2021 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 among 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 front end of the 2 Series Gran Coupe echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic design cues, but the rear design struggled to maintain the same aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though not as elegant as some competitors. The model designations varied across body styles, with the Gran Coupe available in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was praised for its design, showcasing a flair for proportion, stance, and style that was not always typical of Honda models. The Accord Hybrid came in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. For 2021, the Accord Hybrid received minor front styling changes, including a new grille and revised bumper, along with new 19-inch wheels for the Touring trim. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, featured a dark undertone that avoided the typical brightness of silver metallic paint. The interior of the Accord Hybrid was remarkably upscale, with a spacious cabin and high-quality materials. The car offered generous interior storage and a large 16.7 cubic-foot trunk, making it a practical choice for families. The Accord Hybrid's cabin was equipped with logically arranged controls and excellent outward visibility, enhancing the overall driving experience.

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. 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, there was noticeable turbo lag, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The car featured a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode offering a more engaging driving experience. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301 hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models provided even more power with their six-cylinder engines. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of a rear-wheel-drive car. The ride quality was firm, with minimal body roll but a harsh response to road imperfections.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric drive motor, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The system used an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and offered three operational modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and achieved impressive fuel economy, with most trims returning 48 mpg in combined driving. The Touring trim, with larger wheels, earned a 43-mpg rating. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain was refined for 2021, offering improved throttle response and a more natural sound. The car's handling was athletic, with a compliant ride and excellent regenerative braking. The Accord Hybrid was fun to drive, though speed humps required careful navigation.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series offered supportive and comfortable front seats, but rear-seat legroom was limited, making it suitable for one or two passengers. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls, though the cupholders and center console were small. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible models offered slightly less cargo space.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a large back seat. The Touring trim featured heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin and hidden storage compartments. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was a standout feature, offering 16.7 cubic feet of space, larger than any competitor in the segment. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhanced the car's utility.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen with touch functionality and Android Auto, along with wireless Apple CarPlay. The test model featured a fully-digital instrument panel with customizable navigation display and an available head-up display. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and helpful center console buttons for easy navigation.

For 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, along with improved USB port access and quick-charge ports for rear passengers. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink services, and a WiFi hotspot. The voice command system required specific prompts, and the navigation system struggled with certain tasks.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features like 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.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard. The car included a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system, with the Touring model adding low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing suite offered refinements to adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, though some features required further improvement. The low-speed automatic braking system needed recalibration for better performance.