Polestar 2 vs Hyundai Palisade
What's the difference?

Polestar 2

—

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Hyundai Palisade

$66,800 - $93,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Polestar 2

2026 Hyundai Palisade

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

—

Inline 4, 2.5L

Vehicle type

—

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Electric range

—

6.8L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

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

Refined ride and handling
Timeless design
Easy to manoeuvre

Dislikes

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

Rear bench-style seats are firm
Safety systems sometimes clunky
More expensive than rivals

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.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Hyundai Palisade Summary

If you’re in the market for an eight-seat family SUV, the Hyundai Palisade has probably already crossed your radar. But now there’s a twist. Hyundai has taken this well-established large SUV and given it a hybrid powertrain.

That puts it up against familiar rivals like the Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid and Kia Sorento Sport+ Hybrid which are both strong players in the family-friendly space. The version we’re looking at for this review is the mid-spec Elite and we're family-testing it to see if the new hybrid powertrain makes for a winning combo.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Polestar 2 2026 Hyundai Palisade

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 new hybrid powertrain for the Hyundai Palisade is a welcome addition for families looking for an efficient three-row SUV that doesn’t drive like a brick and looks good at the school pick up or client lunch. Overall, the Palisade remains a solid, all-round package that deserves praise and the eighth seat is an added bonus.

Polestar 2 vs Hyundai Palisade What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Polestar 2 vs Hyundai Palisade
What's the difference?