2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It served as an entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to the M Sport Package or M235i, and a new adaptive damping suspension. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, and other features, bringing the MSRP to $48,595.

Visually, the 2 Series Gran Coupe faced challenges due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed design tricks like large LED headlights and grilles to mitigate the perception of excessive front overhang. The cabin was pulled back to improve proportions, and the tapering roofline extended the car's appearance, culminating in a busy rear end. Inside, the Gran Coupe adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather upholstery was appealing. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when equipped with features like those in the test car, did not look or feel like a basic BMW.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, often criticized for its adolescent aesthetic, presented a more subdued appearance compared to its racier sibling, the WRX STI. The WRX featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a sense of speed even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop contributed to its sporty look. Inside, the WRX's design was reminiscent of other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, with a focus on function over form. The cockpit, while practical, lacked the refined fit and finish of competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si, with an abundance of hard plastics.

The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The base model came with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a larger 7-inch infotainment screen, while the Limited trim, which was tested, included leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights. The Limited also offered an options package with navigation and a premium stereo. For more performance-oriented features like a more powerful engine and Brembo brakes, buyers had to opt for the WRX STI.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under a brand known for its "ultimate driving machine" reputation. While some critics, like George Kennedy, expressed skepticism, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe shared similarities with the revered Volkswagen GTI, both featuring a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The BMW offered xDrive all-wheel drive, enhancing its performance on various road surfaces. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. The car featured performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control, with three driving modes to choose from. The M Sport Package added M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience with swift and direct handling. The suspension was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel, and the car averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA's estimate.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required skillful rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband with paddle shifters. The manual transmission, however, was criticized for its vague clutch feel. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. The steering was well-weighted, making winding roads enjoyable, but the ride was stiffer compared to competitors like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, primarily designed for two young and agile occupants, offered practicality with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats. While entry and exit were not effortless, the car provided adequate storage for everyday items. The Gran Coupe's rear doors and back seat, however, were less convincing, with limited space and comfort for larger passengers. The trunk, though traditional, offered 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment seen in other BMW models.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a three-box design, offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. While it surpassed the Civic Si coupe's cargo capacity, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's cargo space. The WRX's traditional sedan layout provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. However, the interior packaging showed its age, with limited in-door bottle holders and potential obstructions for manual transmission users. The rear seats accommodated four adults comfortably, highlighting the advantages of a sedan layout over a coupe or sports car.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro, offering a fully digital 10.25-inch display reminiscent of a video game. The infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, utilized BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology, providing Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car also featured a premium sound system with ten speakers and an optional Gesture Control for stereo volume. A full-color head-up display was available, though it had limitations with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim, tested, included an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing excellent sound quality. Despite updates, the WRX's infotainment system remained dated compared to more modern offerings.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a new Driving Assistance Package, though the test car did not include it. The package added adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The test car featured the Active Driving Assistant, including 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 Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. The EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.