2020 Nissan Altima vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Nissan Altima, particularly in its Platinum trim, presented a sleek and modern design. Equipped with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, the Altima Platinum was visually appealing, though some design elements like the door handle placement and rear diffuser panel could have been improved. Inside, the Altima offered a clean and contemporary interior with ergonomic simplicity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the materials used were on par with the midsize sedan segment, though color options were limited to black or gray.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, despite its name, was a four-door sedan with a front-wheel-drive platform. It was available in 228i and M235i models, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system optional for the 228i. The 2 Series Gran Coupe featured a modern BMW design with geometric shapes and a well-integrated infotainment system. The interior was upscale, with metallic trim and optional leather upholstery. The car's proportions were managed with visual tricks, and it had a busy rear end inspired by BMW's Sports Activity Coupes.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel drive. The test car, however, featured the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to features like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic, providing a satisfying driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, was powered by a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It featured an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with performance-enhancing technologies like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a spirited driving experience, with a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The M Sport Package enhanced the driving dynamics with M Sport steering, providing a swift and sharp response. The car averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA estimate.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired seats, though it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. The Altima offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter. Storage space was ample, but it lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for two passengers, with sport-bolstered front seats and adequate storage. However, rear seat access was challenging, and space was limited. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Despite its fast roofline, the Gran Coupe did not offer the same utility as a sportback design.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included satellite radio, a navigation system, and a Bose premium audio system. NissanConnect Services offered connected services technology, with a free trial period and various plans for continued service. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition technology could be improved.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display, and the Premium Package added a fully digital 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system used iDrive 7.0 technology, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The system was easy to use, with responsive software and multiple control options. The test car also had a premium sound system and a head-up display, though Gesture Control was hit-and-miss.

The 2020 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving aids, though it was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings.