2020 BMW 2 Series vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite its alien-like exterior design, offered a more appealing look when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color. The redesigned model improved its interior quality significantly, replacing the previous version's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces. However, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with options to upgrade to sportier trims or a hybrid version for better fuel economy.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe introduced a new model to the lineup, diverging from the traditional two-door coupe and convertible. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with other BMW models, it featured a modern and athletic design, though some styling elements appeared awkward. Inside, the Gran Coupe boasted a purposeful cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, enhanced by ambient lighting. The model offered various trims and powertrains, with the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe providing a well-equipped driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for its L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, providing a smooth and stable ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of power was evident during acceleration, and the CVT struggled to deliver a sporty experience. The Corolla XSE was EPA-rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, though real-world testing averaged 29.8 mpg.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series 228i Gran Coupe came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car offered sharp steering and responsive handling, though it lacked the natural feel of a rear-wheel-drive setup. The Gran Coupe's ride quality was firm, struggling to absorb road imperfections. The M235i variant provided more power with 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while the Coupe and Convertible offered even higher-output engines for driving enthusiasts.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, provided ample interior space for a compact sedan. However, rear passengers faced discomfort due to the lack of air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position made entry and exit challenging. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several bags and a compact stroller.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured supportive front seats with ample legroom, though rear-seat legroom was limited. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-use climate controls. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible offered slightly less cargo space, but still above average for small luxury cars.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay compatibility but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered additional features like wireless charging and a JBL premium sound system. The Corolla's infotainment system included various trial services, though iPhone users found the standard setup sufficient.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system was easy to use, with touch functionality and center console buttons for quick menu access. The test model included a fully-digital instrument panel and a customizable head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system operated with refinement, though the lane-departure warning alert was irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Available features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable, providing a safe driving experience.