Lexus NX vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Lexus NX

$59,900 - $103,598

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2025 Lexus NX

2026 Polestar 2

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

1.3L/100km (combined)

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Energy consumption

14.0 kWh/100km

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Electric range

87 km

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Battery capacity

18.10 kWh

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Seating

Likes

Plush cabin space with nice trims
Premium technology that's easy to use
Refined on road driving experience

Fun and agile to drive
More efficient and quicker charging
Amazing (yet optional) Bowers & Wilkins sound system

Dislikes

Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
Not as flashy inside as rivals
Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

Cabin space and storage still compromised
Options add up quick
No cover for panoramic glass roof

2025 Lexus NX Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Polestar 2 Summary

The Polestar 2 was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia to break through to the mainstream, however it has always been relegated to the Tesla Model 3’s shadow.

As a result Polestar is constantly playing catch up, releasing update after update for this premium-pushing electric liftback. The most notable was a major mid-life update in 2024.

Two years after this, Polestar has just rolled out the 2026 model year (MY26) update which introduces a range of subtle changes, largely under the surface.

It comes as Polestar is now introducing newer models, there’s mounting pressure from legacy carmakers who are only now catching up to EV tech, and Australians are moving away from buying passenger cars to SUVs.

Has this latest update improved the appeal? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Lexus NX 2026 Polestar 2

Verdict

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.

Verdict

This latest update for the Polestar 2 is lovely, but driving the original is a reminder of how solid this car has always been if you overlook the inherent impracticalities of being an EV on a combustion-engine platform.

The fact you still get steady flow of over-the-air software updates bringing new features, plus you can now upgrade to the new Qualcomm processor chip, saving some coin and getting a second-hand model that’s a couple of years old isn’t a bad option at all.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Lexus NX vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus NX vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?