Compare the2022 Lexus LCVS 2021 Polestar 1

The Lexus LC has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the LC and the Polestar 1 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Polestar covers the 1. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Polestar 1 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 12 times as many Lexus dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the LC’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the LC third among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Polestar 1 isn’t in the top three in its category.

On the EPA test cycle the LC 500h 3.5 V6 Hybrid gets better fuel mileage than the Polestar 1 running its gasoline engine (26 city/34 hwy vs. 22 city/31 hwy).

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Polestar 1 (21.7 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 6.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Polestar 1 (22.2 vs. 15.9 gallons).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Polestar 1.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The LC stops shorter than the Polestar 1:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The front and rear suspension of the LC uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Polestar 1, which uses torsion bars in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LC’s wheelbase is 5 inches longer than on the Polestar 1 (113 inches vs. 108 inches).

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Polestar 1’s (34.8 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Polestar 1’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Lexus LC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 850 pounds less than the Polestar 1.

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the LC Coupe a Subcompact car, while the Polestar 1 is rated a Minicompact.

The LC has 13.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Polestar 1 (85.9 vs. 72).

The LC has .2 inches more front shoulder room, 11.6 inches more rear legroom and .4 inches more rear hip room than the Polestar 1.

The LC has a larger trunk than the Polestar 1 (5.4 vs. 4.4 cubic feet).

The engine in the LC is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Polestar 1. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The LC’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The LC’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. Polestar does not offer a locking feature on the Polestar 1’s standard power windows.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the LC keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The LC has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Lexus LC comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Polestar 1 isn’t available as a convertible.

The LC was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The Polestar 1 has never been an “All Star.”