Since the debut of the Polestar 2 sedan in 2021, the Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar has added two more models to its lineup: the roomy Polestar 3 crossover SUV and now the Polestar 4, which is a sportier, more compact crossover SUV. The Polestar 4 fits between the 2 and 3 in size, which might puzzle some potential buyers, but one feature that stands out—and might leave them scratching their heads even more—is the absence of a rear windshield.
Starting at $57,800, the 2026 Polestar 4 does have some quirky characteristics, but I found it to be one of the most exciting and enjoyable EVs to drive this year. It just takes a little getting used to.
The standout quality of the Polestar 4 is its sleek and minimalistic Swedish design. Its muscular silhouette, distinctive headlights, and intriguing body lines give it a strong presence on the road. But the real conversation starter is the lack of glass on the rear hatch, which certainly makes it unique. The reasoning behind this design choice is straightforward: it allows for a more streamlined appearance without compromising rear passenger headroom or legroom. Mission accomplished; I’m tall, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well I fit in the slightly reclined seat, plus there’s a decent cargo space of 19 cubic feet, expandable to 54 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. The overall front cabin layout offers ample head, leg, and shoulder room.
On the tech front, the Polestar 4 features a striking 15.4-inch center touchscreen positioned horizontally, a 10.2-inch digital gauge display, and just one physical knob on the center console for play/pause and volume controls. It might seem counterintuitive, but the minimalist design is remarkably effective. The materials used are quite impressive, featuring sturdy hard surfaces with minimal metal and a blend of luxurious synthetic woven fabrics covering a large portion of the interior. The infotainment software is user-friendly, complete with customizable lighting themes inspired by our solar system—definitely a clever way to attract Tesla Model Y owners.
The Polestar 4 offers two drivetrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive and a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive, which adds an extra $6,500. The single-motor produces 272 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor churns out 544 horsepower and 506 pound-feet, with acceleration times of 6.9 seconds and 3.7 seconds, respectively. It comes equipped with a 400-volt 100kWh lithium-ion battery that supports DC fast charging up to 200kW. The single-motor variant boasts a range of 310 miles, while the dual-motor tops out at 280 miles.
In its standard dual-motor form, the Polestar 4 delivers a comfortable ride with well-balanced steering, although the chassis response felt a bit sluggish for a vehicle branded as performance-oriented. However, adding Polestar’s $4,500 Performance Pack—which includes enhanced chassis tuning, Pirelli summer tires, and substantial Brembo brake calipers—significantly sharpens response without sacrificing ride comfort.
Now, let’s address the unusual aspect of the Polestar 4’s driving experience: no rear window. I’m typically not a fan of relying on a rear-facing camera displayed in the rearview mirror, but the setup in the Polestar 4 was surprisingly effective. The camera angles slightly based on the turn signal, and the side mirrors work well to minimize blind spots. Still, it felt a bit strange to glance over my shoulder when changing lanes and not see anything there. While Polestar representatives were proud of the camera’s low-light capabilities and performance in bad weather, individual experiences may vary, especially in icy conditions.
Overall, the 2026 Polestar 4 stands out as a unique and enticing luxury EV compact crossover with enough driving appeal to make anyone feel like a speed enthusiast. But given the end of federal EV tax credits, is this the right time to introduce a sporty, niche EV crossover? I asked Dean Shaw, PR and communications director for Polestar North America, about the company’s strategy. “It’s similar to a December sales push. Sales may slow down in January, but they typically start to rebound,” he noted. “We anticipate this month will reset sales numbers, and then they’ll begin to climb again.”
He also highlighted that very few brands focus solely on EVs. With other automakers scaling back their electric vehicle strategies, Shaw sees this as an opportunity for Polestar to solidify its standing in the market. With the Polestar 4’s engaging personality, strong design focus, and user-friendly features, he might be onto something—even if there’s no glass behind the rear seats.
Photography by Peter Nelson
