2020 Toyota Camry vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a reputation for quality, reliability, and value, which it earned by consistently outperforming expectations. In the past, Camrys were known for their durability, partly due to shared engineering with the Lexus brand. However, in recent years, the Camry faced criticism for appearing cheap and outdated compared to rivals like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. With the latest generation, Toyota refocused on detail, enhancing the Camry's quality and appeal. The styling was more expressive than ever, with bold front fascia and taut lines, drawing inspiration from BMW's design cues. Inside, the Camry featured high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard, making even the base trims feel premium. The TRD model added sporty elements like red trim accents, while higher trims offered leather and wood finishes, aligning with entry-level Lexus standards.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced the previous year, marked BMW's first U.S. car with standard front-wheel drive, diverging from the brand's rear-wheel-drive tradition. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was an affordable entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney grille. Available in 228i and M235i models, the car offered xDrive all-wheel-drive as an option for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2 Series Gran Coupe's design included visual tricks to balance proportions, with large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, it adhered to BMW's modern design with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, and the optional leather added to the cabin's appeal, making it feel more sophisticated than its entry-level status suggested.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered four distinct powertrains, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), a 3.5-liter V6 with FWD, and a hybrid powertrain. The 3.5-liter V6 produced 301 horsepower and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. However, in the TRD model, the V6's quiet nature was less exciting. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivered 203 horsepower (206 in XSE trim) and was lighter, enhancing steering feel and making the XSE trim enjoyable to drive. The TRD model featured a specially tuned suspension, beefed-up brakes, and high-performance tires, though the ride was firmer than typical Camry models. The AWD system, similar to the RAV4's, could send up to half of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, improving traction in slippery conditions. The Camry's fuel economy varied, with the FWD four-cylinder achieving 31 mpg combined, while the AWD version dropped to 28 mpg. The V6 models managed 26 mpg, except for the TRD, which was rated at 25 mpg.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could uphold BMW's "ultimate driving machine" reputation. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and AWD. BMW quoted a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds for the 228i xDrive, offering a lively driving experience. The car included performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation, cornering brake control, and three driving modes. The M Sport Package added fantastic M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel, though the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit of adhesion. The 228i xDrive averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was user-friendly, with controls that were easy to reach and operate. The front seats offered increased legroom and hip room compared to the previous generation, despite the styling suggesting otherwise. However, the rear seat had reduced legroom and overall passenger volume, making it tighter than competitors like the Honda Accord. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, similar to the smaller Honda Civic. The addition of AWD did not compromise the trunk or passenger space, as Toyota modified the floor structure and fuel tank to accommodate it.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug but comfortable, with adequate storage for typical items. Entry and exit were not effortless due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seat, accessed through small doors, was cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor. The 2 Series Gran Coupe featured a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, adding utility, but lacked the sportback design of the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The 2020 Toyota Camry added Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard infotainment system felt dated, with low-resolution graphics and inferior navigation software. However, the touchscreen was functional and responsive, with hard buttons for major functions. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to an 8-inch version. A single USB-A port was available for phone use, with additional USB-A charging ports in the center console. An optional Qi wireless charging pad was offered, but USB-C ports were unavailable. A three-month trial of WiFi Connect turned the Camry into a mobile hotspot, and Remote Connect allowed smartphone-based vehicle access and remote start on certain trims. Higher trims featured a larger multi-information display and an optional 10-inch head-up display.

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 fully digital 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system used BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services, with over-the-air updates. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe featured a premium sound system with ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available for stereo operation. A full-color head-up display was included, though it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included a version of Toyota's Safety Sense suite, with a pre-collision system, dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. A one-year trial of Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and stolen vehicle location. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional. The Camry featured 10 airbags, stability control, and a backup camera. Higher trims offered Bird's Eye View, providing a 360-degree view for parking. The NHTSA awarded the Camry a five-star crash test rating, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. A recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models.

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