Volvo XC60 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Volvo XC60

2026 Polestar 2

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

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Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

Electric range

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Energy consumption

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Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

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

Dislikes

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

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

2026 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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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 Volvo XC60 2026 Polestar 2

Verdict

The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

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.

Volvo XC60 vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC60 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?