2020 Toyota Prius vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 BMW 3 Series maintained BMW's evolutionary design approach, avoiding major transformations seen in competitors like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. The car's compact footprint made it easy to park and maneuver, while subtle design changes, such as the sliced-off Hoffmeister kink on the rear doors, added a modern touch. The front retained the recognizable BMW look with hard-edged half-circle LED running lamps and widened kidney grilles. The tail featured simplified LED lights, though some felt it resembled the new Kia Forte. Inside, the 3 Series kept its driver-focused layout with a digital instrument panel and optional wireless charging pad. However, some materials felt coarse compared to previous models.

The 2020 Toyota Prius continued its iconic jellybean-like shape, optimized for aerodynamics. Toyota made visual tweaks to give it a more sedan-like appearance while retaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius's futuristic style remained contemporary, with a central location for instrumentation and gauges. Trim levels ranged from the entry-level L Eco to the range-topping Limited, each adding more features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated seats, and a large 11.6-inch touchscreen. The 2020 Edition celebrated 20 years of the Prius with unique dark exterior accents and a limited production run.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series, particularly the 330i xDrive, showcased BMW's engine expertise with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M340i variant offered a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, nearing M3 performance levels. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided perfect shifts, and the M Sport package enhanced handling with a firmer suspension and variable-ratio steering. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was EPA-rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. The Prius AWD-e variant added a second electric motor for the rear wheels, operating up to 43 mph. The Prius offered smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and conventional power. It had three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving needs. The unique shifter design and Engine Braking mode added to its distinctiveness. The Prius's low center of gravity provided sharper handling than expected, making it ideal for commuting.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered a spacious interior with increased backseat legroom and 17 cubic feet of trunk space. The seats were firm yet supportive, and visibility was good in all directions. The infotainment system, head-up display, and instrument clusters were intuitive and easy to operate. The main screen was now a touchscreen, supporting various gestures, and the climate controls included a third zone for rear passengers. USB-C ports were also available.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made excellent use of its compact platform, with deep door pockets and a large tray area between the front seats. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, and driver visibility was good. The rear seats were spacious, though taller passengers needed to be cautious. The Prius offered 50.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and up to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, making it one of the most versatile hybrid vehicles. The hatchback design facilitated easy loading of large items.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series featured extensive technology, though many functions required subscription fees. The iDrive system was customizable and updated over the air. The navigation system learned driving patterns and adjusted for traffic. Gesture control and a personal assistant added convenience, though they were sometimes unreliable. The BMW Connected App allowed remote start, and the Driving Assistance Professional Package offered advanced safety features like automatic steering around curves.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. The top-center instrument panel displayed hybrid drivetrain status and other critical readouts. The available head-up display (HUD) provided additional convenience.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top ratings in all six crash tests and high marks for its optional laser headlights and standard forward emergency braking. Pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Traffic Jam Assist were available.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and lane-tracing assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to average scores in some tests.