Compare the2024 Audi Q4 e-tron SportbackVS 2024 Polestar 2

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q4 e-tron Sportback. But it costs extra on the Polestar 2.

Both the Q4 e-tron Sportback 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback 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 Sportback’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 Sportback’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.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback 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 Sportback’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the Polestar 2:

For better traction and acceleration, the Q4 e-tron Sportback has larger rear tires than the Polestar 2 (255/45R20 vs. 245/45R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q4 e-tron Sportback has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the Polestar 2.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback has 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 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 Sportback. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Polestar 2’s (2646 vs. 2000 pounds).

The Q4 e-tron Sportback offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed 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.

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

The Q4 e-tron Sportback has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Polestar 2.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback 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 Sportback, 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.