Lexus ES vs Polestar 2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus ES starts from $65,540 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 2 opens at $66,400. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $860.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $72,094 and $73,040 respectively.
The Polestar 2 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus ES does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
82kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 205kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 205kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus ES features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 2 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus ES stands out with head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 2. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus ES uses a Hybrid producing 160kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
The Polestar 2 responds with a Electric Motor making 220kW and 490Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The Polestar 2 has the clear power advantage at 220kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Polestar 2 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus ES measures 4,975mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, 369mm longer than the Polestar 2 at 4,606mm (2,735mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 454L in the Lexus ES and 407L in the Polestar 2, giving the Lexus ES a 47L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 2). The Polestar 2 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus ES)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 2 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 2 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lexus ES has a clear edge. The Polestar 2 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus ES and Polestar 2?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 2 by $860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Polestar 2 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Lexus ES, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 454L.
Which can tow the most?
The Polestar 2 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Polestar 2 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 2 makes the most power at 220kW. The Polestar 2 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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