2020 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2021 Polestar 2

Tesla Model 3 ・ Photo by Tesla

America’s best-selling electric vehicle is the 2020 Tesla Model 3. The nation’s newest EV is the Polestar 2, and it’s here to take to lock horns with the popular Model 3. Elon Musk finally has some real competition.

Polestar is a new premium brand from Volvo. Its first model, the Polestar 1 plug-in coupe, arrived this year. With a carbon-fiber body and a $150,000 price tag, it’s a calling card for the brand, and production is limited. Just 450 will be brought to the United States over the next three years. It’s also the only Polestar with an internal combustion engine. Every other model will be powered exclusively by electricity, and the new 2021 Polestar 2 is the brand’s first EV. The small hatchback sedan, which features standard all-wheel drive and a new type of infotainment system from Google, is gunning for the Tesla Model 3, and Polestar says it will deliver the first 2,000 by the end of the year. But which is best? Let’s examine the 2020 Tesla Model 3 and 2021 Polestar 2 in key areas and decide.

Styling and Design

Designed and built in California, the Tesla Model 3 arrived in 2017 and basically looks like every other Tesla. That isn’t a bad thing. Teslas are still setting design trends, and the Model 3’s popularity is a testament to the appeal of its sleek shape, but we’d like to see the brand begin to branch out when it comes to the look of its machines. The two sedans are about the same size, but the Tesla looks a little longer and lower than the Polestar, which it is. 

With its tight proportions and hunkered-down stance, the Polestar 2 is extremely attractive, though it undoubtedly looks like a Volvo. That isn’t a bad thing, and its hard lines are a stark contrast to the Tesla’s curves. Although the sedan is built in China (like Volvo, Polestar is owned by a Chinese company), it was designed in Europe.

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Tesla

Comfort and Cargo

These are two very comfortable sedans. Their seats are well designed, their interiors are quiet, and their driving positions won’t send you to the chiropractor after a few hours behind the wheel. Comfort is of course subjective, however, and we find the Tesla to be just a bit more comfortable thanks to its more upright driving position, superior outward visibility, and slightly superior rear legroom.

Surprisingly, the Model 3 even offers a bit more trunk space than the Polestar. This is surprising because the Polestar 2 is a hatchback, while the Model 3 has a traditional sedan trunk. Polestar says there’s 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space back there and 38.7 cubic feet with its 60-40 split rear seat folded flat. Like the Tesla, the Polestar also has a small front trunk, or frunk, which is big enough to swallow a briefcase.

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Brady Holt

Infotainment System

Tesla’s infotainment system is the best in the industry and it has been for a decade. Everyone else has been playing catch-up. From the size of its touchscreens to the speed of its microprocessors to the system’s connectivity, it’s without question the state-of-the-art. And Tesla continues to make it better.

Polestar admits that Tesla’s infotainment system inspired its new system, which has been developed in partnership with Google. Called Android Automotive, the embedded operating system features Google Assistant, Google Maps and apps available in the Google Play Store. Polestar will be the first to offer the platform, but soon the system will be used by other automakers, including General Motors. The system is well organized and quick to respond to your touch, and Google Assistant is almost as good as the voice command system in the Tesla. Graphics are clean and colorful and the system supports Apple CarPlay. 

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Tesla

Safety and Technology

The Model 3 is one of the safest cars on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it an overall safety rating of five stars and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the sedan a Top Safety Pick+. Both are the highest scores possible. Recently, Tesla added lane-keep assist and Autopilot capability (the company's name for its driver-assistance technology) as standard equipment on the Model 3. Automated emergency braking, a lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control are included. All-wheel drive is available.

So new to the market, the Polestar 2 has not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. But the brand’s connection to Volvo brings high expectations in this arena, and Polestar says the sedan has a special structure to protect its battery pack in a collision and it’s front seats feature the industry’s first inner side airbags. A list of other safety systems and driver aids as long as your arm are standard, including automatic emergency braking, all-wheel drive, and LED lights.

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Tesla

Power and Performance

Tesla offers three versions of the Model 3: the rear-wheel drive Standard Range Plus, and the all-wheel drive Long Range, and the all-wheel drive Performance. The rear-wheel drive model gets a single electric motor, while the all-wheel drive versions have two. The company doesn’t quote the output of its powertrains, but the Standard Range Plus accelerates from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds, while the Long Range gets there in just 4.4 seconds. The Performance is one of the quickest sedans on the road, hitting 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

Though the 2021 Polestar 2 weighs about 700 lbs more than the Tesla, it’s also quite quick. Packing two electric motors that put out a combined 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, the small sedan rockets off the line, pinning you to the seat with the violence of a roller coaster. It’s quicker than the base Model 3, but slower than the other two models. Polestar says 0-60 mph takes 4.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 10.8 seconds and it covers the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds. 

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Tesla

Range

Tesla also continues to the lead the way when it comes to battery range, and the Model 3 offers considerably more than its new rival. The rear-wheel drive standard Range Plus model offers 250 miles of range, and the Long Range offers 322 miles. Despite its breathtaking acceleration, the range of the Model 3 Performance is estimated at 299 miles. Tesla also offers its customers exclusive access to its network of fast chargers located all around the country. The company says there are 16,585 Superchargers in 1,870 locations. 

The Polestar’s EPA range ratings aren’t final yet, but the company says we should expect about 250 miles of battery range with the standard 19-inch tires and about 240 miles with the optional 20-inchers. The Polestar 2 is compatible with fast chargers from brands like Charge Point, but that network isn’t as comprehensive as Tesla’s.

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Brady Holt

Driving Dynamics

If you still think an EV can’t be fun to drive, take a spin in either of these two sedans. Both offer sport sedan handling to go along with their explosive acceleration. To improve balance, stability, and overall performance, both automakers mount their battery pack as low as possible in the center of the chassis. Both sedans also bring the adhesion of all-wheel drive to the party, as well as large and sticky tires.

These are engaging cars to drive, but they’re also very quiet, relaxed, and luxurious. Neither feels like a glorified golf cart. Some buyers may find their suspensions to be firm, but neither is uncomfortable and both feature programmable regenerative braking systems, precise steering, and strong brakes. 

Tie

Photo by Polestar

Value

With a base price of about $39,000, including a $1,300 destination fee, the Tesla Model 3 costs considerably less than all other Tesla models and the Polestar 2. If you want all-wheel drive and the most range, the Long Range model costs about $48,000. At about $56,000, the Model 3 Performance is also less expensive than the Polestar and represents a very strong value. 

Polestar offers just one version of the Polestar 2 and it has a base price of $61,200, including a $1,300 destination fee. Polestar offers just a handful of options on the Polestar 2, including Nappa leather for $4,000 and a $5,000 Performance Pack that adds adjustable Öhlins shocks, gold Brembo front brake calipers, 20-inch wheels, performance tires, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, a high-gloss black roof, and gold seatbelts. 

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Tesla

Verdict

After driving the new 2021 Polestar 2, we thought this shootout would be closer. The Polestar is an impressive package with thrilling performance, inspired design, and innovative safety features. It looks great inside and out and it’s comfortable and packed with features, including a cool new infotainment system.

But the 2020 Tesla Model 3 is the country’s best-selling EV for a reason. It matches its new rival punch for punch, while landing head shots with its top safety ratings, superior acceleration, greater battery range, and considerably lower price. The new Polestar 2 is impressive, but the Tesla Model 3 wins this fight. 

Tesla Model 3

Photo by Tesla