2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was visually indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for the subtle "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This design choice was strategic, avoiding the polarizing aesthetics often associated with hybrid models. The Accord Hybrid maintained the sleek and sophisticated look of the standard Accord, appealing to those who appreciated its design. Available in four trims—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid offered a range of features at competitive prices, starting at $25,620. The Hybrid Touring trim, priced at $36,070, was particularly appealing due to its lower cost compared to the non-hybrid Touring model. The interior, especially in the EX-L trim, featured luxurious leather and simulated wood trim, enhancing its upscale feel. However, the floor mats were notorious for attracting pet hair, posing a challenge for pet owners.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive coupes, offering a front-wheel-drive platform in a four-door sedan body. Despite its name, it was not a coupe but a sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, equipped with the M Sport Package and other premium features, had an MSRP of $48,595. The design incorporated visual tricks to balance its proportions, such as large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, the 2 Series adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The interior materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather upholstery was appealing. Despite being an entry-level BMW, the 2 Series Gran Coupe exuded a sense of sophistication.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA estimate of 48 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it returned 42.6 mpg in its default Economy mode and 44.1 mpg in city and suburban conditions. Even with spirited driving in Sport mode, it averaged 41.2 mpg. The hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivered 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine's 192 horsepower. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line, especially in Sport mode, though the eCVT transmission produced a noticeable drone under hard acceleration. The added weight contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability, but the car's composure faltered on undulating roads. Nevertheless, the Accord Hybrid offered a balanced blend of ride, handling, and road communication, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, particularly the 228i xDrive model, delivered a spirited driving experience. With a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, it accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system and performance-enhancing technologies, such as brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control, contributed to its dynamic performance. In Sport mode, the 2 Series Gran Coupe was responsive, with paddle shifters adding to the driving enjoyment. The M Sport Package enhanced the driving experience with precise steering and a firm suspension, though the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit. Despite its front-drive platform, the 2 Series Gran Coupe maintained BMW's reputation for driving pleasure, averaging 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid offered a spacious interior and trunk, matching the standard Accord's family-friendly appeal. The backseat provided exceptional thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and USB charging ports, though front-seat track travel was limited. Taller drivers might find the front seat's lack of height adjustment a drawback. However, the seats were comfortable, with heating and ventilation available in the Touring trim. The 16.7-cubic-foot trunk was larger than competitors, accommodating four full-size suitcases and additional items. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have enhanced utility.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for two passengers, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats offering comfort and adequate storage. Entry and exit were challenging due to its low-slung design. The rear seat, accessed through small doors, was cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The traditional trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car lacked the sportback design of its larger sibling, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, in EX trim or higher, featured a user-friendly Display Audio infotainment system with a large touchscreen, knobs, and shortcut buttons. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a wireless charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services. HondaLink provided features like in-car delivery, Find My Car, and remote locking. The voice-recognition technology needed improvement, but the infotainment system integrated well with daily driving. The Touring trim also included a head-up display visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display, paired with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using iDrive 7.0 technology. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The system was intuitive, with responsive software and multiple control options. The unbranded premium sound system with ten speakers was satisfactory, and Gesture Control was available but inconsistent. The head-up display was helpful, though less so with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition, and road-departure mitigation. The system was refined, with smooth adaptive cruise control. All models featured automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. EX trim and higher added blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the Touring trim achieving a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered the Active Driving Assistant package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and speed limit information. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be intrusive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to subpar headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.