality is solid as well. The cabin is quiet and visibility is fine.
A panoramic sunroof and upgraded upholstery are available in what Polestar calls the Plus Pack. Ticking that box costs a touch over $4,000 but for some, it’s a worthy addition. Headroom is a bit cramped in the back for taller folks but beyond that, we can’t really fault the 2.
Cargo space in the trunk is listed at 15.5 cubic feet but that doesn’t take into account the front trunk which holds another cubic foot or so. It also doesn’t count the total of 39.9 cubic feet available in the back when the seats are folded down. Those that need more space might wait for the Polestar 3 CUV coming later this year.
Entertainment & Technology
Polestar is one of the few automakers that leans heavily on Google for its infotainment system. Android Automotive OS is a simple and straightforward version of the system and should be easy to learn for just about everyone. Instead of looking like one large phone screen though, it’s split into four quadrants with devoted themes for each.
We like it for more than just its simplicity though. It’s quick and on top of that, Google’s voice assistant is integrated and incredibly accurate.
Did we mention that it might have the best integrated navigation in the business? That helps too. The large digital gauge cluster is nicely configurable as well.
Safety Features
Volvo and its Polestar brand put a big emphasis on safety so it should come as no surprise that the Polestar 2 gets five stars in NHTSA crash testing. It hasn’t yet been tested by the IIHS though. Every Polestar 2 comes with blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control too. Polestar also offers the Pilot Pack, an advanced driver-aid package that adds another layer of additional safety technology like lane-keep assist and more.
2023 Polestar 2 Trims & Pricing
Polestar sells the 2 in two main trim levels and then allows buyers to add their own personal options atop those foundations.
Single Motor – $49,800
The single motor variant employs front-wheel drive and gets 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, an 11.15-inch infotainment system, faux leather upholstery, satellite radio, integrated navigation, two USB-C power ports, and eight speakers. Safety equipment includes lane-departure mitigation, forward collision mitigation, parking sensors, and driver attention warning.
Dual Motor – $53,300
The dual motor version is equipped identically but obviously comes with AWD and a pair of motors for a combined output of 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. It alone has access to the Performance Pack with 20-inch wheels, performance tires, sport suspension tuning with adjustable dampers, Brembo brakes, and a software upgrade that unlocks 476 hp in total.
Polestar built a special edition, the BST Edition 270, of which just 270 were made for the whole world, as a hardcore performance version based on the Dual Motor Performance. It has long since sold out and is no longer available.
Warranties
Every Polestar 2 comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty. In addition, all electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. That’s in line with other major EV manufacturers.
What we think
2023 Polestar 2 – netcarshow.com | Shop 2023 Polestar 2 on Carsforsale.com
The Polestar 2 is a unique entry into the electric vehicle segment. It’s modern, sleek, and offers a great driving experience. It also starts at almost the exact average transaction price for EVs in the USA right now.
The Polestar 2 can get pricey very quickly based on options. Nevertheless, it offers a better everyday experience than most of its rivals.
