The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving, with new entrants pushing the boundaries of what‘s possible in terms of design, performance, and features. Two intriguing upcoming EVs that embody this spirit of innovation are the Kia EV5 and Polestar 2. While not direct competitors, these all-electric crossovers each bring a unique perspective and set of capabilities to the segment. In this in-depth comparison, we‘ll take a closer look at how the Kia EV5 and Polestar 2 stack up through the lens of their underlying technologies, design philosophies, and digital experiences.
Kia EV5: Futuristic Vision on a Cutting-Edge Platform
The Kia EV5 is the latest creation from the Korean automaker known for shaking up the industry with its eye-catching EV6 electric crossover. Building on that success, the EV5 pushes Kia‘s "Opposites United" design philosophy even further with an angular, neo-brutalist exterior and lounge-style interior straight out of a science fiction film.
Underpinning the EV5‘s avant-garde bodywork is Kia‘s advanced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This 800V architecture enables the EV5 to leverage the latest EV technologies and components. Per Kia:
"The EV5 is the next iteration of our E-GMP platform, incorporating our most cutting-edge EV technologies to date. From the 800V battery system to the multi-charging capabilities, we‘ve designed the EV5 to provide a seamless and future-proof electric experience." – Sung Ho Kim, Head of Kia Global Design
While full specifications have not been released, Kia has provided some impressive initial targets across the EV5‘s three planned powertrain configurations:
| Configuration | Standard Range FWD | Long Range RWD | Long Range AWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Pack | 64 kWh | 88 kWh | 88 kWh |
| Motor(s) | 215 hp Front | 308 hp Rear | 215F / 308R hp |
| Range (CLTC est.) | 329 miles | 453 miles | 429 miles |
| 0 to 60 mph | < 8 sec | < 6 sec | < 5 sec |
| Fast Charge (10-80%) | < 18 min | < 18 min | < 18 min |
The EV5‘s 800V battery system enables ultra-fast DC charging at rates over 250 kW. It will also support vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power external devices and appliances. Inside the cabin, the EV5 will feature a pair of large curved displays, sustainable textiles and trims, and multi-adjustable seating including swiveling front seats and completely flat-folding rear seats.
Polestar 2: Scandinavian Performance and Panache
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric liftback from Volvo‘s performance-oriented spinoff brand. Distinctively Scandinavian in its restrained yet premium design language, the Polestar 2 takes a more evolutionary approach compared to the Kia EV5‘s radical rethink. But the 2 still makes a strong statement, with details like frameless mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, and pixel LED headlamps and taillights.
Polestar‘s electric crossover rides on a modified version of the Volvo CMA platform rather than a dedicated EV skateboard. However, the 2 still delivers impressive performance and range across its three main configurations:
| Configuration | Single Motor | Dual Motor | Dual Motor Perf. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 82 kWh | 82 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Motor(s) | 231 hp Rear | 408 hp F/R | 476 hp F/R |
| Range (EPA) | 270 miles | 260 miles | 260 miles |
| 0 to 60 mph | 7.0 sec | 4.5 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Charging | 155 kW DC / 11 kW | 155 kW DC / 11 kW | 155 kW DC / 11 kW |
The Polestar 2‘s 400V system can‘t quite match the EV5‘s peak charging rate, but 155 kW is still competitive and can boost the battery from 10 to 80% in 37 minutes. An 11 kW onboard charger enables quick Level 2 AC refills.
Sustainability is a core part of the Polestar brand identity. The 2‘s cabin showcases eco-friendly yet premium materials like wool blend upholstery, reconstructed wood trim, and recycled plastics. Polestar has also pioneered the use of blockchain to improve supply chain transparency for the 2‘s batteries and other components. As Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath explained:
"We are committed to producing cars in a responsible and transparent manner. By partnering with Circulor to track and verify the origins and carbon footprint of key materials like cobalt and aluminum in our batteries, we are setting a new standard for sustainability in the automotive industry."
The centerpiece of the 2‘s in-car tech is its Android Automotive OS-powered 11-inch touchscreen, providing built-in Google apps and services, over-the-air updates, and natural voice control. A digital instrument cluster and head-up display are also available.
Autonomous Ambitions and ADAS Realities
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities are increasingly important selling points and differentiators for premium EVs. The Kia EV5 and Polestar 2 reflect their brands‘ divergent approaches to this complex and rapidly evolving space.
The Kia EV5 will come equipped with the brand‘s latest "DriveWise" ADAS suite which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, blind spot monitoring, surround view monitor, and remote smart parking assist. These Level 2 features are broadly competitive with other modern EVs.
However, Kia has been notably cautious in its messaging around autonomous driving. Despite its Hyundai Group sibling brands actively developing robotaxi tech, Kia is focusing the EV5‘s ADAS on driver support rather than replacement. As a Kia executive noted:
"Our philosophy is to enhance the driver experience through assistive technologies that reduce stress and improve safety, rather than pursuing fully autonomous operation in the near-term. We believe this approach better aligns with real-world conditions and consumer preferences."
In contrast, Polestar has been bullish on pushing automated driving capabilities to the limit of current regulations and technologies. All Polestar 2 models come standard with the "Pilot Assist" ADAS suite which provides adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alerts, and low-speed autonomous emergency braking.
Additionally, Polestar offers a "Pilot Pack" option which adds features like all-speed AEB, adaptive high beams, 360-degree cameras, and most notably the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system. Leveraging cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors and cloud-based mapping, Pilot Assist can control the vehicle‘s steering, acceleration and braking in certain situations, while still requiring the driver to supervise.
Polestar has openly stated its ambition to bring fully autonomous highway driving to the Polestar brand this decade. Polestar has been conducting real-world autonomous tests in Europe and China and is closely collaborating with Volvo, Luminar, and Waymo on integrating next-generation LiDAR and AI compute into production vehicles.
Ultimately, both the Kia EV5 and Polestar 2 provide robust modern ADAS and driver support features. But they represent contrasting philosophies on the path and timeline to higher levels of vehicle autonomy.
Charging Experiences and Connectivity
One of the most noticeable ways in which EVs differ from traditional cars is in their charging and connected tech experiences. The Kia EV5 and Polestar 2 showcase how automakers are leveraging the latest digital tools and services to streamline these critical touchpoints.
Kia has developed an integrated charging ecosystem for the EV5 that spans both hardware and software. The crossover is compatible with most global DC fast charging networks and supports the latest plug standards like CCS. Kia is partnering with Electricify America and other third-party networks to provide EV5 owners with access to over 10,000 charging stations in North America.
On the software side, the Kia Access mobile app and in-car infotainment system provide a one-stop shop for planning trips, monitoring charging status, making payments, and controlling vehicle functions. Machine learning will analyze the owner‘s preferences and behaviors to provide personalized charging recommendations and incentives.
Polestar has taken a highly integrated yet open approach with the 2‘s charging experience. The crossover is equipped with a CCS charge port and is pre-configured to work seamlessly with Polestar-branded charging stations and the nationwide Electrify America network. However, owners can also use the in-car Google Maps app to locate and activate sessions at most other public chargers.
Polestar‘s partnership with Google is the foundation of the 2‘s connectivity suite, which is among the most advanced in the industry. The Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment system provides access to apps like Maps, Assistant, Spotify, and even the Play Store directly from the 11-inch touchscreen – no phone required. Wireless Apple CarPlay is also supported.
Polestar has also developed a sophisticated connected car platform that powers features like over-the-air software updates, remote vehicle controls, and real-time charging and range data. Polestar is using this connectivity to enable new ownership models like its "Polestar You" subscription service.
Both the Kia EV5 and Polestar 2 showcase how thoughtful integration of digital technologies can melt away traditional EV pain points around charging and connected services. While their approaches differ in execution, the end goal is providing a seamless and smartphone-like user experience.
Conclusion
The Kia EV5 and Polestar 2 are two of the most compelling and ambitious electric vehicles slated to hit the market in the coming years. While not direct competitors, they represent the divergent strategies legacy and startup automakers are employing to stand out and capture share in the increasingly crowded EV space.
Kia‘s EV5 embodies the brand‘s radical push to redefine what an electric crossover can look and feel like. With its neo-brutalist sheet metal, lounge-style interior, and advanced tech, the EV5 makes a strong statement that the future is now. Polestar‘s 2 takes a more restrained Scandinavian approach to premium EV design and a graduated approach to autonomous driving. But it pushes the envelope with its native Android infotainment and connected services.
Ultimately, both of these EVs will move the segment forward and give buyers more distinctive options beyond the default Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Kia EV5‘s striking design may attract those seeking to make a bolder statement, while the Polestar 2‘s refined performance and tech amenities will appeal to buyers seeking a familiar yet elevated EV experience.
Regardless of which path resonates more, one thing is clear: the EV market‘s center of gravity is rapidly shifting from Silicon Valley to Seoul and Gothenburg. The Kia EV5 and Polestar 2 are just the latest evidence that legacy automakers are no longer content with anyone else defining the future of electric mobility.
