By Automotive Desk
May 10, 2025
In the electrified arena of premium SUVs, two Swedish siblings—Volvo’s EX90 and Polestar’s 3—square off, sharing DNA yet carving distinct identities. Built on the same SPA2 platform with a 111-kWh battery, these electric powerhouses from the Geely-owned family promise luxury, performance, and sustainability. But with different missions—one a family hauler, the other a sporty cruiser—which reigns supreme? Here’s a head-to-head breakdown of the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3, exploring design, performance, practicality, and value.
Design: Familiar Roots, Divergent Styles
Both SUVs exude Scandinavian sophistication, but their aesthetics cater to different tastes. The Volvo EX90, at 503.7 cm long and 174.4 cm tall, embraces a stately, family-oriented look. Its clean lines, clamshell bonnet, and Thor’s Hammer LED headlights echo Volvo’s heritage, with a taller stance and subtle creases prioritizing aerodynamics and familiarity. The EX90’s design is “reassuringly Volvo,” ideal for loyalists transitioning from the XC90.
The Polestar 3, 490 cm long and 161.4 cm tall, opts for a bolder, sportier vibe. Its tapered roofline, hood-mounted spoiler, and pronounced hips give it a sleek, almost hot-hatch-like silhouette despite near-identical dimensions. The continuous LED taillight strip and aerodynamic flourishes make it visually striking, appealing to those craving extroverted flair. Many reviewers find the Polestar 3’s design more engaging, with a “shark-like” front fascia stealing glances.
Winner: Polestar 3, for its head-turning, modernist style over the EX90’s conservative elegance.
Performance: Power Meets Poise
Under the hood—or rather, floor—both SUVs share a 111-kWh battery (107-kWh usable) and dual-motor all-wheel-drive setups, but tuning sets them apart. The Polestar 3’s base Long Range Dual Motor delivers 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The optional Performance Pack ($6,000) boosts output to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft, dropping the sprint to 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/h. Brembo brakes and a performance-tuned chassis enhance handling, making it agile for its 2,584-kg weight.
The Volvo EX90’s base Twin Motor offers 402 hp and 568 lb-ft, hitting 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the Twin Performance variant matches the Polestar’s 510 hp and 671 lb-ft, achieving 4.9 seconds. Its top speed caps at 180 km/h, reflecting a focus on comfort over outright speed. The EX90’s softer suspension prioritizes a smooth, quiet ride, though it’s less dynamic in corners compared to the Polestar’s flatter, confidence-inspiring handling. Both are exceptionally hushed, with minimal wind noise and stellar 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Atmos audio systems.
Winner: Polestar 3, for superior power, faster acceleration, and sportier dynamics.
Practicality: Family vs. Freedom
The EX90 is the family champion, offering seven seats (or six with captain’s chairs) and a cavernous interior. Its 655-liter boot expands to 1,915 liters with seats folded, dwarfing the Polestar’s 484 liters (1,411 liters max). A 46-liter frunk and underfloor storage add versatility, though the third row is cramped for adults on long trips. The EX90’s height (174.4 cm) and ground clearance (21.2 cm) make it better suited for light off-roading or snowy drives.
The Polestar 3, a strict five-seater, trades the third row for a roomier second row and sportier proportions. Its lower height (161.4 cm) and 20.2-cm ground clearance prioritize on-road performance over utility. While it offers decent cargo space and a small frunk, it’s less practical for large families or heavy hauling. Towing capacity is a win for the EX90 at 4,500 lbs versus the Polestar’s 3,500 lbs, making it better for trailers or boats.
Winner: Volvo EX90, for its seven-seat flexibility, larger cargo capacity, and higher towing limit.
Technology and Safety: Shared Strengths
Both SUVs are tech powerhouses, featuring a 14.5-inch Android Automotive touchscreen, Google HD Maps, and over-the-air updates. The EX90 edges out with advanced safety, including infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring and an intersection straight-crossing system to prevent collisions. Its Occupant Sensing system can activate climate control if a child or pet is left inside, a family-friendly touch.
The Polestar 3 matches most safety features, including occupant sensing and collision-avoidance sensors, but emphasizes performance tech like Torque Vectoring for sharper handling. Optional LiDAR (delayed until 2025) promises enhanced driver assistance, though the EX90 also offers LiDAR at launch in some markets. Both support 250-kW DC fast charging, reaching 10-80% in 30 minutes, with WLTP ranges of 614 km (EX90) and 650 km (Polestar 3). Real-world tests suggest 570-614 km for the EX90 and slightly better for the Polestar due to its sleeker profile.
Winner: Tie, as both excel in tech, with the EX90 slightly ahead on family safety and the Polestar on driving aids.
Price and Accessibility: Value vs. Exclusivity
The Polestar 3 starts at $73,400 in the U.S. ($68,900 MSRP before fees), with the Performance Pack and options like Nappa leather or 22-inch wheels pushing it toward $90,000. In Europe, prices begin at €78,590, but the top-spec Dual Motor with Performance Pack hits $144,420 in Australia. Its boutique branding and limited service network—Polestar “cubes” are sparse, with some owners facing 6-9 hour drives for repairs—can be a drawback.
The Volvo EX90 starts higher at $79,995 ($81,290 MSRP), ranging to $87,840 for the Twin Performance trim. European prices begin at €83,700, about 7% more than the Polestar. However, Volvo’s extensive dealer network—often within 30 minutes for U.S. owners—ensures easier servicing, a critical edge for families. The EX90’s lower entry-level power is offset by its practicality and brand loyalty, with XC90 fans likely to transition seamlessly.
Winner: Volvo EX90, for its broader service network and family-focused value, despite a higher starting price.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 are siblings with shared strengths—smooth, quiet rides, potent electric performance, and premium tech. The EX90 is the family workhorse, offering seven seats, vast cargo space, and unmatched safety for those prioritizing practicality and accessibility. The Polestar 3, with its striking design, sportier handling, and slightly better range, appeals to drivers seeking a luxurious, dynamic two-row SUV.
Choose the EX90 if you need space, towing, or a trusted dealer network for your growing family. Choose the Polestar 3 if you crave bold style, track-ready performance, and don’t need the extra seats. In this family duel, there’s no loser—only a question of priorities. Test drive both at Volvo or Polestar dealers, or explore reviews on grok.com or the X app for real-world insights.