Renault Arkana vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Renault Arkana

$36,990 - $45,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Renault Arkana

2026 Polestar 2

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.3L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Stylish, distinctive design
Great boot space and practicality
Responsive handling

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

Dislikes

Mild-hybrid gains feel limited
Snug rear seat space
Slow off the mark

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

2026 Renault Arkana Summary

This time around my family of three has been reviewing the updated Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid, and you might be wondering… why?

In a market that is positively bursting at the seams with established and new competition, including full-hybrid rivals like the Honda HR-V RS and Hyundai Kona Premium, the Arkana has its work cut out for it.

It’s also a slightly unusual proposition, pairing the raised ride height of an SUV with the swooping roofline of a coupe, while sticking with a mild-hybrid powertrain as more and more rivals make the jump to full-hybrid.

So, does this small French SUV coupe still have enough going for it to stand out from the crowd?

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

2026 Renault Arkana 2026 Polestar 2

Verdict

The Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid combines some serious design flair with a reasonable amount of practicality for a smaller family, but it’s hard to ignore the lack of improvement in efficiency following the addition of the mild-hybrid system. That said, it still succeeds on some fronts. It just does it quietly.

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.

Renault Arkana vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Arkana vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?