2020 Nissan Versa vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling quirks, adopting a more refined and handsome design reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. This new look was a welcome change, as it avoided the oversized headlights and grille of its predecessor, instead opting for a more balanced and appealing aesthetic. Inside, the cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, offering ample space for a subcompact sedan. The interior was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream accents. The Versa came in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering a good balance of features and price, including upgraded cloth fabric, an armrest, and an enhanced infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a new addition to the lineup, marking BMW's first foray into front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was designed to be an entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney grille. The car's design included visual tricks to balance its proportions, such as large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, the cabin adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, and the optional leather added to the car's appeal, making it feel more sophisticated than its entry-level status might suggest.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. This engine drove the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power well and offered a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. The Versa's acceleration improved, making it more capable of reaching highway speeds. The steering was responsive, and the car handled well, though it leaned at higher speeds. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT version achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. BMW claimed a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds for this model. The car offered a range of performance-enhancing technologies, including brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. In Sport mode, the car was lively, with paddle shifters adding to the driving enjoyment. The M Sport Package equipped the car with excellent steering, making it suitable for various driving environments. The suspension was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel. During testing, the 228i xDrive achieved 27.9 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's estimate.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained a large trunk size of 15 cubic feet, one of the largest in its class, with a wide opening for easy loading. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom compared to the previous generation, making the backseat less accommodating for adults. The front seats offered ample legroom, even for taller drivers, making it a suitable personal commuter car.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two people, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats that were snug yet comfortable. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom, making entry and exit challenging. The 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 some utility, but the car lacked the sportback design of its larger sibling, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2020 Nissan Versa featured a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Siri Eyes Free as standard. The SV trim added the NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an upgraded instrument panel with a digital screen. This screen provided access to safety alerts, Bluetooth streaming audio, and fuel-economy stats, offering functionality similar to Audi's Virtual Cockpit.

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. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car also had a premium sound system and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Nissan Versa included standard driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also had a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot warning. The IIHS rated the car highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.