2026 Polestar 4 Initial Drive Review: Wagering on Design Throughout

      Marty Padgett

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      The Polestar 4 electric SUV faces significant competition. The larger, more spacious Polestar 3 SUV, which accommodates five passengers and replicates much of what makes Volvo’s gasoline models enjoyable to drive, casts a long shadow. The 4 must achieve similar qualities within a tighter budget while avoiding overshadowing its larger counterpart.

      It takes a different approach by utilizing a unique platform, resulting in less refined handling and incorporating some deliberately unconventional features that amplify its outsider presence.

      The 4 is the fourth model from the relatively new Polestar brand, following the elegant 1 plug-in hybrid coupe, the versatile mid-size 2 hatchback, and the sizable 3 SUV, all prepping for the forthcoming Polestar 5 sedan. Polestar assigns names sequentially, rather than by size or type.

      Marty Padgett

      Perplexed? That’s the impression I was left with after my second experience with the 4, confused by some of the design decisions. Last year, I drove it in Madrid, and this summer, I took it for a spin near Montreal, with the only real update being the controls on the steering wheel. A 102-kWh battery continues to power the vehicle, available in either single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive options. The zero-to-60 times of 6.9 seconds for the single motor and 3.7 seconds for the dual motor position it squarely in a competitive league alongside models like the Genesis GV60 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

      The design features an appealing fastback shape, sharp LED headlights cutting across the front corners, sleek side panels giving it a slender look, and an LED taillight band across the rear. Inside, a minimalist cockpit is complemented by ambient lighting and a 15.4-inch tablet-style screen, with few distractions present. According to Polestar, the ambient lighting is inspired by the solar system, a claim I can't personally verify.

      Marty Padgett

      The interior presents some significant challenges, even for those of us accustomed to spending hours on iPads and Android tablets. Polestar has placed too many functions for the 4 on the screen; various controls require taps and swipes rather than being accessible through physical buttons. While the streamlined appearance might seem modern, the actual functionality provided by the Google-based interface demands too much time with hands off the wheel. This distraction is unfortunate, as the front seats meet Volvo's high standards for comfort, and the rear-seat dimensions contend impressively with competitors' SUVs.

      The standout feature of the 4 is its backseat area, notably because it lacks a standard rear window. Instead of a glass hatchback, Polestar has extended the panoramic roof and heightened the decklid, reducing the usual rear glass. A high-definition camera serves in its place, feeding information into the rearview mirror. Polestar asserts this setup enhances backward visibility over traditional glass, while also improving rear headroom. However, I remain skeptical about both assertions. At the very least, drivers reliant on vision aids may find the rearview mirror frustrating due to the constant transition from real-world visuals to an overly close digital representation of what's behind.

      Marty Padgett

      Opt for the single-motor 4, and the driving experience is pleasantly balanced, though without the exhilarating highs. It’s adequately responsive, but the 20-inch wheels diminish steering feedback, and the rear suspension has been modified for U.S. roads to provide more comfort than the vehicles I tested last year. For an additional $6,500, the dual-motor variant offers true performance, delivering impressive acceleration that allows it to surge ahead of logging trucks and old Chevy hatchbacks without hesitation. However, this upgrade decreases the EPA-rated driving range from 310 to 270 miles.

      The 4 is expected to be Polestar’s volume model, manufactured in South Korea and affected by current tariffs, whatever they may be at any given time. With 400-volt DC charging capable of refilling from 10-80% in approximately half an hour and a one-pedal driving mode, the Polestar 4 is priced at $57,800. It also includes features like a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, a power tailgate, and power front seats. A Pro pack adds gold-striped seatbelts and 21-inch wheels, while a Plus pack includes 12-way power front seats, heated and reclining rear seats, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. A Performance pack available for the $64,300 dual-motor version enhances the suspension (with further adjustments to be made for U.S. regulations, though I haven’t driven it yet), swaps in summer tires on 22-inch wheels, and includes Brembo brakes with gold-painted calipers.

      Marty Padgett

      For hands-free driving