Volvo EX90 vs Polestar 3
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 Volvo EX90 starts from $124,990 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $116,700. That makes the Polestar 3 the more affordable entry point by $8,290.
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 $137,489 and $128,370 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Volvo EX90 and 90% for the Polestar 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 3 packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volvo EX90.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volvo EX90 and 8 in the Polestar 3.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo EX90 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 9-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo EX90 gets nordico/microtech upholstery while the Polestar 3 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Volvo EX90 and 3-zone in the Polestar 3.
Drivetrain
The Volvo EX90 uses a Electric producing 300kW and 770Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Volvo EX90 has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX90 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 111kWh (Volvo EX90) vs 92kWh (Polestar 3), giving WLTP ranges of 580km and 604km. DC fast charging peaks at 250kW (Volvo EX90) vs 310kW (Polestar 3).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo EX90 measures 5,037mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 137mm longer than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 365L in the Volvo EX90 and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Polestar 3 a 232L advantage. The Volvo EX90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo EX90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.4m
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo EX90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 3 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Polestar 3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3?
The Polestar 3 is the cheapest at $116,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX90 by $8,290.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 3 has the most range at 604km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 310kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 3 has the largest boot at 597L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX90 makes the most power at 300kW. The Volvo EX90 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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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