2025 Polestar 3 vs 2026 Rivian R1S

$67,500 · Crossover

$76,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary distinction between the 2026 Rivian R1S and the 2025 Polestar 3 is the staggering 234 horsepower differential, with the R1S producing 533 hp compared to the Polestar 3's 299 hp. This power gap is accompanied by a $9,490 MSRP difference, positioning the Polestar 3 at $67,500 versus the R1S's $76,990. Range efficiency favors the Polestar 3 significantly, boasting an EPA-estimated 342 miles versus the R1S's 258 miles. However, the R1S compensates with superior utility, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo space against the Polestar 3's 21.1 cu ft. Furthermore, the R1S features an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system coupled with significantly higher torque (610 lb-ft vs. 361 lb-ft), while the base Polestar 3 uses Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Polestar 3

The 2025 Polestar 3 offers superior electric range at 342 miles, reducing charging frequency for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Rivian R1S

The 2026 Rivian R1S provides substantially more utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and a taller stance at 76.8 inches of height.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is the undisputed performance choice, delivering 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, dramatically exceeding the Polestar 3's 299 hp and 361 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 achieves a lower entry price point ($67,500) while delivering 84 miles more electric range than the R1S.

Choose the Polestar 3 if...

Maximum efficiency is the goal, as the Polestar 3 provides 342 miles of range versus the R1S's 258 miles.
Budget constraint requires a lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $67,500.
Rear-Wheel Drive performance is acceptable for primary commuting needs.

Choose the Rivian R1S if...

Maximum towing and foul-weather capability are needed due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Substantial cargo volume (32.6 cu ft) and a larger overall footprint (200.8 inches long) are necessary.
High-output performance is prioritized, highlighted by the 533 horsepower rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Polestar 3	Rivian R1S
Length	192.9"	200.8"
Width	77.4"	82.0"
Height	63.7"	76.8"
Wheelbase	117.5"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	299 hp	533 hp
Torque	361 lb-ft	610 lb-ft

Drive Train

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Fuel Type	electric	electric
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	103/84 MPGe	85/72 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	94 MPGe	79 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	342 mi.	258 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	36	43
Charging Time (240V)	10.0 hr.	9.5 hr.
Battery Capacity	111 kWh	106 kWh
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE Combo	SAE Combo

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Infotainment Display	14.5 in	15.6 in
Stereo Power	300W	600W
Speaker System	10	12
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
AM/FM Stereo	—	✓
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	6	1
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	6	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	60.6 in.
Front Hip Room	—	54.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	36.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	58.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	54.2 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/45R20	275/60R20
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Polestar	Rivian
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	8 yr./ 120000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	8 yr./ 120000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	8 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Polestar 3 and 2026 Rivian R1S.

How does the Polestar 3's range compare to the Rivian R1S?

The 2025 Polestar 3 is significantly more range-efficient for long trips, rated at 342 miles. In contrast, the 2026 Rivian R1S offers 258 miles of range on this trim level.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?

The Rivian R1S leads substantially in utility metrics, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo space. The Polestar 3 provides a more modest 21.1 cu ft of storage capacity.

Is the higher price of the Rivian R1S justified by its performance specifications?

The R1S commands a $9,490 premium ($76,990 vs $67,500) but delivers a 234 hp advantage and 249 lb-ft more torque than the Polestar 3.

What is the main drivetrain difference between the two electric crossovers?

The standard Polestar 3 configuration uses Rear-Wheel Drive, whereas the Rivian R1S comes equipped with an All-Wheel Drive system, influencing traction capabilities.

If I prioritize horsepower, which crossover should I select?

The 2026 Rivian R1S is the clear performance winner, delivering 533 horsepower compared to the Polestar 3's 299 horsepower.

How do the physical dimensions of these two EVs differ?

The R1S is longer (200.8 inches vs. 192.9 inches) and significantly taller (76.8 inches vs. 63.7 inches) than the Polestar 3, potentially affecting garage fitment.