2021 Polestar 1
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2021 minicompact car (20.7 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Polestar 1 is a minicompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 26% better than the 2021 minicompact car average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 1 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 1 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | +26% | $3,150 | 93 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Polestar 1.
Similar 2021 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Polestar 1 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Porsche 911 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Polestar 1.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Polestar 1 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Polestar 1 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Polestar 1 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Polestar 1. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 1 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 1 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Polestar. How we calculate this →