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Polestar 2 vs Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023)
Selected trimStandard range Single motorChange trim344 mi · 70 kWh · £45,210
Selected trimLong Range Dual Motor · 2019-23Change trim374 mi · 75 kWh · Not available
At a glance
Overview
The Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 are both premium electric saloons, but they take different routes to the same buyer. The Model 3 is cheaper, more efficient and backed by the Supercharger network; the Polestar 2 offers a more conventional, button-friendly interior and understated Scandinavian design. This is software-led minimalism against a more familiar premium-car feel.
Best suited to:Company carFirst EVPremium
In this comparison, Polestar 2 leads on value for money and city driving, while the Tesla Model 3 leads on motorway range, charging speed and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Polestar 2 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023) if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Tesla Model 3 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValuePolestar
Polestar
6.2
Tesla
0
Motorway RangeTesla
Polestar
4.7
Tesla
7.2
Family
Polestar
6
Tesla
5.8
Too close to call
ChargingTesla
Polestar
4.1
Tesla
5.6
Cost Per MileTesla
Polestar
6
Tesla
9.4
City DrivingPolestar
Polestar
4.9
Tesla
3.9
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Polestar 2
Standard range Single motor
No standout advantages - closely matched on the measurable specs.
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
- 30 miles more WLTP range
- 154 litres more boot space
- 70 kW faster rapid charging
- 2.0s quicker 0-62 mph
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Polestar 2Standard range Single motor | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £45,210 | Not available |
| Official range | 344 miles | 374 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 407 L | 561 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 26 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 6.4 sec | 4.4 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
Polestar 2
Tesla Model 3
Length
Polestar 24,606mm-89mm
Tesla Model 34,695mm
Width
Polestar 21,859mm
Tesla Model 31,850mm-9mm
Height
Polestar 21,479mm
Tesla Model 31,445mm-34mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Polestar 2Standard range Single motor | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,606 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,859 mm | 1,850 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,985 mm (better) | 2,088 mm |
| Height | 1,479 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Turning circle | 11.5 m (better) | 11.6 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 541 mm spare | 550 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Polestar 2Standard range Single motor | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 2 | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 407 L | 561 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1097 L | Not available |
| Frunk | 41 L | 88 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,500 kg | Not available |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Polestar 2
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Tesla Model 3
- At 4,695 mm, shorter than 95% of saloon EVs in our UK catalogue.
- A 88 L frunk, one of 13 of 233 UK EVs in our catalogue with a front boot of 88 L or more.
- Boot space of 561 L is bigger than 85% of saloon EVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor |  Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.61m | 4.70m+89mm |
| Width | 1.86m | 1.85m-9mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.99m | 2.09m+103mm |
| Height | 1.48m | 1.45m-34mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.73m | 2.88m+140mm |
| Ground Clearance | 151mm | 140mm-11mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 407L | 561L* (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1097L | Not available |
| Frunk | 41L | 88L (better) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 11.5m (better) | 11.6m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,995kg | 1,830kg (better) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500kg | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 70kWh | 75kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 344 mi | 374 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 180kW | 250kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £45,210 | Not available |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Saloon | Saloon |
| Available | 2024+ | 2019–2023 |
* Tesla Model 3: Tesla quotes 561 L behind the rear seats, measured to the roof including the under-floor well (649 L with the 88 L front trunk). Not directly comparable to VDA figures used by other brands.
* Tesla Model 3: Manufacturer does not publish battery capacity; figure verified from multiple independent sources. Pack size and chemistry changed during production.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Polestar 2Standard range Single motor | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 344 miles | 374 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 231 miles | 312 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 26 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 180 kW | 250 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 149 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 70 kWh | 75 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | LFP | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Polestar 2Standard range Single motor | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 6.4 sec | 4.4 sec (better) |
| Power | 200 kW | Not available |
| Torque | 490 Nm | Not available |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Polestar 2
Standard range Single motor
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Polestar 2Standard range Single motor | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £21,999 | £14,840 |
| Average used price | £24,883 | £18,820 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 15 listings | 122 listings (better) |
| Recent used-price trend | Up 1% over ~6 months | Up 39.4% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant93%
Child Occupant89%
Vulnerable Road Users80%
Safety Assist83%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor
Tested 2019
Adult Occupant96%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users74%
Safety Assist94%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Polestar 2Standard range Single motor | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 193,121 km (better) |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag firm ride comfort, infotainment & software, real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Polestar 2
Standard range Single motor
Owners love
- Excellent build quality and interior materials, notably superior to Tesla and ID.4 alternatives
- Outstanding Google infotainment system with intuitive interface, useful voice assistant, and no lag
- Improved range (350-409 miles WLTP) and efficiency reduce long-distance charging stops
Watch out for
- Performance Pack suspension is unrelenting on poor UK roads, compromising daily comfort and refinement
- Significant winter range loss of 15-30% in cold weather; real-world winter efficiency often disappoints versus WLTP ratings
- Excessive touchscreen reliance for basic controls like mirror adjustment and glove box access creates safety concerns
Owner tips
- Consider non-Performance Pack variants or request Ohlins free first setup service to optimize suspension tuning for your driving conditions
- Verify real-world winter range expectations before purchase; plan for 15-30% range loss during cold months and budget charging infrastructure accordingly
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
Owners love
- Exceptional acceleration and instant torque delivery create an engaging, fun driving experience comparable to sports cars
- Excellent efficiency and low running costs—approximately 1.5-2.2p per mile on home charging versus £16-18p per mile for petrol equivalents
- Minimal maintenance required with no oil changes, long-lasting brake pads due to regenerative braking, and strong battery longevity (minimal degradation over 100k+ miles)
Watch out for
- Suspension is firm and transmits road imperfections harshly, particularly uncomfortable over UK potholes and rough roads; worsens with larger wheel sizes
- Build quality inconsistencies including panel gaps, door/boot misalignment, soft paint prone to stone chips, and varying quality between individual cars
- Autopilot system has documented reliability issues including phantom braking, unreliable high-beam assist, and occasionally dangerous steering corrections
Owner tips
- Prioritize Chinese-built models from 2021 onwards (VIN starting LRW, 71 plates) over US-made Fremont cars for noticeably superior build quality and features like heat pumps
- Use 18-inch wheels with softer sidewall tires for better ride comfort on UK roads; avoid 20-inch Performance wheels which bend easily and worsen harshness
Buying options
Get a quote
Polestar 2
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Polestar 2
- £27,7662024Car360View
- £21,9992024Browns of RichmondView
Tesla Model 3
- £48,4952020EVHEROView
- £31,9952021EVHEROView
- £22,0922021Car360View
Frequently asked questions
What are the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 231 miles for the Polestar 2 and 312 miles for the Tesla Model 3 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Tesla Model 3 goes roughly 81 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Polestar 2 or the Tesla Model 3?
The two are within 9 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 550 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model 3 and about 541 mm of total clearance for the Polestar 2.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Polestar 2 or the Tesla Model 3?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 90% battery health for the Polestar 2 and 85% for the Tesla Model 3. That gives the Polestar 2 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Polestar 2's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Tesla Model 3's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Polestar 2 comparisons
More Tesla Model 3 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 rank among long-range EVsWhere the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023): Which Version, Range, Warranty & What to Check
A used Tesla Model 3 buyer’s guide: Standard Range Plus vs RWD vs Long Range vs Performance, LFP or lithium-ion, heat pump by year, warranty left, recalls, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBest Value EVs in the UK: Composite Score Across Range, Battery, Charging & Space
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RankingEVs with 300+ Mile Range UK 2026
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Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .