As a former Polestar 2 owner, I have a keen eye for small sporty cars. I enjoyed all three years I owned my 2021 dual-motor model with the Performance, Plus, and Pilot packs (AKA PPP). However, that car isn’t the best iteration. Oh no. The one to get is rarer, yet it’s not the most powerful. It doesn’t even come with super sticky tires or a crazy tight suspension that’s ready for track duty. Are you ready? The one to get is the single-motor rear-drive 2024 Polestar 2. Of all variations I’ve driven, that one is the most satisfying. Why? Let me explain.
2024 Polestar 2: Properly Dynamic
So, why a single-motor 2024 Polestar 2? Simply put, this version nails the fundamentals. This version has everything that makes a sports sedan so enjoyable. Only this time, it’s all electric. Most importantly, the single-motor Polestar 2 transitioned to RWD for 2024, changing its dynamic personality for the better. With 299 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque on tap, this thing is far from slow. It scoots confidently and without any drama at any speed.
Perhaps the highlight of the 2024 Polestar 2 is the chassis. Perfectly balanced and well-mannered, just like a proper sports sedan. The move to RWD also adds a level of playfulness missing in the dual-motor AWD cars. It rotates in a controllable manner, making it feel lighter on its feet despite weighing over two tons. Most importantly, it offers better steering accuracy and communication, meaning you know exactly where the car is going. Drive it hard and it’s just as willing as the more capable dual-motor with the Performance pack, just less serious and more playful at lower speeds. Even with the standard all-season tires and 19-inch wheels, there’s plenty of grip, meaning you can have a good time confidently, especially with its strong brakes with good pedal feel.
Best of all, the rear-drive Polestar 2‘s ride impresses. Firm but far from harsh, and impressively livable as a daily driver. This Swedish sports sedan does a fabulous job handling road imperfections and other types of harshness. However, we’d skip the available 20-inch wheels and the Performance Pack since they degrade the ride, which gets flinty based on our three-year ownership of a 2021 2 equipped with the latter. Even with the Öhlins dampers in their softest setting, it’s still quite stiff.
Premium Without Shouting
The Polestar 2 broke new ground when it came to its interior because it made extensive use of renewable materials. Recycled fabrics and plastics, sustainably sourced leather, and plant-based materials all feature heavily. Most importantly, it proved you can do a properly luxurious interior with an eye for sustainability. Everything you touch feels expensive and fitting of a car with a price tag ranging from the high $40,000 range to almost $70,000. It’s quiet too, as long as you stick to the standard 19-inch wheels because the larger 20-inch units cause a good bit of road noise.
Things aren’t as rosy as they seem though. Since it’s built on a convergence platform designed to accommodate gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric powertrains, the Polestar 2’s interior lacks space. Four fit fine, but a fifth person needs to straddle the giant hump in the rear due to the T-shaped battery pack. Additionally, it lacks small item storage because of said battery cutting into the cabin. On the other hand, the 2’s trunk has generous space since it’s a hatchback. It even has underfloor storage and a nicely sized frunk. On top of that, the front seats are supremely comfortable and supportive, just like you’d find in a Volvo product.
2024 Polestar 2: Intuitive Tech and Driver Assistance
In terms of tech, the Polestar 2’s Google UI wins plenty of brownie points. It’s quick and intuitive, provided you sign in with your Google account. Big kudos for native Google Maps that factors in charging stops when you set a destination! There is a bit of learning curve though, mainly due to all of the submenus. Once you get through it, the interface becomes a cinch to use, especially with voice commands. On top of that, the 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system plays your tunes so vividly and has an immersive surround sound feature.
As for driver assistance tech, the Polestar 2 shares its suite with sister company Volvo. That means you can opt for Pilot Assist and more. In our outgoing 2021 Polestar 2, the full suite worked well on long drives. Pilot Assist never became overly intrusive, and it always operated seamlessly even on poorly marked roads. Most importantly, it kept you centered smoothly, no jerky steering inputs here.
A Rare Gem
There’s no question that the 2024 Polestar 2 embodies excellence. Although it’s assembled in China, this car screams Scandinavian luxury; understated modernism made timeless. Nearly half a decade into its life cycle, this car still looks new and expensive. Plus, it backs up all that style with entertaining driving dynamics and a supple ride. To put it simply, it’s a great all-around package. No, it’s not the most cutting-edge EV, but it still holds its own. If you’ve got the rear-drive Polestar 2 in your garage, consider keeping it after its lease ends. Find one used with very low miles? Nab it ASAP. It’s a rare gem for a steal.
