Polestar’s electric SUV is a strong competitor in this segment.
Why are electric cars heavier than gasoline cars?
Electric cars are heavy. Seriously. Automakers are developing new battery technologies to reduce the load.
- Polestar’s electric SUVs offer a unique and sophisticated driving experience.
- It’s minimalistic, safe, and packed with great technology.
USA TODAY Cars got behind the wheel of a Polestar 3 electric SUV for a 254-mile road trip to AutoCamp Catskills, an Airstream trailer camp.
Polestar is the electric car brand of Swedish luxury car manufacturer Volvo. So far, the brand has produced several electric vehicle nameplates to compete with powerhouses like Tesla in the luxury electric vehicle space.
The brand takes a minimalist approach to the design language of its EVs, creating a clean, uncluttered cabin with most technology features accessible through the infotainment screen. Polestar 3 combines exciting performance specifications with a luxurious interior to create a driving experience that can best be described as immersive.
What makes the 2025 Polestar 3 stand out?
The Polestar 3 features very fine character lines and a unique bonnet. It is an SUV with the stance of a sporty sedan. Our test vehicle featured Polestar’s Midnight body color, one of six exterior color options. Apart from the futuristic headlights, the Polestar 3 doesn’t have any extremely distinctive exterior features at first glance. The body remains classy, aiming for an understated, technology-focused look rather than something bold or flashy.
What makes Polestar 3 different from other EVs in its segment?
- There are very few physical buttons, and most controls are accessed via the infotainment system.
- Simple cabin design, not overcrowded, the accessory compartment and armrest also do not take up space
- Sporty acceleration feeling for an SUV
- Great parking and camera features
- Responsive handling and excellent driving dynamics (great cornering for an SUV)
In an era where automotive brands are fighting to bring the biggest, boldest new ideas to the forefront of the industry, Polestar 3 takes a step back and lets its driving experience speak for itself.
Performance, usability and efficiency
The Polestar 3 is very driver-focused. It’s enough to dazzle even the staunchest EV opponents. Polestar’s single-motor SUV boasts a powerful 299 horsepower. Dual-motor models produce 489 ponies, while models equipped with the Performance Pack produce 517 ponies. Range varies by trim.
polestar 3 driving range
- 350 miles for standard rear-wheel drive models
- 315 miles for all-wheel drive models
- 449 miles for performance models
USA TODAY Cars tested the performance model’s real-world mileage on a road trip totaling nearly six hours of driving time. Polestar 3’s range estimation is accurate and driving at low speeds without air conditioning helps conserve battery power. Additionally, the Polestar 3 was quickly charged at a ChargePoint fast charging station in Red Hook, New York.
The fast-charging station charged the electric SUV’s battery from about 30% to more than 80% in less than an hour. Charging time varies depending on the wattage of the charger you are using. That said, charging the Polestar 3 was a relatively quick and easy experience for a driver who hasn’t done many quick charging sessions.
INTERIOR, TECHNOLOGY AND COMFORT
The interior of this EV is spacious and sophisticated. A huge 14.5-inch vertical infotainment system is the focal point of the cabin. Drivers and passengers can use the touchscreen to perform various vehicle functions, such as opening the trunk and turning driver assistance and safety features on and off.
Orange seat bullets add character to the interior, and premium seat materials ensure comfort on long drives. The performance model we tested featured an augmented reality heads-up display that shows driving speed, speed limits, and traffic signs. Overall, this SUV has a lot of great standard tech features that are easily accessible through the infotainment system.
Load capacity, space, practicality
The 2025 Polestar 3 has 21.1 cubic feet of space behind the back row seats. Folding the rear seats provides 49.8 cubic feet of space. This EV isn’t spacious by SUV standards, but it has plenty of cargo space for hauling groceries and general activities.
The back row seats are spacious for passengers. Additionally, the cloth seats are comfortable and luxurious. Between the plush interior and giant moonroof, the Polestar 3’s cabin is a work of art. If you have a small family, the Polestar 3 is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
price, value, competitors
The 2025 Polestar 3 is currently available in three different trims.
2025 Polestar 3 Trim
- Long range single motor: $57,500
- Long range dual motor: $63,400
- Long range dual motor: $69,400
Its main rivals include the 2026 BMW iX and 2025 Genesis GV60. Edmunds ranks the 2026 BMW iX as the best electric SUV of 2025. Polestar’s electric SUV is more affordable than many rivals, but the iX has superior interior quality and a longer range.
MotorTrend praises the Polestar 3’s “striking looks, agile feel, and spacious cabin.” After all, electric SUVs have a lot to offer, but some rivals outperform them in key areas like performance and cabin quality.
