Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: Full Comparison, Which One Wins?

Who’s the real winner between the Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge? The EV world is heating up with great entries from many manufacturers. Polestar is a relative newcomer in this area. 

Other manufacturers like Volvo are pivoting to meet the growing needs and demands of the EV market. If you’re a prospective EV owner, you’re spoiled for choice currently. 

The Polestar 4 is an upcoming crossover all-electric SUV. Polestar’s latest boasts some unusual design choices and looks to be a breath of fresh air for the current EV market. 

The XC40 Recharge isn’t a newcomer in the EV market by any means. Volvo’s lauded electric SUV is a mature product, and as such hasn’t had some of the teething problems new EVs might have. 

So, which of these two EVs is the winner? While the Polestar 4 isn’t ready for purchase yet, there are some valid comparisons to be made. 

Before you start talking to your local dealership, let’s explore how these two stack up against each other. 

Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: Side-by-Side Comparison

While both of these vehicles occupy similar niches, there are some definite differences. Do note that any ranges and other data given are purely speculative for the Polestar 4.

Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: What’s the Difference?

Polestar has the distinction of being led by a former Volvo engineer. As such, when it comes down to the Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge, you can see some definite influences concerning the overall design of the vehicle.

Performance

There is a clear winner in performance when thinking about the Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge. The highest trim level of the Polestar 4 brings 544 horsepower to bear for the roads. You also get access to 300 miles or more of range when in use.

Users will also have the option of a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powertrain. These are speculative details, but the Polestar 4 has a fair amount of promise.

The XC40 Recharge is a solid performer. The overall range is less at 222 miles, which is below average for most EVs in this price bracket. The highest trim level comes in at 344 horsepower. It isn’t a slouch by any means, but you will feel a difference.

That said, the XC40 Recharge is suitably zippy when driving. Acceleration is snappy and responsive. It handles well in most conditions, especially for the models configured with the dual motor powertrain.

Electronics 

You’ll find a standard infotainment panel in the center console of the Polestar 4. This acts as the primary interface for user input. Polestar has opted to use Android OS, meaning this should be a fairly familiar experience for any user.

It does support standard features like navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Not much can be said about the overall user experience yet, as the Polestar 4 has yet to release. There is built-in navigation, so you’re not relying solely on your phone to get somewhere.

You’ll also find a 12-speaker array from Harman/Kordon to let you listen to your favorite music and podcasts.

Volvo has a similar array of features for the electronics suite. You’ll find an Android-driven infotainment panel, built-in navigation, and smartphone connectivity. There have been some complaints about the overall user interface of the Volvo infotainment panel, however.

Chief among the complaints is the small onscreen buttons. It is a smooth and easy interface to get accustomed to but could do with a few tweaks.

If the 4 has the same interface as the other contemporary Polestars, then there is a clear winner on the electronics side of the Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge debate.

Safety Features

Users can expect to find some standard safety features on the Polestar 4. You’ll find automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning systems among others.

Also included in the Polestar 4 is Pilot Assist, an autonomous driving assistant which carries a monthly subscription to use. Ostensibly, it should reduce driver fatigue a good bit.

You’ll find a similar feature set on the XC40 Recharge. There is automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure assists. Volvo also has its own autonomous driving platform. It isn’t a true self-driving platform, but it can handle most of the heavy lifting on highways.

As with every other contemporary Volvo out there, it has stellar crash ratings. It received very good ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. If you’re looking for something to keep your family safe, it’s hard to go wrong with the XC40 Recharge.

Warranty Information 

Polestar’s warranty package is similar to offerings from Tesla and other EV manufacturers. You have a limited four-year warranty or 50,000 miles of coverage. This will cover any defects, lemons, and so forth. The electrical components have coverage of up to eight years or 100,000 miles.

Disappointingly, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance for the Polestar 4.

Volvo’s XC40 Recharge has a more robust warranty package overall. The limited warranty covers four years or up to 50,000 miles. It also has a powertrain warranty which is also four years or 50,000 miles of coverage.

This is rounded out by the battery components being covered for eight years or up to 100,000 miles. It does have complimentary scheduled maintenance, which is valid for the first three years of ownership or up to 36,000 miles.

Volvo pulls well ahead of Polestar when it comes to the warranty package available for new purchases.

Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: 6 Must-Know Facts

1. The Polestar 4 is in-between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of overall size.
2. The Polestar 4 features no rear windshield, instead opting for a high-definition rear camera.
3. The Polestar 4 will be available for purchase in 2024.
4. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is Volvo’s first purpose-built EV.
5. The Volvo XC40 Recharge has been one of the safest EVs on the market for over five years.
6. The Volvo XC40 Recharge uses standard J1772 charging ports at charging stations.

Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: Which One Is the Winner? Which Should You Choose?

Pitting two very different vehicles against each other can be a daunting task. However, when it comes to the question of which wins in the Polestar 4 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge challenge, there is one clear answer.

The Polestar 4 presents a lot of great potential for anyone looking to get into EVs. It has yet to reach American dealerships, so it is hard to recommend something sight unseen. It has a lesser warranty package among other concerns.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge has been a reliable and proven pick for a number of years. Volvo was one of the first manufacturers to square up against the giant that is Tesla. You can’t go wrong with the XC40 Recharge.

Now, it does lack range compared to other options. But beyond that, it is a safe, reliable, high-performance EV that will serve you and your family well for years to come.

As with any vehicle purchase, you’ll want to try before you buy. Make sure you get some time behind the wheel to see if an EV is the right choice for you. You might find something else tickles your fancy a little more once you give it a test drive.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.