Video: 2026 Polestar 4 Review: Was Going Without a Rear Window a Good Idea?

Now, that's something our editors don't particularly care for, but does the 4 have enough other good stuff to make us overlook that? I'm Mike Hanley, cars.com Senior Road Test Editor, and I've spent a lot of seat time in the 4, and here's what's most important to know about it. Let's get this outta the way. To see out the back, you have a rear-view camera mirror that has good resolution and good performance in low-light conditions, but it's the only way to see what's behind you. And when I was driving and looking back and forth between out the windshield into the camera mirror, I could tell that my eyes were straightening, so, something to definitely pay attention to when you're on a test drive to see if it affects you. When you're looking forward, the Polestar 4 driving experience is similar to other luxury electric SUVs. It's quiet, the dual-motor version is quick, and the available adaptive suspension yields a comfortable ride, even with the relatively large 21-inch wheels and tires on this version. With mostly gray and black trim, the cabin blends visual austerity with premium materials. Now, it is a bit finicky to adjust the steering wheel and mirror to your liking, but once you have them saved to a user profile, it's easy to recall them the next time you're in the vehicle. The available Napa leather-trimmed front seats are comfortable and stylish, and the backseat is roomy enough for adult-sized passengers. Unless you turn your head to look, you really don't notice there's no rear window behind you. This Polestar 4 has an as-tested price right around $70,000, and that puts it squarely in luxury electric SUV territory. And while its interior trimmings are appropriate for its price and it drives like a luxury EV, it hasn't leapfrogged the competition in any one area. And against that backdrop, its lack of a rear window seems like more of a liability than a novelty. To see more video reviews like this, subscribe to cars.com's YouTube channel. (bright upbeat music)