Likes
- Thanks to depreciation, used examples offer great value for money.
- Stunning design inside and out.
- Very competitive in terms of features and equipment.
- Good range to choose from.
Used Polestar 2 review
2021 - 2022
Dislikes
- Depreciation, insurance premiums and consumables hard to swallow.
- Australia’s underwhelming charging network.
- Limited after sales support..
- Doesn’t feel as premium as you may expect.
Stuff you should know
- The Polestar 2, while seemingly straightforward in its model offerings, has undergone notable changes since its introduction, creating two distinct iterations of the car. These are divided into pre-MY24 (2021–2023) and post-MY24 (2023–current) models. Understanding these differences is essential when navigating both new and used markets.
- The Polestar 2 lineup in Australia includes four main variants: Standard Range Single Motor, Long Range Single Motor, Long Range Dual Motor, and Long Range Dual Motor with the Performance Pack. Before MY24, the single-motor models drove the front wheels, while post-MY24 models transitioned to rear-wheel drive. This shift came alongside the introduction of a new, more efficient motor and battery, improving range and charging speed.
- The dual-motor configurations also underwent significant revisions. Pre-MY24 models featured symmetrical all-wheel-drive power delivery, while post-MY24 setups prioritize rear-wheel power delivery. These changes, courtesy of upgraded motors, resulted in sharper driving dynamics across the range, enhancing the overall driving experience for both single and dual-motor variants.
- All Polestar 2 models feature modern styling, high-quality interior materials, and advanced safety and technology features, which have been refined further over time. Beyond the pre- and post-MY24 divide, Polestar has made ongoing updates to the Polestar 2. The 2023 update introduced new paint colours, wheel designs, and upholstery options, alongside enhancements to the optional Plus Pack. A Performance Software Upgrade was also offered exclusively for the Long Range Dual Motor variant, although this feature was only available to the car’s first owner and cannot be retrofitted by subsequent owners.
- The 2025 update brought additional standard equipment and further improvements to safety technology. However, the standout change was a $5,000 price reduction across the range, reflecting broader market trends among EV manufacturers.
- Despite these updates, the Polestar 2 has faced significant depreciation, with some models losing over $20,000 in value within a few years. This presents a challenge for early adopters and highlights the broader issue of rapid EV depreciation, particularly in an evolving market.
- When considering an EV like the Polestar 2, practicalities such as charging infrastructure must be factored in. Australia’s public charging network, while improving, remains inconsistent. Many owners report issues with chargers being out of order, delivering slower-than-claimed charging speeds, or simply being unavailable due to high demand. For those living in apartments or without access to home or workplace charging, these challenges can complicate EV ownership. Ensuring your lifestyle supports EV use is critical before committing to a purchase.
- Servicing and support can also be a concern, as Polestar service centres are limited in Australia, and not all Volvo service centres cater to Polestar vehicles. Despite this, Polestar has earned a strong reputation for customer service, often compared favourably to premium brands like Genesis and Lexus. Many owners have praised their experiences with the brand, with complaints being rare.
- As with any car, the Polestar 2 is not without its faults. Prospective buyers should investigate known issues to ensure they make an informed decision. However, overall, the Polestar 2 remains a compelling choice in the growing EV market, offering a blend of Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and engaging performance.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- Early models included three keys (two large and one small), while later models offer two keys (one large and one small).
- Missing keys can create significant issues, as the app pairing relies on all keys being accounted for. Replacing or deleting a missing key requires a visit to a Volvo dealer and incurs high costs.
- With a curb weight of approximately 2 tonnes, the Polestar 2 is heavier than many internal combustion vehicles in its class. The instant torque from its electric drivetrain exacerbates tyre wear. Some owners have reported replacing up to three sets of tyres within a few years of ownership.
- Softer tyres provide better grip and a superior driving experience but wear out more quickly. Harder EV-specific tyres offer increased durability but may compromise ride quality, road grip, and wet-weather handling.
- Owners must choose between optimising tyre life or maintaining a premium driving experience.
Interior:
- The centre console can impede knee room, particularly for taller drivers.
- Standard seats lack sufficient under-thigh support for taller individuals, leading to discomfort on longer drives. Plus Pack seats address this issue with improved ergonomics and support.
- Only one cupholder is accessible with the armrest in use. The secondary cupholder is positioned under the armrest, making it impractical for regular use.
- Interior materials prone to marking. Marks can be cleaned easily with a damp microfibre cloth, which helps maintain the pristine look. Gloss black plastic scratches easily and collects dust and fingerprints rapidly, detracting from the overall aesthetics.
- The wireless charger unctions more as a phone heater than a charger, causing some phones to overheat and shut down, particularly during long drives or phone calls.
- The car’s systems turn on when someone is seated. However, this can be inconvenient when trying to keep the car running without an occupant, such as during filming or extended stationary use.
- The air conditioning can become noisy, detracting from the otherwise quiet EV experience.
- The Android-based system reliability can vary, with some users experiencing pairing problems with Android devices, particularly Google Pixel 7, 8, and 9 models.
- The rear-view camera quality is poor in low light, with poor resolution and off-centre alignment that affects depth perception.
- The 360-degree camera (on equipped models) relies on a wide-angle vision module, which is prone to failure. Even after replacement, the module may fail again, adding long-term maintenance concerns.
Mechanically:
The Polestar 2 is generally reliable but has several areas that warrant attention:
- Front strut top mounts and struts are under-engineered for the vehicle’s weight and may fail prematurely under load.
- Driveshaft issues such as clicking or vibrations are reported but typically resolved under warranty.
- ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) internal bearing
Exterior:
- Early models included three keys (two large and one small), while later models offer two keys (one large and one small).
- Missing keys can create significant issues, as the app pairing relies on all keys being accounted for. Replacing or deleting a missing key requires a visit to a Volvo dealer and incurs high costs.
- With a curb weight of approximately 2 tonnes, the Polestar 2 is heavier than many internal combustion vehicles in its class. The instant torque from its electric drivetrain exacerbates tyre wear. Some owners have reported replacing up to three sets of tyres within a few years of ownership.
- Softer tyres provide better grip and a superior driving experience but wear out more quickly. Harder EV-specific tyres offer increased durability but may compromise ride quality, road grip, and wet-weather handling.
- Owners must choose between optimising tyre life or maintaining a premium driving experience.
Interior:
- The centre console can impede knee room, particularly for taller drivers.
- Standard seats lack sufficient under-thigh support for taller individuals, leading to discomfort on longer drives. Plus Pack seats address this issue with improved ergonomics and support.
- Only one cupholder is accessible with the armrest in use. The secondary cupholder is positioned under the armrest, making it impractical for regular use.
- Interior materials prone to marking. Marks can be cleaned easily with a damp microfibre cloth, which helps maintain the pristine look. Gloss black plastic scratches easily and collects dust and fingerprints rapidly, detracting from the overall aesthetics.
- The wireless charger unctions more as a phone heater than a charger, causing some phones to overheat and shut down, particularly during long drives or phone calls.
- The car’s systems turn on when someone is seated. However, this can be inconvenient when trying to keep the car running without an occupant, such as during filming or extended stationary use.
- The air conditioning can become noisy, detracting from the otherwise quiet EV experience.
- The Android-based system reliability can vary, with some users experiencing pairing problems with Android devices, particularly Google Pixel 7, 8, and 9 models.
- The rear-view camera quality is poor in low light, with poor resolution and off-centre alignment that affects depth perception.
- The 360-degree camera (on equipped models) relies on a wide-angle vision module, which is prone to failure. Even after replacement, the module may fail again, adding long-term maintenance concerns.
Mechanically:
The Polestar 2 is generally reliable but has several areas that warrant attention:
- Front strut top mounts and struts are under-engineered for the vehicle’s weight and may fail prematurely under load.
- Driveshaft issues such as clicking or vibrations are reported but typically resolved under warranty.
- ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) internal bearing failures are rare but possible.
- Air conditioning compressor failures, refrigerant loss, and system resets are becoming more frequent among owners.
- The coolant reservoir is located under the right-hand side cowling and requires disassembly to inspect. Multiple coolant pumps and intricate plumbing could pose long-term reliability concerns.
- The replacement cost for a Polestar 2 battery is approximately $50,000 (trade price) plus installation.
- While the battery has an 8-year warranty, owners may face steep replacement costs after the warranty period expires.
- Warranty coverage is extensive and addresses most of the reported issues during the covered period. However, repairs often require significant downtime due to part availability, which can inconvenience owners.
Exterior:
- Early models included three keys (two large and one small), while later models offer two keys (one large and one small).
- Missing keys can create significant issues, as the app pairing relies on all keys being accounted for. Replacing or deleting a missing key requires a visit to a Volvo dealer and incurs high costs.
- With a curb weight of approximately 2 tonnes, the Polestar 2 is heavier than many internal combustion vehicles in its class. The instant torque from its electric drivetrain exacerbates tyre wear. Some owners have reported replacing up to three sets of tyres within a few years of ownership.
- Softer tyres provide better grip and a superior driving experience but wear out more quickly. Harder EV-specific tyres offer increased durability but may compromise ride quality, road grip, and wet-weather handling.
- Owners must choose between optimising tyre life or maintaining a premium driving experience.
Interior:
- The centre console can impede knee room, particularly for taller drivers.
- Standard seats lack sufficient under-thigh support for taller individuals, leading to discomfort on longer drives. Plus Pack seats address this issue with improved ergonomics and support.
- Only one cupholder is accessible with the armrest in use. The secondary cupholder is positioned under the armrest, making it impractical for regular use.
- Interior materials prone to marking. Marks can be cleaned easily with a damp microfibre cloth, which helps maintain the pristine look. Gloss black plastic scratches easily and collects dust and fingerprints rapidly, detracting from the overall aesthetics.
- The wireless charger unctions more as a phone heater than a charger, causing some phones to overheat and shut down, particularly during long drives or phone calls.
- The car’s systems turn on when someone is seated. However, this can be inconvenient when trying to keep the car running without an occupant, such as during filming or extended stationary use.
- The air conditioning can become noisy, detracting from the otherwise quiet EV experience.
- The Android-based system reliability can vary, with some users experiencing pairing problems with Android devices, particularly Google Pixel 7, 8, and 9 models.
- The rear-view camera quality is poor in low light, with poor resolution and off-centre alignment that affects depth perception.
- The 360-degree camera (on equipped models) relies on a wide-angle vision module, which is prone to failure. Even after replacement, the module may fail again, adding long-term maintenance concerns.
Mechanically:
The Polestar 2 is generally reliable but has several areas that warrant attention:
- Front strut top mounts and struts are under-engineered for the vehicle’s weight and may fail prematurely under load.
- Driveshaft issues such as clicking or vibrations are reported but typically resolved under warranty.
- ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) internal bearing failures are rare but possible.
- Air conditioning compressor failures, refrigerant loss, and system resets are becoming more frequent among owners.
- The coolant reservoir is located under the right-hand side cowling and requires disassembly to inspect. Multiple coolant pumps and intricate plumbing could pose long-term reliability concerns.
- The replacement cost for a Polestar 2 battery is approximately $50,000 (trade price) plus installation.
- While the battery has an 8-year warranty, owners may face steep replacement costs after the warranty period expires.
- Warranty coverage is extensive and addresses most of the reported issues during the covered period. However, repairs often require significant downtime due to part availability, which can inconvenience owners.
Should you buy it?
If you’re set on the Polestar 2 and are confident that your lifestyle and financial situation can accommodate EV ownership, go ahead and buy one.
However, we highly recommend consider purchasing a used example instead of a new one. This allows you to save thousands of dollars while also contributing to sustainability by reusing an existing vehicle.
That said, keep in mind that, like any EV, the money you save on fuel could potentially be offset by factors such as depreciation, insurance, and running costs. Whether this balance works out in your favour will depend on various factors—it’s not always easy to predict.
If you’re set on the Polestar 2 and are confident that your lifestyle and financial situation can accommodate EV ownership, go ahead and buy one.
However, we highly recommend consider purchasing a used example instead of a new one. This allows you to save thousands of dollars while also contributing to sustainability by reusing an existing vehicle.
That said, keep in mind that, like any EV, the money you save on fuel could potentially be offset by factors such as depreciation, insurance, and running costs. Whether this balance works out in your favour will depend on various factors—it’s not always easy to predict.
Should you buy it?
If you’re set on the Polestar 2 and are confident that your lifestyle and financial situation can accommodate EV ownership, go ahead and buy one.
However, we highly recommend consider purchasing a used example instead of a new one. This allows you to save thousands of dollars while also contributing to sustainability by reusing an existing vehicle.
That said, keep in mind that, like any EV, the money you save on fuel could potentially be offset by factors such as depreciation, insurance, and running costs. Whether this balance works out in your favour will depend on various factors—it’s not always easy to predict.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Fastback
Engine Specs
- AC170kW electric, AC170kW electric / Instant electric (Standard range Single motor 2021 – 2022, Long range Single motor 2021 – 2022)
- AC300kW electric, AC300kW electric / Instant electric (Long range Dual motor 2021 – 2022)
Transmission
- 1-speed Reduction Gear (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- Electric (All Models)
Length
- 4606mm (All Models)
Width
- 1891mm (All Models)
Height
- 1477mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2735mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1938kg – 2113kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2021 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Fastback
Engine Specs
- AC170kW electric, AC170kW electric / Instant electric (Standard range Single motor 2021 – 2022, Long range Single motor 2021 – 2022)
- AC300kW electric, AC300kW electric / Instant electric (Long range Dual motor 2021 – 2022)
Transmission
- 1-speed Reduction Gear (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- Electric (All Models)
Length
- 4606mm (All Models)
Width
- 1891mm (All Models)
Height
- 1477mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2735mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1938kg – 2113kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2021 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Fastback
Engine Specs
- AC170kW electric, AC170kW electric / Instant electric (Standard range Single motor 2021 – 2022, Long range Single motor 2021 – 2022)
- AC300kW electric, AC300kW electric / Instant electric (Long range Dual motor 2021 – 2022)
Transmission
- 1-speed Reduction Gear (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- Electric (All Models)
Length
- 4606mm (All Models)
Width
- 1891mm (All Models)
Height
- 1477mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2735mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1938kg – 2113kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2021 (All Models)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited km (All Models)
Servicing
- 30,000 km / 12 months (Standard range Single motor, Long range Single motor, Long range Dual motor)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Dec 12, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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