Polestar 2 vs. Tesla 3: which is better?
Two of the most iconic electric car brands go head to head in our comparison review
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If you’re after an electric saloon-shaped car and you’ve narrowed it down to these two very accomplished models, then you’ve done a great job so far.
Picking between the two can be difficult, and they both excel as exceptionally capable electric cars, but we think some key differences could lead you to make a decision.
Read on to find out whether the Tesla Model 3 or the Polestar 2 is most appropriate for you.
Which is more stylish: Polestar 2 vs. Tesla Model 3?
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While both electric cars are familiar in terms of their saloon shapes, each has its own unique design language.
This is enough to make the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 unique not only side-by-side but also against a plethora of other saloons.
The Polestar 2 has a slightly higher ride height that, when combined with rugged-looking styling like the plastic-clad wheelarches, makes it look almost like a mini off-roader.
Polestar is part of Volvo, and that’s clear when you look at the Polestar 2’s headlights, which feature a Volvo-esque daytime running light design.
The taillights also stay on in all weathers as part of the daytime running lights, which is a trademark of Volvo and Polestar and a nod to Sweden’s additional safety requirements.
Depending on which version you go for, you’ll get a familiar-looking front end, either with a normal-looking grille or a blanked-off section.
By comparison, the Tesla Model 3’s bonnet runs straight into the bumper and leaves no room for a grille.
It also looks a lot more aerodynamic and is recognisably a Tesla. Both inside and outside, the Model 3 is a much more minimalistic car, with flush pop-out handles to keep it slick.
Is the Tesla 3 or Polestar 2 better to drive?
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Even the basic Model 3 is fun to drive because it’s rear-wheel-drive, which makes it more engaging than other front-wheel-drive EVs.
The more powerful versions get an extra motor on the front wheels, which makes them four-wheel-drive.
This is not only beneficial for slippery conditions, but it also makes putting the power down more confidence-inspiring.
Tesla’s CEO once said that the company doesn’t build slow cars – the slowest Model 3 does 0-60mph (Tesla won’t quote the usual 0-62mph times) in 5.8 seconds, while the Performance version does it in 3.1 seconds.
Earlier versions of the Polestar 2 were front-wheel-drive, but a 2023 update saw this change to rear-wheel-drive, so if you’re after something a bit more fun to drive then it’s worth scouting out a newer model.
That’s if you don’t go for a four-wheel-drive Polestar 2, which is the case for the longer-range cars.
Polestar uses 0-60mph, too. For the slowest rear-wheel-drive version, it’s 6.2 seconds, and the quickest dual-motor version with the Performance pack can get to 60mph in four seconds. The front-wheel-drive model was even slower, at seven seconds.
Regardless of on-paper acceleration times, every version of both of these cars feels quick to respond and has more than enough power to get you up to speed and carry out the odd overtake.
Polestar 2 vs. Tesla Model 3 interior
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Both have stripped-back interiors, but the Tesla Model 3 takes it up a notch.
Beyond a pair of buttons on the steering wheel and a hazard light switch, there are no physical controls, and everything is managed through the large 15-inch touchscreen.
The Polestar has a large 11.2-inch touchscreen but it’s portrait-mounted, just like other modern Volvos. It’s an exceptional system powered by an Android operating system, but we think the Tesla’s screen is more intuitive.
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Lights and wipers in the Tesla are controlled by the left steering wheel stalk, and the right one is used for selecting a gear, which leaves the entire centre console free for storage.
The Polestar has a more conventional-looking gear selector in the centre console.
The new Model 3, introduced for 2024, changes some of this. There are more controls on the steering wheel, including the indicators, but there are no stalks at all.
Selecting the gear is also managed through the screen – or even automatically – though there are backup buttons.
Model 3 vs. Polestar 2: which is roomier?
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They’re both saloon-shaped cars that are similar in size to the BMW 3 Series and offer similar amounts of space inside.
On-paper differences don’t necessarily reflect the reality, however, and two key differences could affect how you use each car.
The first relates to interior space – the Tesla Model 3 has a completely flat rear footwell, which makes fitting three-abreast fairly easy, though the middle seat is best suited to children.
The Polestar 2 has rather a large hump in the floor, which you’d often expect of petrol- and diesel-powered cars. It’s quite intrusive and has a big impact on foot space.
The second factor acts in the Polestar’s favour – it has a large, hatchback-style boot opening, which makes loading large and bulky items reasonably easy.
The Tesla has a much narrower opening, so while it has more boot space, it’s not necessarily as useable.
For reference, the Polestar 2 has a 405-litre boot and the Tesla Model 3 has a 425-litre boot. The Model 3 also has a huge underfloor storage section, which is enough for a small family’s weekly shop, which is more than can be said about the Polestar’s arrangement.
Both have yet another storage area under the bonnet, which is only really useful for storing charging cables or muddy boots.
Again, Tesla wins with its 88-litre ‘frunk’, compared to the Polestar with a 35-litre space.
Polestar 2 vs. Tesla Model 3 performance
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Polestar is a lot more transparent about the statistics of its cars. Its latest versions, following the shift from front- to rear-wheel-drive, produce 272hp in the ‘Standard range Single motor’ form and 299hp in the ‘Long range Single motor’ form.
The ‘Long range Dual motor’ version makes 421hp, or 476hp with the Performance pack. This makes them good for 0-60mph in 6.2, 5.9, 4.3, and 4.0 seconds respectively.
The earlier front-wheel-drive ‘Standard range Single motor’ was less powerful, with 224hp and a 0-60mph time of 7.0 seconds.
Tesla doesn’t make it easy to find out the power of its vehicles, which changes year by year.
Figures from just before the new 2024 model was revealed suggest that the rear-wheel-drive version has 283hp, the Long Range has 498hp, and the Performance has 534hp.
They’re good for 0-60mph in 5.8, 4.2, and 3.1 seconds, respectively.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Polestar 2 dimensions
The Model 3 is 4,695mm long, 2,088mm wide with its mirrors in place, and 1,445mm tall.
Its length is its most notable dimension because it can protrude from a parking space, especially if you want to leave room for the boot to open against a wall.
The Polestar 2 is almost 9cm shorter, at 4,606mm long. At 1,985mm wide, it’s also narrower, but it’s taller than the Model 3 at 1,479mm.
Used Tesla 3 vs. used Polestar 2: which should you buy?
Both are incredibly appealing electric cars, and because they’ve been built from the ground up to be electric rather than being electric versions of existing cars, you can expect the very best in EV and car technology.
We think the key differences, besides styling, come down to whether you need to carry passengers in the rear seats or whether you need a large boot opening.
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