Polestar 2 vs Holden Captiva
What's the difference?

Polestar 2

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2026 price

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Holden Captiva

$4,900 - $18,000

2017 price

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Summary

2026 Polestar 2

2017 Holden Captiva

By Jack Quick

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Vehicle type

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Diesel

Electric range

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8.2L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

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

It's cheap
It's big
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Dislikes

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

It's old
It's a bit noisy
Lacks the finesse of the competition

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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2017 Holden Captiva Summary

Holden wasn't the first manufacturer to find itself bereft of a big SUV when the fuse was lit by BMW and Mercedes as the last millennium came to a close. Ford responded with the Territory while Holden jacked-up a V8 Commodore and slapped the Adventra badge on it. Sadly, it didn't work, and so the Captiva was the next best option, procured from what was then called Daewoo.

As a result of that that little blip on the economic radar, the GFC, and an on-going re-organisation of General Motors, the Korean-built Captiva has lasted rather longer than anyone expected.

It first launched with two bodystyles, but is now down to one, the bigger and more practical seven seat body shell.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Polestar 2 2017 Holden Captiva

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.

Verdict

The Captiva is very, very long in the tooth and is heading towards retirement some time in the next twelve months. Before then, it's a lot of car for the money, particularly the seven seat LS. It's not fast, flash or futuristic but it will do the job and with all of the early problems sorted, will probably do it for quite some time.

The Captiva's low scores are mostly to do with the car just being old and feeling it, with dodgier plastics, slightly undercooked ride and handling and a lack of engine and safety tech. It doesn't mean it's a terrible car, because it isn't and Holden papers up the cracks with a low starting price and good after-sales.

Polestar 2 vs Holden Captiva What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Polestar 2 vs Holden Captiva
What's the difference?