2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not considered particularly attractive, resembling other modern Toyotas with their aggressive styling. However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, the Corolla presented a more appealing look, especially compared to other Toyota sedans. The interior of the Corolla XSE showed significant improvement in perceived quality, replacing the previous model's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces. Despite these enhancements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, avoiding the flashy elements of other luxury sedans. The 5 Series received a minor styling refresh, including sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet proportionate, twin-kidney grille. The interior retained the classic BMW layout, with details that reinforced the brand's identity. While the materials in lower trims were not as luxurious, options like Nappa leather added a high-end feel. The 5 Series balanced luxury with sportiness, though some elements, like the sport steering wheel, felt out of place in the otherwise refined interior.

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 and 16-inch wheels. The SE and XSE trims provided a more engaging experience with a 169-hp, 2.0-liter engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch wheels. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of power, especially in dynamic driving situations, was a drawback. The Corolla XSE struggled with acceleration, making it less suitable for enthusiastic driving. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 248 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The 540i xDrive test car provided precise handling and a smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true sports sedan. For those seeking more performance, the M550i xDrive and M5 offered significantly more power. The 530e plug-in hybrid added an eco-friendly option with a 288 hp output and electric-only driving capability.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being a compact car, offered a surprisingly spacious interior, officially rated as midsize by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports made it less comfortable for rear passengers, especially in hot weather. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, which some found uncomfortable. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins. The trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several bags and a stroller, though it lacked a handle for easy closing.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan provided ample space, with competitive front-seat room and a slightly less roomy rear seat compared to rivals. The trunk offered 14.0 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for added versatility. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, providing comfort and support. Visibility over the long hood was challenging, but a surround-view camera system aided maneuverability.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Additional features included Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and various trial services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, advanced voice recognition, and optional JBL premium sound.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, complemented by voice and gesture controls. While the layout of the instrument cluster could be confusing, the overall system was sophisticated and user-friendly.

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 generally operated with refinement, though the lane-departure warning alert was considered irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, while not tested by the IIHS for 2021, had a virtually identical 2020 model that received a Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.