The conversation about electric vehicles is incomplete without mentioning the Tesla Model 3. Now that Volvo’s Polestar 2 is gaining traction in the electric vehicle market, the conversation gets even more interesting.

But what makes these electric cars comparable? Without much ado, below is a glimpse into the two, and why the Model 3 still comes out on top.

The Tesla Model 3 recap

As the EV market pacesetter, Tesla has taken its attention to detail a notch higher with its Tesla 3 model. Yet, according to Car and Driver, the automaker “is revising the Model 3, with a few new features and design updates inside and out.”

The 3 is revered as a more reasonably-priced compact electric sports sedan. Despite — or perhaps because of — its power source, it is now among the world’s best-selling luxury vehicles.

The Model 3 holds the mantle in the EV world and every other automaker is playing catch up. Among the models tailgating the 3 include the Porsche Taycan, Jaguar I-Pace, and Audi E-Tron. And there is the Polestar 2, the new kid on the block whose ripple effect has spanned the whole EV market.

The Polestar 2 recap

Related: Why Is the Tesla Model 3 So Popular? 

Volvo partnered with Geely in the fabrication of the Polestar 2 to challenge the Tesla Model 3’s benchmark. The 2 is a thrilling sports sedan flaunting a Scandinavian design.

Every facet of the EV flaunts Volvo genes. As Cars.com reports, it features “Thor’s hammer-style headlights” and upright and chunky taillights, which bring it closer to the Volvo E60. But the Polestar 3 and all future Polestars will ditch the Volvo-inspired design.

In February, Polestar released a precept concept car for the canceled 2020 Geneva International Motor show, which will inform the automaker’s future models’ designs. But for now, the Polestar 2 is blockier and less SUV-like than some competitors.

The 2 is pricier and less roomy than the 3. However, it drives more conventionally and has higher-quality features. Yet, you would be forgiven for thinking that it is a smarter choice than the Model 3.

The Tesla Model 3 beats the Polestar 2 in range and performance

Related: The 2020 Volvo XC40 Is the Satisfying Luxury SUV No One Is Buying

TechCrunch confesses that the Polestar 2 beats the Model 3 in drivability and enjoyment. But the Model 3’s range and performance are its aces in the hole.

According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Polestar 2 EV doesn’t reach its previously estimated 250 miles of range with an EPA-rated 233 miles. Conversely, thanks to its 75-kWh battery, the Model 3 gives you 353 miles on a single charge. Better still, at supercharger locations, it recharges up to 175 miles in 15 minutes.

The Polestar 2’s all-wheel-drive electric powertrain, powered by a 78-kWh battery pack, makes 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. Its 0-60 is 4.5 seconds and its top speed is 130 mph.

The Model 3’s 0-60 is only 3.1 seconds and its top speed is 145 mph. Its all-wheel-drive dual motor yields 450 hp and 471 lb-ft.

As a bottom line, the Model 3 beats the Polestar 2 in power and range but the Swedish sedan tops the interior game. Compared to the Model 3, the Polestar 2 is more aesthetically pleasing and features the latest technology updates. Although the Polestar 2 has a more traditional appeal than the Model 3, it loses points with its cheap materials like hard plastic, which most drivers might find uncomfortable.

Overall, the Tesla Model 3 wins against the Polestar 2. It is roomier, more functional, and affordable. Its crucial defining difference is the significant range on the Model 3 compared to the latest Polestar offering.

If you are after a luxury EV with a more usable interior, the Polestar 2 is what you are looking for. But if you want superb performance, better handling, a longer range, ample space, and minimalism, the Tesla Model 3 is still your best bet.