Polestar 2: The best EV for winter driving

Dollar for dollar, the 2025 Polestar 2 is tough to beat when it comes to delivering a compelling package for the driving enthusiast who wants a car that’s also a chilled-out and relaxing highway cruiser. It is also highly agile when driving on snow and ice, and updates for this year add even more range. Let’s dive in.

Is the Polestar 2 a good car?

The Polestar 2 is a terrific four-door electric sedan that’s available with several options and packages to tailor it to a wide range of needs. In 2025, the Polestar 2 stands out as a unique choice for shoppers who prefer the shape and drive of a conventional car, not an SUV. Whether you’ll use yours as a daily commuter or gas-free family runabout while the SUV is parked, the Polestar 2 delivers a strongly sporty experience with a keen focus on its feel and character.

The Polestar 2 was engineered to meet the demands of global drivers while delivering responsiveness and stability designed for Scandinavian winter conditions. Its snug-fitting cockpit, fast steering, aggressive one-pedal driving and available fast-acting all-wheel-drive combine for a lively drive that’s responsive and encouraging. 

The key reason why the Polestar 2 is my top recommendation for winter driving? It was designed and engineered in Sweden, where winter is celebrated and people commonly go downhill skiing on their lunch breaks. Arctic Circle testing was also a key part of the Polestar 2’s pre-production validation. The attention to detail put into the Polestar 2’s driving dynamics on snow and ice gives drivers a lively, confidence-inspiring drive in inclement weather. This car strongly captures the joy of driving in the snow when running a proper set of winter tires (my favourites include Michelin X-Ice, Nokian Hakkapeliitta and Bridgestone Blizzak). Skilled and enthusiast drivers will be able to quickly steer the car with the brakes and throttle on snow-covered roads.

Though it lacks the space, flexibility and road clearance sought by many SUV shoppers at this price point, its smaller, friskier and sportier character makes it a great alternative for use as a second family vehicle, a fun-to-drive commuter and runabout, or a fuel-free road-tripper.

What’s new in the Polestar 2 for 2025?

The 2025 model year brings improved ranges to the Polestar 2, with the rear-drive model able to cover up to 505 kilometres on a single charge, and AWD-equipped versions up to 447 kilometres.

The 2025 Polestar 2 also gets various updates, including new wheel designs, colours and interior materials options, plus a new seatbelt design and a shopping experience that allows for more customization, with more single options available.

Packs can be combined and added as the shopper desires, with the $1,300 Climate Pack adding an energy-saving heat pump, heated wiper nozzles and other cold-weather comforts. The $3,100 Plus Pack adds a panoramic roof, special interior trim and LED cornering fog lamps. The $1,700 Pro Pack adds special 20-inch wheels, a new seatbelt design and gold valve caps. There’s also the $6,950 Performance Pack, taking the Polestar 2 top-of-the-line with a power boost and performance chassis setup for the most demanding driver.

What is the price of the Polestar 2 in Canada?

Only long-range models of the Polestar 2 are available in 2025. The single-motor, rear-drive model starts at $51,750 including current incentives at this writing, and the $2,800 delivery charge. The long-range dual-motor model costs $61,450 including current incentives and delivery charges, and the powered-up long-range Performance Pack model tops the range at $71,500.

Where are Polestar’s dealerships in Canada?

Polestar has six dealerships in Canada. From west to east, they are located in: Vancouver; Oakville and Markham, Ont.; Ottawa; and Laval and Quebec City, Que. 

If you’re thinking about buying an EV, the Polestar 2 stands out for its more compact size and shape, and the driving feel calibrated expertly around it. Best of all, ongoing year-over-year updates mean the Polestar 2 is doing a fine job of staying fresh and competitive.

Check out our other picks for Canada’s best EVs.

2025 Polestar 2 selected specs

• Starting prices: Long Range Single Motor: $54,950; Long Range Dual Motor AWD: $64,650
• Vehicle type: Hatchback
• Built in: Taizhou, China
• Horsepower: Long Range Single Motor: 299; Long Range Dual Motor AWD: 421 
• Torque: Long Range Single Motor: 360 lb-ft; Long Range Dual Motor AWD: 545 lb-ft 
• Battery: 82 kWh 
• NRCan energy consumption rating: 18.4–21.7 kWh/100 km
• NRCan driving range: Long Range Single Motor: up to 505 km; Long Range Dual Motor AWD: up to 447 km 
• NRCan annual energy cost: $662–$781

Prices and specifications are subject to change.

Learn more about the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Fuel Consumption Guide.

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