2021 Honda Civic 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 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 echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille, giving it a modern and athletic look. 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 offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though not as elegant as some competitors. The model designations varied, with the Gran Coupe available in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms, offering a range of standard and optional features for comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Honda Civic continued to build on its legacy of segment-defining models, offering a sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R format. The Civic sedan was available in multiple trims, with the Touring trim providing a premium experience. The exterior design, while polarizing at its debut, had become familiar on the roads. The Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels of the Touring trim added to its appeal, though the styling could be divisive depending on the angle or lighting. Inside, the Civic's interior, once daring, showed signs of aging, particularly with its maximum 7-inch infotainment screen. However, it maintained quality materials and thoughtful detailing, consistent with its trend-setting role. The Civic sedan offered a spacious interior, comparable to a decade-old midsize car, with comfortable seating and a large trunk. The center console provided ample storage, enhancing practicality for everyday use.

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, it suffered from turbo lag, making acceleration from a standstill less thrilling. The Drive Mode selector offered Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode providing a more engaging experience. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301 hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models boasted even higher outputs, with the M240i featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 335 hp. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The ride quality was firm, with minimal body roll but a harsh response to road imperfections, making it less suitable for rough roads.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options, with the LX and Sport trims featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The more desirable turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, delivered 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the Civic. The sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension and precise steering contributed to a composed and gratifying driving experience, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with a sloppy gear lever and droning noise. Despite these issues, the CVT contributed to impressive fuel economy, with an average of 34.8 mpg on a 140-mile loop, surpassing the EPA estimate.

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, though the cupholders and center console were on the smaller side. 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 variants offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity reduced further when the top was lowered.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan featured a low seating position, requiring some effort to enter and exit the vehicle. Once inside, the front seats offered comfort and adjustability, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The Civic's interior was spacious, with ample room for adults in the rear seats and excellent thigh support. The center console provided remarkable storage space, with various trays, cupholders, and a deep center bin. The Civic sedan's trunk was generous for its class, offering 15.1 cubic feet of space, though the Touring trim's premium sound system reduced this slightly to 14.7 cubic feet.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The fully-digital instrument panel included a customizable navigation display, flanked by the tachometer and speedometer. The available head-up display (HUD) added further customization options. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and helpful center console buttons for quick menu navigation.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings varied by trim. The base LX trim included a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a basic USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim featured navigation and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The voice recognition system in the Touring trim was unsophisticated, requiring specific prompts for successful operation. Despite these limitations, the Civic's infotainment system provided essential connectivity features.

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

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a multi-angle reversing camera. The LaneWatch system, available on EX trim and above, used a camera to monitor the right lane, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the Touring trim and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments.