Is the 2024 Polestar 2 a hatchback, a sedan, or a crossover? Depending on the angle it might suggest any of the three. By dimensions it’s a little taller than comparable electric sedans like the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6, yet a little shorter in overall height than the likes of the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. We call it a hatchback.
Yes, but the packaging is flawed. With new drive systems and a new battery pack in the lineup, the 2024 Polestar 2 is sportier than ever and ranks high on charging and range numbers. But the dated design and compromised interior space limits its TCC Rating to 8.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
This is the Polestar 2’s fourth model year, and while it doesn’t look much different than previous model years, much has changed underneath.
Last year the Polestar 2 was front-wheel drive for single motor versions, while dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions provided all-wheel traction that favored the front wheels. This year all versions of the P2 lineup have been flipped around to favor the rear wheels.
All 2024 Polestar 2 versions get a permanent-magnet rear motor at the rear wheels, while dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions get an asynchronous (induction) motor at the front wheels. The drive systems behind those motors are new, too, adding up to a big boost for the single-motor version—to 299 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. Dual-motor versions make 421 hp, or 455 hp with the Performance Pack, enabling 0-60 mph times of 4.3 or 4.1 seconds, respectively.
Single-motor versions get a new, somewhat higher-capacity battery pack, rated at 82 kwh, and now achieving 320 miles of EPA range thanks to efficiency improvements. The dual-motor Polestar 2 gets up to 276 miles, or up to 247 miles in dual-motor Performance Pack form.
While last year the dual-motor car seemed to offer up the better balance to everything, our preference is now the single-motor car—for a lot of reasons that start with range and the larger battery pack but also amount to what feels like a better-balanced car in all but the most vigorous driving situations. For those buyers, there’s the Performance Pack, which is only offered in dual-motor guise anyway.
The Polestar has a squat profile that’s chiseled like a sedan in back and can look coupe-like from some angles. Polestar’s interior loads up on recycled materials and vegan upholstery, although all the hard plastics of the dash, console, and doors can counter the positives. The simplified layout includes a gauge cluster and a 11.2-inch central infotainment system powered by Google Android Automotive OS, with Google apps, navigation, music, and more all synced to the Google account of your choice, for better or worse—although it is Apple CarPlay zcompatible..
The Polestar 2 shares its platform with gasoline models, and that limits interior roominess, with the broad center console confining front passengers, short door cuts in back, and a trunk-like 14.3 cubic feet—although you can flip the seats forward for 38.7 cubic feet and there is a modest front trunk (frunk).
Crash-test safety for the Polestar 2 has been excellent, with five-star results in federal NCAP testing. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and active lane control are among the active safety items included here, while adaptive cruise control is optional.
How much does the 2024 Polestar 2 cost?
The base single motor version of the Polestar 2 costs $51,300, including the mandatory $1,400 destination charge. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive models start at $56,700. The top dual-motor Performance Pack starts at $62,200 and spices up the Polestar 2 with bright gold-colored seatbelts, Ohlins dual-flow dampers, gold four-piston front brake calipers, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with summer performance tires—in addition to their software-enabled performance boost plus launch control.
The feature list is robust, with dual-zone climate control, heated power front seats, LED headlights, and a hands-free tailgate all included and much more—including heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a range-boosting heat pump—added with the $2,200 Plus Pack.
Where is the 2024 Polestar 2 made?
In Luqiao, China.
