Tesla Model 3 vs Polestar 2

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution has sparked an exciting era of automotive innovation. Therefore, we think it's time for the ultimate electric vehicle comparison - we're putting the Tesla Model 3 against the Polestar 2 to determine which one comes out on top. If you're considering a high-end electric car, the two brands you must consider are the dominant Tesla and the rising Swedish brand Polestar.

In this head-to-head comparison, we delve into the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2 to help you determine which one of these electric cars best suits your needs and preferences. We’ll examine their respective strengths and weaknesses across a range of critical factors such as key features, price, safety and design of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. If you're considering switching to an electric car, this comparison is a useful must-read. 

A Brief History

Tesla, known for creating state-of-the-art vehicles, is one of the top manufacturers of electric cars. The Tesla Model 3, a luxury all-electric four-door saloon, was first revealed as a prototype in March 2016 and officially launched in 2017. It quickly became available to customers in the United States, followed by other countries and became one of the top-selling electric cars globally, with over 500,000 units sold by 2018. The Model 3's success also contributed to Tesla's position as one of the most valuable car manufacturers in the world.

Polestar is a Swedish automotive company that was originally formed in 1996 as the performance division of Volvo Cars. In 2015, Polestar became a standalone brand and was obtained by Chinese multinational Geely. The Polestar 2 is the first fully electric vehicle developed by the brand. It was first introduced as a concept car at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, and later officially launched in February 2020. This 5-door electric fastback is considered as one of the most advanced luxury vehicles available in the market.

Design, Safety & Technology

Firstly, let’s take a look at the design and key features of the Tesla and Polestar models. The Polestar 2 has a sleek and modern design, with a minimalist aesthetic. The exterior features a distinctive front grille, LED headlights, and a sleek profile. Sizewise, the Polestar 2 measures 4,600mm in length, 1,950mm wide and 1,480mm tall, which is a similar size to its Tesla rival. The interior is designed with a focus on simplicity and functionality, with a minimalist dashboard and a large touchscreen display in the centre console. The cabin is finished with high-quality materials, such as leather. Also, there’s good legroom in this Polestar for both front and rear occupants, which along with the comfortable seating, allows for a comfy ride.

Similarly, the Tesla Model 3 is characterised by a minimalist aesthetic. However, The Model 3 has a unique front grille-less design, while the Polestar 2 has a distinctive front grille. This Tesla’s prestigious interior features a 15-inch touchscreen which can be used to access all driver controls. Also, front seat area feels rather spacious due to the fixed all-glass roof, and there’s ample leg room for tall individuals. The Model 3’s rear passenger space is reasonable too, although it offers less headroom than in the Polestar 2. As for luggage space, the 425-litre capacity includes a ‘frunk’ located under the car’s bonnet. This is slightly bigger than the Polestar’s 405-litre boot (plus a front frunk).

As for safety, both the Model 3 and the Polestar 2 are equipped with advanced safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. As a result, both models have received top marks of five stars by Euro NCAP, as they performed exceptionally well in their assessments. Both cars also have driver assistance systems, such as lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The Model 3 has additional feature such as Autopilot, a semi-autonomous driving system.

Electric Range & Performance

Another area to consider is the range and performance of the Tesla Model 3 vs Polestar 2. The Tesla Model 3 is available in several different versions, each with a different range and performance. The Standard Range version has a range of 305 miles (WLTP combined) and can go from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds. The Long-Range version has the longest-range capacity of 374 miles and can go from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds. The Performance version has a range of 340 miles and can achieve the quickest 0-60mph time of just 3.1 seconds. All versions of the Model 3 are equipped with electric motors that provide instant torque and smooth acceleration, and all versions come with Tesla's regenerative braking system, which helps to extend the range of the car by recovering energy during braking.

In comparison, the Polestar 2 is equipped with a 78kWh battery and a single electric motor that produces a maximum output of 408bhp. The Polestar 2 long range dual motor has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 4.5 seconds, making it a quick and capable car, although the Model 3 Performance is quite a bit quicker. The car also features all-wheel drive and advanced torque vectoring technology, which helps to optimise traction and handling. The electric range of the Long-Range single motor model is 341 miles (WLTP), whereas the dual-motor version can manage up to 301 miles. If you’re looking at the entry-level Standard range single motor version, this offers a range of up to 297 miles and features a 69kWh battery. This isn’t far off the electric range of the entry-level Tesla Model 3.

Furthermore, it’s important to look at the charging capabilities of these electric cars. All versions of the Model 3 are also equipped with Tesla's Supercharger network, which allows for fast charging of the car's battery. With a Supercharger, the Model 3 can charge from 10% to 80% in around 35 minutes. As well, the Model 3 has the capability to charge using a standard electrical outlet or using Tesla's Wall Connector, which can be installed at your home for faster charging. The Polestar 2 also comes with a fast-charging capability, it can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes on a fast-charging station. It also has the capability to charge on a standard electrical outlet or with Polestar's home charging solutions.

Reliability

The Tesla Model 3, as one of the pioneers in the modern electric vehicle market, has had its share of reliability concerns, particularly in its early production years. Tesla's rapid innovation and production ramp-up led to quality control issues, with reports of paint problems, panel gaps, and issues with early versions of its Autopilot system. Over time, Tesla has made efforts to improve its manufacturing processes and address these issues. As a result, newer Model 3s tend to have fewer reliability concerns compared to earlier models. These days, the Model 3 is generally considered a reliable car with positive feedback from many owners.

While the Polestar 2 doesn't have as extensive a track record as the Tesla Model 3, initial reviews and reports suggest that the Polestar 2 has a strong emphasis on build quality and reliability. Polestar's manufacturing processes benefit from Volvo's expertise in safety and quality control. The Polestar 2's interior features high-quality materials and a minimalist design, contributing to a premium feel. We are also starting to see plenty of Polestar 2 owners reporting long-term reliability with their car so that's a good sign.

Price & Warranty

The Tesla Model 3 RWD is priced from £42,990, which is very similar in price to the entry-level Polestar 2. This goes up to around £50,000 for the Long-Range version and £58,000 for the Performance version. Also, for an additional cost, you could include Tesla’s enhanced autopilot and full self-driving capability. In comparison, the Polestar 2 long range dual-motor version starts from around £50,000, rising to £55,000 with the added performance pack. For an additional cost, the pilot lite pack and plus pack are available with extra features to optimise your electric car.

In terms of standard warranty coverage in the UK, the Tesla Model 3 comes with a 4-year, 50,000-mile limited warranty, while the Polestar 2 comes with a 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty. It's worth noting that both Tesla and Polestar offer extended warranty packages that can be purchased for additional coverage. Also, the Tesla Model 3's battery warranty is good for 8 years, or 100000 miles, whichever comes first. This is the same as the Polestar 2’s battery warranty.

Our verdict: Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2?

When it comes to deciding which electric car is better for you, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs. Both the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2 are top-of-the-line electric vehicles that offer a range of advanced features and technology. The Model 3 is known for its quick acceleration and responsive handling. Tesla also has a strong reputation as a leader in the electric vehicle industry. The Polestar 2, on the other hand, is designed to provide a combination of sporty driving dynamics and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2 depends on which vehicle aligns better with your personal preferences.

If you'd like to find out more about leasing either of these electric vehicles, please contact our leasing experts. GB Vehicle Leasing, located in Bury, Greater Manchester, is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing leasing companies in the North West. Also, if you liked reading about the Tesla Model 3 vs Polestar 2, click here for more of our latest news and reviews. Specifically, take a look at our Polestar 3 Review for all the highlights on this Polestar electric car, including specs, electric range and design.