2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional coupe design, as it featured four doors and a sloping roofline, a trend seen in several German automakers. This model joined the established 2 Series lineup, which had been known for its two-door coupe and convertible options since 2014. The Gran Coupe was built on a new platform shared with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias, unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup of the traditional 2 Series Coupe and Convertible. The exterior design echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic front-end styling, but the rear design was less cohesive. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though not as elegant as some competitors. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe came with a range of standard features, including power-folding heated side mirrors and dual-zone climate control, with options for premium packages that added luxury touches like a panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid maintained a more traditional sedan appearance, with subtle "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic wheel designs as the only visual cues to its hybrid nature. This approach avoided the odd design cues often seen in hybrid versions of mainstream vehicles. The Accord Hybrid was available in four trim levels, with the Hybrid Touring model offering a comprehensive package of features at a competitive price. The interior of the Accord Hybrid was spacious, with a massive backseat and a large trunk, making it an appealing family sedan. The leather upholstery and simulated wood trim added an upscale feel, while the floor mats were noted for their tendency to attract pet hair. Overall, the Accord Hybrid offered a practical and stylish option for those seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle without sacrificing space or comfort.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series 228i Gran Coupe was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. While the engine was refined and provided solid power for everyday driving, there was noticeable turbo lag, making acceleration from a standstill less exciting. The car featured a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode offering a more engaging driving experience. For those seeking more power, the M235i variant offered 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models. The car handled corners well with minimal body roll, but it struggled to absorb road imperfections, making it less suitable for areas with poor road conditions.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA estimate of 48 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it returned 42.6 mpg in real-world conditions, with 44.1 mpg in city and suburban driving. The hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivered 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line, especially in Sport mode, though the electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) produced a noticeable drone under hard acceleration. The car's extra weight contributed to a road-hugging feel, but it lacked grace on undulating pavement. Nevertheless, the Accord Hybrid offered a predictable ride, flat-cornering attitude, and natural-feeling regenerative brakes, making it an enjoyable car to drive.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, but rear-seat legroom was limited, making it suitable for one or two passengers in most situations. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls, though the cupholders and center console were on the smaller side. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which was better than some competitors in the small luxury car segment. The Coupe and Convertible variants offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's trunk space further reduced when the top was lowered.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid boasted a full-size interior and trunk, maintaining the spaciousness of the standard Accord. The massive backseat offered exceptional thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, front-seat track travel was limited, potentially causing discomfort for taller drivers. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, which could be an issue for those with mobility concerns. Despite these minor drawbacks, the seat cushions were comfortable, and the Touring trim added features like front heating and ventilation and rear heating. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was generous, with 16.7 cubic feet of space, accommodating large items with ease. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have been a welcome addition.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and center console buttons for easy navigation. The test model included a fully-digital instrument panel with customizable features and an available head-up display (HUD). BMW's infotainment system was praised for its ease of use, with the addition of touch functionality being a welcome improvement.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, starting with the EX trim, featured a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a user-friendly interface and clear graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports. Higher trims added a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a WiFi hotspot. HondaLink services offered additional convenience and safety features, such as remote locking and emergency calling. The Touring trim included a head-up display (HUD) that remained visible with polarized sunglasses. While the voice-recognition technology could be improved, the infotainment system integrated well with daily driving.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series came equipped with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a backup camera. Available features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable, providing alerts without being distracting.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that enhanced safety and convenience. Features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and traffic-sign-recognition technology. The Accord Hybrid also had automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. Higher trims offered a blind-spot-warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the Touring trim earning a Top Safety Pick designation.