Lexus ES vs Polestar 2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus ES starts from $65,540 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 2 opens at $62,400. That makes the Polestar 2 the more affordable entry point by $3,140.
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 $68,640 respectively.
The Polestar 2 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus ES, as a petrol model, does not 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.
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, wireless charging, panoramic roof and heated front seats that you will not find on 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 200kW and 490Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Polestar 2 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 2 is 2.5s 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 473L in the Lexus ES and 407L in the Polestar 2, giving the Lexus ES a 66L advantage.
For towing, the Polestar 2 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.5m
Based on 11.4m 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
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 need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 2 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 2 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Polestar 2 is the cheapest at $62,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus ES by $3,140.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 2 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 473L.
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 200kW. The Polestar 2 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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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