Polestar 2 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?

Polestar 2

—

2026 price

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Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $82,990

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Polestar 2

2025 Kia Sorento

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Turbo 4, 1.6L

Vehicle type

—

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

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1.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

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16.1 kWh/100km

Electric range

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68 km

Battery capacity

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14.40 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Superb comfort and features
Family focused practicality
Easy-going driving experience

Dislikes

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

Price vs value equation doesn't add up
Limited electric driving range
No curtain airbags in the third row

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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2025 Kia Sorento Summary

The plug-in hybrid market is slowly but surely gaining traction in Australia, and Kia has thrown its hat into the ring with the flagship Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD.

This top-spec seven-seat large SUV pairs family friendly practicality with the promise of lower emissions and petrol savings, at least, in theory.

So, is it the right blend of convenience, space and efficiency for busy families looking to dip a toe into electrification? That’s exactly what my family and I have been finding out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Polestar 2 2025 Kia Sorento

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 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV is a sumptuously equipped seven-seater that delivers comfort, tech and an easy-going drive. It presents well on the surface, and for the right buyer (one who can make the most of its plug-in capabilities ) it could be a smart, low-emissions option for family life.

But for all its polish, it doesn’t quite do enough to justify itself as the best Sorento in the range. The electric-only driving range isn’t especially generous, and the higher price tag , combined with its lower towing capacity, may leave some families wondering whether the diesel variant is the more practical choice.

It’s not a bad car by any means, but the flagship GT-Line PHEV feels more like a stepping stone than a standout.

Polestar 2 vs Kia Sorento What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Polestar 2 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?