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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $54,509–$72,663 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Polestar Polestar 2 is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 8.0/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.7/10, while Reliability at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.1/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.7/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $54,509–$72,663, 107 MPG, seating 5, the Polestar Polestar 2 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Polestar Polestar 2 will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Polestar Polestar 2 ranks #201 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 85% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $54,509 starting price is about 97% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Polestar 2 model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $61,697 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $59,900 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $58,103 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.1/10 | $56,306 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $54,509 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Propulsion system / Traction battery / Management system/energy control module (bms/becm) / Software 24/02/2021 · 21V110000 | Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Polestar 2 vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect. |
|---|---|
| Equipment / Electrical / Infotainment / Software 26/06/2024 · 24V477000 | Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Polestar 2 vehicles. The Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) software may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of… |
| Back over prevention / Software 25/04/2025 · 25V280000 | Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Polestar 2 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Electric / Control module / Software 02/07/2025 · 25V409000 | Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021 and 2024 Polestar 2 vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function. |
| Back over prevention / Software 15/09/2025 · 25V615000 | Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Polestar 2 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Polestar models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.