2021 Subaru Impreza 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 aligned with a broader trend among German automakers, where the term "coupe" was used more liberally. The Gran Coupe shared its platform with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias, unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup of the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible. The exterior design echoed the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic styling at the front, 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 it lacked the elegance of some competitors. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe came with a range of standard features, including power-folding heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control, with options for premium packages that enhanced comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Impreza presented a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, with sleek headlights and taillights that added width to both the sedan and hatchback models. The Impreza was built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with other models like the Legacy and Outback, which contributed to its overall refinement. The interior design was typical for compact cars, with a functional layout and various plastic elements. The Impreza Sport trim added specific styling touches, such as contrast stitching and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights. Despite its understated design, the Impreza maintained a handsome appearance and provided a solid, refined 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. 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 noticeable turbo lag, making acceleration from a standstill less thrilling. The Gran Coupe featured a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode enhancing the 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 its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The car handled corners well, but its ride quality over road imperfections was less forgiving, making it less suitable for regions with rough roads.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for most models, while a five-speed manual was available on select trims. The Impreza Sport trim featured model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for the all-wheel-drive system, enhancing its handling capabilities. While the Impreza lacked the engagement of some competitors, it provided a comfortable and refined ride. The Sport trim's suspension offered a good balance between ride quality and handling, but the steering was not as communicative, and the engine's power was modest. Despite these limitations, the Impreza was a solid daily driver with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, but rear-seat legroom was limited, especially when the front seats were adjusted for taller occupants. 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 also offered competitive cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity varying depending on the top's position.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza provided reasonable legroom in both the sedan and hatchback models, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan's trunk space was limited at 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback offered 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place. With the rear seats folded, the hatchback's cargo capacity increased to 55.3 cubic feet, surpassing some competitors. The Impreza also featured a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat and roof rails on higher trims. Premium and higher trims included an All-Weather Package with heated front seats and mirrors, while the Sport trim added keyless entry and pushbutton start. The Limited trim offered additional features like a power driver’s seat and automatic climate control.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen featuring touch functionality and Android Auto, along with wireless Apple CarPlay. The fully-digital instrument panel displayed navigation information and could be personalized. The available head-up display (HUD) also offered customization options. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and center console buttons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on base and Premium trims, while higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim had an optional package with TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display above the main touchscreen provided additional information, though it seemed redundant given the gauge cluster's LCD display. The Impreza's infotainment system was straightforward, with large icons and easy access to important functions, though it lacked advanced features for tech-savvy users.

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. Available features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable via a central dashboard button.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award, with the highest "Good" scores in all crash tests. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" award due to "Marginal" standard headlight ratings, though the Limited trim's headlights received a "Good" score. The NHTSA awarded the Impreza a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety suite was standard on CVT-equipped models, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.