Reviewers rave about the 2026 Polestar 4, but actual drivers say this missing feature ‘killed’ their experience

The 2026 Polestar 4 is the latest electric-performance crossover from the Swedish-Chinese brand Polestar, and it has been earning strong marks from the press. But social media comments have piled on one missing feature: no rear window.

Otherwise, though, reviewers highlight the car’s striking design, premium interior, and solid performance from both its single-motor and dual-motor versions. For example, Car and Driver notes that the Polestar 4’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette gives it “extra curb appeal.”

What about that rear window, though?

But instead of a glass pane behind the rear seats, Polestar has installed a high-definition rear-facing camera that feeds to the interior rear window (or a digital display) to provide rear visibility. Polestar explains the decision as being driven by the desire to maintain a coupe-like roofline and maximize rear occupant headroom.

The bold decision has generated plenty of commentary online. On Reddit, one user shared the sentiment: “This alone killed my experience with this car.” Another Reddit poster added, “The Polestar 4 is dangerous without a back window.” And another comment said, “No rear window is an interesting choice.” Another said, “Polestar can’t figure out how to properly package their cars, taking the rear window out is such a stupid packaging decision.”

One X post wrote, “The Polestar4 is a hatchback… without a rear window. Like, there is no rear window. This is the dumbest thing I’ve seen today.”

Where a rear window would normally be, the Polestar 4 features a solid aluminum body panel instead of glass, with a roof-mounted camera providing rear visibility. The live video feed is displayed on a digital rearview mirror inside the cabin, giving drivers a wide, unobstructed field of view. Polestar claims the system actually improves rear visibility compared to a conventional window, sometimes obstructed by passengers, headrests, or bulky cargo.

A trend here to stay?

Eliminating the rear window is extremely rare in passenger cars. While rear-view cameras and digital mirrors are increasingly common, manufacturers almost always retain glass rear windows. The Polestar 4’s solution—employing a camera instead of a clear glass pane—is unusual. Experts note that rear windows have been shrinking in many vehicles due to structural constraints, but outright removal remains a niche move.

Despite strong critical buzz for the 2026 Polestar 4, Polestar as a company is facing mounting financial difficulties. The EV maker reported a net loss exceeding $1 billion in 2025, driven by tariffs on imported vehicles, rising production costs, and weaker-than-expected demand for its earlier models, according to Reuters. That financial strain puts added pressure on the Polestar 4, which is being hailed as the brand’s make-or-break model.

While reviewers praise its sleek design and impressive performance, the mixed consumer response over the lack of a rear window creates doubt that the Polestar 4 will translate into the mass-market success the struggling automaker desperately needs.