2020 Toyota Prius vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2020 Toyota Prius retained its iconic jellybean-like shape, optimized for aerodynamics. Over the years, Toyota made subtle changes to make it appear more like a sedan, but it remained a hatchback. The Prius had a futuristic style that still looked contemporary, with a cabin defined by its central instrumentation and gauges. Trim levels ranged from the entry-level L Eco to the range-topping Limited, each adding more features and luxury.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series, specifically the G20 model, aimed to resemble its larger siblings, the 5 Series and 7 Series. However, it lacked the design charm of the classic E30, appearing somewhat stuffy with its oversized grille. The interior design was nice but marred by unimpressive materials unless upgraded. The M Sport trim package added some flair with 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, but the standard Sport Line trim was more subdued.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant. The Prius had smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and conventional power. It offered three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving needs. The unique shifter design and Engine Braking mode added to its distinctive driving experience. The Prius handled well for a hybrid, with a low center of gravity and a smooth ride.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 330i with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a 330e plug-in hybrid with 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and the M340i with a turbo inline-six producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD). The M340i could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the 330i took 5.6 seconds. Despite its technical prowess, the 3 Series lacked the engaging driving experience of its predecessors, feeling disconnected and less fun to drive.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made excellent use of its compact platform, offering spacious and comfortable front seats with good visibility. The rear seats were also roomy, though taller passengers might struggle with headroom. The Prius boasted 50.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and up to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, making it one of the most versatile hybrids available.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series provided better-than-average interior space for a small luxury sedan. It had the best rear headroom in its segment and above-average front headroom. However, legroom was average, and shoulder room was less generous than some competitors. Gasoline models offered 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e plug-in hybrid's battery reduced this to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's shape made it challenging to use all the space efficiently, though the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat helped.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. Other available features included satellite radio, HD Radio, a head-up display (HUD), and a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system. The top-center instrument panel was a defining feature, providing critical readouts and hybrid drivetrain status.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series featured the iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Gasoline models included both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only had CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster and navigation, with an available HUD. The system was user-friendly, with high-quality graphics and multiple control options, including voice and gesture controls.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and active park assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to average scores in some tests.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests but mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA had not published ratings for this model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.