Tesla vs Polestar: I drove electric cars from both to see how Elon Musk's automaker compares to the startup

• Tesla's history as the industry leader in electric vehicles is being challenged by startups.
• One up-and-coming electric car brand gunning for some of Tesla's success is Polestar.
• The Tesla Model 3 competes directly with the Polestar 2.

Tesla proved that electric cars can be cool. Now lots of new companies are trying to replicate its success. 

One of those up-and-comers is Polestar, a Swedish brand taking aim at Elon Musk with sleek, modern-looking cars. I've driven vehicles from both brands and covered both companies for years. Here's how they compare. 

What is Tesla?

Tesla was founded in the early 2000s and has become synonymous with electric cars across the globe. Its biggest sellers are the Model Y compact SUV and Model 3 sedan. It also sells bigger, higher-end vehicles: the Model S sedan and Model X SUV. 

The Tesla Model 3 is a direct competitor to the Polestar 2. 

What is Polestar?

Polestar is an EV-only brand that spun out of Volvo in 2017. It's owned by Volvo and Geely, Volvo's Chinese parent company. It's like a startup with the infrastructure and support of a global automotive behemoth. 

It kicked things off with the Polestar 1, a limited-run hybrid coupe. The Polestar 2, Polestar's first EV and its first mass-market offering, is the car that really put the brand on the map.

In 2022, Polestar sold around 51,500 vehicles worldwide, handily beating out other newcomers like Lucid Motors and Rivian. 

The Polestar 2 is built in China. Polestar also has an SUV hitting the streets in late 2023, the Polestar 3, that will be built in China and later the US at a Volvo factory in South Carolina. 

The Polestar 4, a smaller SUV without a rear window, and the Polestar 5, a yet-to-be-unveiled four-door, will arrive at a later date, the company has said. 

How do Tesla and Polestar cars compare?

Tesla was the first carmaker to use a big touchscreen and reject all buttons. Polestar is following suit while putting its own spin on things.

Inside and out, the Polestar 2 exudes Scandinavian minimalism. It's uncluttered and features a big touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. I found its Android-based operating system super clean-looking and straightforward to use. I loved that it came loaded with Google Maps from the factory. 

Tesla's system is more complicated but also includes more functions like a digital whoopee cushion, games, a web browser, and a surveillance system. Both brands are more tech-heavy than your average car, providing regular software updates and offering paid upgrades like increased acceleration. 

Both brands embrace simplicity in their interiors, but they may be too austere for some tastes. 

Tesla sells some of the longest-range electric cars, but Polestar isn't too far behind. The Model 3 earns an EPA rating of well over 300 miles in its Long Range trim. The 2023 Polestar 2 gets up to 270 miles, while Polestar says the 2024 model will go 300. 

Tesla's charging stations are also a big advantage for owners, as they benefit from the sprawling and mostly exclusive Supercharger network.

Both brands place an emphasis on performance and invite buyers to pay extra for sportier models. 

How do you buy a Polestar or Tesla?

Some big pros of buying either a Tesla or a Polestar are online ordering and more transparent pricing. Both companies eschew traditional dealerships in favor of minimal showrooms and an online reservation system. 

The Polestar 2 starts at $48,400, while the upcoming Polestar 3 SUV starts at around $85,000. A lower-priced Polestar 3 is on the way, too, along with more future models. 

Tesla's prices range from just over $40,000 for the entry-level Model 3 to over $100,000 for a super-quick Model S Plaid. Bear in mind: Some Teslas qualify for the federal government's $7,500 EV tax credit, while Polestars currently don't.