2021 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a notable departure from BMW's traditional design, being the first model in the U.S. to feature standard front-wheel drive. Despite its name, it was not a coupe but a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its larger sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was an entry-level BMW, appealing to those who desired the prestige of the brand without the hefty price tag. It was available in 228i and M235i models, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system 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 specific packages, and new safety features.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, continued to build on its reputation for reliability while attempting to shed its "boring" image with bold styling. The Corolla offered different styling elements across its trim levels, with the SE and XSE models featuring an aggressive front fascia. The Apex Edition added a sporty body kit and model-specific wheels. The Corolla's design was not as cohesive as some competitors, but it aimed to stand out in the compact sedan market. Inside, the Corolla maintained a simple yet functional design, though some materials like piano black plastic were prone to smudging. The SE Apex Edition shared its interior with the standard SE, offering light gray upholstery and standard cloth seats, with SofTex leatherette available on higher trims.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, particularly the 228i xDrive model, was equipped with a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. This setup allowed the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The Gran Coupe featured performance-enhancing technologies such as brake-fade compensation, cornering brake control, and three driving modes. The M Sport Package added M Sport steering, which was swift and direct, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm, providing 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, slightly better than the EPA's estimate.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE models had a 1.8-liter engine with 139 horsepower, while the SE and XSE models featured a 2.0-liter engine producing 169 horsepower. The Apex Edition shared the 2.0-liter engine but added a sport exhaust system. The Corolla's manual transmission was a good fit for the SE Apex Edition, which also had a model-specific suspension that improved handling. However, the Apex Edition did not receive any tire, brake, or engine upgrades, and the power was modest. The Corolla was fun in corners but not as exciting as the BMW, and its ride quality was stiffer due to the suspension changes.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two people, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats that were snug yet comfortable. The rear seats, however, were less accommodating, with limited space and difficult entry and exit. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor, and the rear seats folded in a 40/20/40 split for added utility.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt roomy, aided by a low beltline for better visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard affected forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal driving, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's cargo space was 13.1 cubic feet, less than some competitors, but it included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The interior design limited storage for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display, upgradeable to Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car also had a premium sound system and an optional head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was less advanced, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on select trims. The interface was easy to use, but some tasks were less intuitive, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and did not offer features like a digital key.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The test car included the Active Driving Assistant, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot warning. The IIHS rated the Gran Coupe highly for crash protection but noted issues with headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on some trims.