2020 Toyota Camry vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional two-door coupe design, adopting a four-door layout with a sloping roofline. This change was part of a broader trend among German automakers, where the term "coupe" was redefined to include vehicles with a coupe-like silhouette, regardless of the number of doors. The Gran Coupe shared its platform with the BMW X1 and X2, as well as the Mini Clubman and Countryman, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias. The front end of the 2 Series Gran Coupe was reminiscent of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille, giving it a modern and athletic appearance. However, the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe, with awkward window trim and evident pillars. Inside, the Gran Coupe boasted a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though not as elegant as some competitors. The 2 Series lineup offered various model designations, with the Gran Coupe available in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe came with a host of standard features, including power-folding heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a digital instrument panel. Optional packages added luxury touches like a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and Mocha Dakota leather upholstery.

The 2020 Toyota Camry, on the other hand, aimed to reclaim its reputation for quality and reliability with a renewed focus on detail and design. The Camry's styling was more expressive than ever, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that gave it a sporty demeanor. Some design elements were reminiscent of BMW's past, with character lines and an upturned C-pillar kink. The Camry offered 14 exterior color options, including a fashionable black roof. Inside, the Camry used high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard design, making even the lower trims feel upscale. The TRD model featured red trim accents and seatbelts, adding a sporty flair. While the Camry was not a luxury car, it offered a level of refinement that approached entry-level Lexus models. Despite its mainstream sedan status, the Camry's starting price of $25,380 made it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of sportiness and comfort.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 228i was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. The engine was refined, providing solid power for city and backroad driving, though turbo lag was noticeable when accelerating from a standstill. The Drive Mode selector offered Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. For those seeking more power, the M235i variant offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The 2 Series Coupe and Convertible models provided a more engaging driving experience, with the M240i featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the organic feel of a rear-wheel-drive car. While body roll was minimal, the ride quality suffered over road imperfections, making it less suitable for areas with poor road conditions.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, the same engine with all-wheel drive, and a 3.5-liter V6. The V6 engine produced 301 horsepower and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. However, it lacked excitement in the TRD model, despite a dual exhaust system. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 203 horsepower (206 in XSE trim) and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a lighter front end and improved steering feel. The TRD model featured a specially tuned suspension, beefed-up brakes, and high-performance tires, though the ride was firmer than typical Camry models. The Camry's all-wheel-drive system, similar to that of the RAV4, could send up to half of the engine's torque to the rear wheels when needed, without compromising fuel economy. The front-drive Camry achieved an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 31 miles per gallon in XLE and XSE trims, while the V6 models managed 26 mpg.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, with ample legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat legroom, making the second row suitable only for occasional use. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls and small cupholders and center console. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The 2 Series Coupe and Convertible offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's trunk capacity reduced when the top was lowered.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was designed for ease of use, with controls that were intuitive and easy to reach. The center console housed a shifter, cupholders, a cell phone tray, and a storage bin, providing ample space for front-seat occupants. While the styling suggested a reduction in space, legroom and hip room in the front had increased from the previous generation. However, rear-seat legroom and overall passenger volume had decreased, leaving the Camry with a tighter backseat compared to competitors like the Honda Accord. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, similar to the Honda Civic. The addition of all-wheel drive did not compromise the Camry's trunk or passenger space, as Toyota made structural modifications to accommodate the system.

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 navigation display and an available head-up display. The addition of touch functionality to the main screen was a welcome improvement, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2020 Toyota Camry introduced Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system, while functional and responsive, felt dated with low-resolution graphics. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to an 8-inch display, and a single USB-A port was available for phone connectivity. Most models included additional USB-A charging ports, and an optional Qi wireless charging pad was offered. A three-month trial of WiFi Connect allowed the Camry to function as a mobile hotspot, and Remote Connect enabled smartphone-based vehicle access and remote start. Higher trim levels featured a larger multi-information display and an optional 10-inch head-up display.

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. Additional safety options included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were designed to alert the driver without being intrusive, with a central dash button for easy customization.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included the Safety Sense suite, featuring a pre-collision system with emergency braking and pedestrian detection, dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. A one-year trial of Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and vehicle location services. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional. The Camry was equipped with 10 airbags and standard safety features like stability control and a backup camera. Higher trim levels offered Bird's Eye View technology for a 360-degree view of the car's surroundings. The Camry received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. A recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models with 2.5-liter engines.