Compare the2025 Audi Q4 e-tronVS 2024 Polestar 2

Both the Q4 e-tron and the Polestar 2 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Audi Q4 e-tron is safer than the Polestar 2:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Audi Q4 e-tron achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Polestar 2 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

There are almost 10 times as many Audi dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Q4 e-tron’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Q4 e-tron’s reliability 18 points higher than the Polestar 2.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Audi vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. With 74 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Audi higher than Polestar.

On the EPA test cycle the Q4 e-tron gets better mileage than the Polestar 2:

The Q4 55 e-tron can travel longer on a full charge than the Polestar 2 Performance Pack (258 miles vs. 247 miles).

The Q4 e-tron has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The Polestar 2 doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

For better stopping power the Q4 e-tron’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Polestar 2:

For better traction and acceleration, the Q4 e-tron has larger rear tires than the Polestar 2 (255/50R19 vs. 245/45R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q4 e-tron 55 e-tron offers optional 21-inch wheels. The Polestar 2’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

For better maneuverability, the Q4 e-tron 45’s turning circle is 4.2 feet tighter than the Polestar 2’s (33.5 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Q4 e-tron has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Polestar 2 Performance Package (5.8 vs. 5.7 inches), allowing the Q4 e-tron to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Q4 e-tron has 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom, 3.3 inches more rear legroom and 2.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Polestar 2.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Q4 e-tron. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Q4 e-tron’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Polestar 2’s (2205 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Polestar 2 is only 2000 pounds. The Q4 e-tron offers up to a 2646 lbs. towing capacity.

The Q4 e-tron offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Q4 e-tron to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. Heated windshield washer nozzles cost extra on the Polestar 2.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Q4 e-tron has a standard rear wiper. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Q4 e-tron has standard extendable sun visors. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Q4 e-tron Premium Plus/Prestige’s Park Steering Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q4 e-tron, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Polestar 2 isn't recommended.

The Audi Q4 e-tron outsold the Polestar 2 by 10% during 2023.