Since 2020, Volvo and Polestar have been two separate brands within the Geely Group. Polestar, formerly the sporty arm of the Swedish brand, has become a fully electric brand in its own right. To date, 3 models are on offer, ranging from saloon to SUV, with the aim of offering a different experience to what Volvo can do today.
So the question is: if you had $60,000 to spend on a new electric car, would you choose a Volvo EX30 or the Polestar 2?
In this article, we compare the two models to help you choose the one that will be with you for years to come.
Which version are you entitled to for $60,000?
Because the two models are not in the same vehicle segment (one is a compact SUV and the other a saloon), we are writing this comparison on the basis of what you get from each of them (equipment, range, practicality) at an equivalent price.
Polestar 2
Exterior design
The Polestar 2 takes a more conventional design approach than the Volvo EX30, while retaining a futuristic electric vehicle feel.
In terms of dimensions, the Polestar 2 is not a large car: it is 4,506 mm long, 1,859 mm wide and only 1,479 mm high.
However, its compact design gives it a sporty look, with a fairly high ground clearance.
Interior design
The interior is uncluttered in pure Scandinavian style, while retaining Volvo's expertise in terms of build quality.
However, it should be noted that certain on-board technologies, such as the 11.2-inch multimedia system, may seem dated in design compared with other vehicles of today, including the Volvo EX30.
Practical
The Polestar 2's cabin is spacious at the front, offering plenty of legroom and headroom. Less so at the rear, with foot space also limited by the low clearance under the seats.
In terms of practicality, the 405-litre boot is roomy enough to carry your belongings.
Finally, with no engine at the front, the Polestar 2 has a 41-litre frunk space, ideal for storing charging cables or small items of luggage.
Performance, range and recharging
For $60,500, the Polestar 2 includes an 82kWh, 421-hp all-wheel drive battery with an EPA-compliant range of up to 447 kilometres.
As for recharging, the battery's capacity allows it to recharge 10-80% in 28 minutes, in line with the average for today's electric cars.
Standard equipment
The Polestar 2 is well equipped in the all-wheel drive version, even offering AutoPilot as standard. However, if you want the panoramic roof, electric tailgate or 100% electric seats, you'll have to pay an extra $3,000.
Volvo EX30
Exterior design
With its mono-volume design, the Volvo EX30 has a shape that makes it appear larger than it really is.
In fact, the Volvo EX30 is only 4.23 metres long, 21 cm shorter than the XC40. Width is 1.83 metres, height 1.55 metres and wheelbase 2.65 metres.
A compact size, perfectly suited as a secondary vehicle for a city-dwelling family.
Interior design
Unlike the Polestar 2, the dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, which also includes all the information normally displayed on a digital instrument panel.
The Volvo EX30 has neither a head-up display nor a conventional dashboard, offering a completely new driving experience for the Swedish brand.
Last but not least, the Volvo EX30 offers a range of interior atmospheres (Breeze, Mist, Pine and Indigo), with a mix of recycled materials, fabrics and bright colours.
Practical
The frunk (front compartment) offers 7 litres of storage space, while the boot has ample capacity for luggage or groceries at 318 litres. This volume rises to 904 litres if you fold down the rear seats.
Because of its compactness, this volume is less than that offered by the Polestar 2.
Performance, range and recharging
For $60,588, the Volvo EX30 is equipped with a 69 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery offering 268 horsepower at the rear wheels alone.
In terms of range, it can cover 420 kilometres on a rapid charge from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes.
Standard equipment
This includes Volvo's standard safety equipment as well as comfort features such as an electric tailgate and panoramic roof.
However, to take advantage of Park Pilot Assist with all the driving aids, you'll need to upgrade to the Ultra version.
What about the government rebate for 2025 on both models?
As of April 1, 2025, all versions of the Volvo EX30 2025 are once again eligible for the Go Green program and those interested could benefit from a subsidy of up to $4,000.
In the case of the Polestar 2, it is also eligible for this subsidy, but certain options and additional equipment could make it ineligible, according to the government website.
Which model to choose for $60,000?
It's hard to pick a winner when the two vehicles in question come from the Volvo group and, for the same price, both offer almost identical range and charging as well as a Scandinavian design reminiscent of Volvo's origins.
From our point of view, the choice is more about life on board. The Volvo EX30 has chosen a radical approach by refocusing the user experience solely on the centre console. Also, its single-volume interior, making the larger interior space that is, gives that impression of driving a vehicle that belongs to the future.
As for the Polestar 2, the interior is more conventional, closer to what Volvo is still doing with its internal combustion and hybrid vehicles. However, it offers more equipment, four-wheel drive and around 20 extra kilometres.
Come and discover the Volvo EX30 in dealership
To find out if the Volvo EX30 is right for you and to discover how it drives, we invite you to come and take a road test of this vehicle right now at Volvo Cars Saint-Léonard.
Fill out the form below and a member of our team will contact you shortly to schedule a test drive of our small 100% electric SUV.
