2021 Polestar 2 After 3 Years: A Recap

The 2021 Polestar 2 became the first genuine competitor to the Tesla Model 3 upon its arrival. A quirky compact sports sedan that defined Scandinavian design, all while happily touting its Volvo roots. This head-turning ride features many unique technological advancements, including Over-the-air software updates and Google UI. To put it simply, the Polestar 2 turned into the sporty Scandinavian counterpart of the Tesla, but with a personality all its own. Throughout my three-year ownership, it helped me understand battery-electric vehicles and showed their true capabilities when done right. Although not without its faults, this car was a true joy. Let’s take a deep dive and learn more!

2021 Polestar 2: Luxury Renewed

Polestar takes pride in its commitment to sustainability. It extensively utilizes renewable materials for its interiors, highlighting the brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Recycled yarn, PET bottles, and plant-based textiles are all over every surface inside the cabin. The available Nappa leather seat option also comes from responsible sourcing. What about the wood trim on the dash and center console? That’s assembled sustainably, too.

Despite all of these materials coming from renewable sources, the Polestar 2 feels premium. Everything you touch feels expensive. Additionally, they also exude a type of beauty that only minimalist Scandinavian design can offer. This car feels luxurious because it is. Add generous sound insulation for maximum quietness, and the upscale vibes only grow more apparent. To elevate the premium experience, the Polestar 2 offers supremely comfortable seats. While firmer than typical Volvo seats, Polestar’s version remains supportive on long drives and during spirited runs through the canyons.

Over three years, the 2’s interior held up impressively well. It had zero squeaks and rattles, while the seats remained comfortable. This also proved the durability of renewable materials. The upholstery held up beautifully, as did all the fabrics and trim on the dash and door cards.

Scandinavian Athleticism

The Polestar 2 feels like a proper sports sedan with a distinctly Scandinavian personality on the road. Our dual-motor AWD example exemplified this with its poise on winding roads and near-nonexistent body motions. Understeer? Not too much? Oversteer? Easily controllable. On the other hand, accurate steering could use more feel and communication.

The 2’s neutrality reveals a car that loves to have fun responsibly, once again hinting at its Volvo heritage. The optional Performance Package, which our car had, also tightened up its road manners thanks to the Ohlins dampers. However, adjusting it requires manual labor, since Polestar mounted the knobs to toggle between the 22 different settings on the dampers and shocks themselves. Just make sure you don’t turn it to its stiffest setup because it ruins the otherwise nicely damped ride.

In typical battery-electric vehicle fashion, the Polestar 2 accelerates with authority. Responsive makes. Initially, our dual-motor car came with 408 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque from the factory. That later increased to 476 hp and 502 lb-ft thanks to a software update that eventually became part of the Performance Package in subsequent model years.

Strong braking completes this Swedish sports sedan package. A firm pedal feel gives the driver a sense of reassurance when driving those fun weekend runs on the twisties and the daily commute. The Brembo brakes included in the Performance Package amplify this further, adding more fade resistance for those exciting drives. Together with a well-tuned one-pedal driving system that seamlessly transitions from regenerative to mechanical braking, the Polestar 2 proves that fun and safety can coexist, once again paying tribute to its Volvo roots.

Tech That Improves Over Time

Polestar became one of the first automakers to use Android Automotive with Google UI for its infotainment system, alongside Volvo. Housed on an 11.3-inch touchscreen, the interface worked well thanks to its logical layout and built-in Google Assistant. Once logged in with your Google account, the whole experience becomes seamless. Google Maps immediately had your points of interest, previous destinations, real-time traffic, and battery percentage upon arrival info on hand. Plus, the system seamlessly integrates music streaming apps for easy access to your tunes. Rounding everything out, the optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system offered an immersively clear listening experience no matter the genre.

However, Google UI arrived incomplete. The system lacked Apple CarPlay support, which arrived several months after taking delivery through an over-the-air software update. Many improvements and promised features came that way. Despite its convenience, it can leave the impression that the car made it to production unfinished. Not something you want out of a luxury product, especially a new brand. Additionally, the system also suffered from laggy response times, which detracts from the overall experience. On the bright side, it always felt fresh thanks to more than a dozen over-the-air updates during its three years with us.

More Range Through Continuous Improvements

Over-the-air software updates went beyond the Polestar 2’s multimedia functions. It also improved how driver assistance features functioned and even increased the car’s range. Originally rated by the EPA at 233 miles, several software updates increased it to roughly 250 miles over our three-year ownership. The car even has a battery preconditioning function through a software update, allowing it to bring the battery to the ideal temperature when you select a DC charging station as your destination.

One piece of tech I wish Polestar included from the get-go is a heat pump. Every EV must include that standard for better climate control management. It uses heat from outside air to warm up the cabin and a refrigerant cycle to cool it, allowing the car to operate more efficiently. Polestar eventually offered this starting with the 2022 model, but as part of an optional package.

2021 Polestar 2: Timelessly Versatile

Over three years, the Polestar 2 aged gracefully. Its unmistakable lifted sedan look remains a head-turner. Meanwhile, its clean lines and distinct LED lighting elements scream luxury from every angle. This car proves that elegance and simplicity can coexist, all while looking like a proper premium compact sports sedan.

Best of all, the Polestar 2 has a hatch, making it surprisingly practical. Three large check-in bags fit easily with the cargo cover removed, while smaller items can go in the underfloor storage. Although the 2 has a frunk, it’s small and only fits the mobile charging cable. Polestar carved up more space in later model years, making the frunk more useful. In terms of passenger space, front occupants have plenty of space. The rear seats, however, fall short in both head and legroom since the T-shaped battery creates a massive center hump. Additionally, the cabin lacks small item storage, with only the glovebox, a small cubby below the touchscreen, and a tiny area under the center armrest.

2021 Polestar 2: A Worthy All-Electric Option?

It’s safe to say that the Polestar 2 impressed everyone who drove or rode in it. From its engaging drive to its distinctly Swedish design and personality, it’s a fine all-electric sports sedan. Although not without flaws, the 2 made up for it by feeling special. Every moment driving it became a treat. The fact that the car got better over time made it feel fresh, bringing it up to speed with new competitors.

Would we buy it again? Yup. It’s a unique EV with a timeless look and distinctly Scandinavian quirks that add to its character. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available in the U.S. due to it being the victim of tariffs. Those who managed to pick up a 2024 Polestar 2 have the best version. The new RWD model manages to up the fun factor and driving range all in one fell swoop, all while gaining a more distinct look.

With its departure from the U.S. after the 2025 model year, let’s pour one out for a future classic, an electric Swedish sports sedan that harmoniously blends sustainability with excitement and modern design.