2020 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

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 to redefine the term "coupe." The Gran Coupe shared its platform with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias. Its 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 model came in various trims, with the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe offering a range of standard and optional features, including a Premium Package and M Sport Package for added luxury and sportiness.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. It featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, with the Celestite Gray metallic paint adding to its appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and rear bumper, were seen as over-styled. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including a hybrid version, with prices varying from $19,925 to $28,704. The XSE trim provided a well-crafted interior with high-quality materials and a minimalist design. Despite some limitations in storage space, the Corolla's cabin was a significant improvement over previous models, offering a comfortable and stylish environment.

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, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The Gran Coupe offered a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode providing a more engaging driving experience. The M235i variant offered more power with 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Despite sharp steering and minimal body roll, the Gran Coupe's front-wheel-drive layout lacked the organic feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models. The ride quality was firm, making it less suitable for rough roads.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered a six-speed manual gearbox option with SE trim. The CVT used a mechanical first gear to improve off-the-line performance, and its ten programmed ratios helped mask typical CVT traits. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Corolla provided a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The XSE trim offered predictable handling and was engaging enough for spirited driving. The Corolla's fuel economy was rated at 34 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 31.1 mpg on a varied route.

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. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls. However, the cupholders and center console were small, limiting storage options. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing some competitors in the small luxury car segment.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE featured SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and eight-way power driver’s seat adjustment. This provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but had limited headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with the hatchback variant providing more storage.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen with touch functionality and Android Auto. It also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and a fully-digital instrument panel with customizable features. The available head-up display (HUD) added to the tech-savvy interior. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and helpful center console buttons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its standard infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE added Service Connect and Remote Connect. The XSE also offered a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system and dynamic voice recognition. The infotainment system was simple to use, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access to various functions.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and more. The Corolla added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some quirks, but overall, the safety systems performed well. The 2020 Corolla received high safety ratings, and the 2021 model awaited re-testing due to new airbags.