2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Toyota Prius
Overview | |
MSRP$41,250 | MSRP$24,525 |
Average price$32,211 | Average price$24,051 |
Listings1895 | Listings227 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummaryEarly generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | |
2021 Toyota Prius Reviews SummaryTo many people, cars are appliances made to serve a function. These consumers own a car because they need to get from where they are to where they’re going, and with a minimum of hassle, expense, or discomfort. Reliability, efficiency, safety, and economy are the critical deciding factors, and the 2021 Toyota Prius delivers on all fronts. Confusingly, for 2021, the Prius lineup offered a 2020 Edition. Toyota built just 2,020 examples to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first Prius sold in the U.S. market. It has blacked-out trim, black 17-inch wheels, a body-color rear spoiler, and comes in Supersonic Red or new Wind Chill paint colors. Additionally, Toyota improved the 2021 Prius’s driving-assistance systems by making Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard across the board. Android Auto is also standard (joining Apple CarPlay), except for the unique infotainment system in the Prius Limited. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity0.7 kWh |
MPG City26 | MPG City58 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway53 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity0.7 kWh |
MPG City26 | MPG City58 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway53 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.0 cu ft | Cargo Space27.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3589 lbs | Curb Weight3010 lbs |
Height56.8 in | Height57.9 in |
Length185.7 in | Length180.0 in |
Width81.4 in | Width69.3 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload825 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $41,250 | $24,525 |
Average price | $32,211 | $24,051 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 5.0 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 6.8 out of 10Read full review | 6.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Early generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | To many people, cars are appliances made to serve a function. These consumers own a car because they need to get from where they are to where they’re going, and with a minimum of hassle, expense, or discomfort. Reliability, efficiency, safety, and economy are the critical deciding factors, and the 2021 Toyota Prius delivers on all fronts. Confusingly, for 2021, the Prius lineup offered a 2020 Edition. Toyota built just 2,020 examples to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first Prius sold in the U.S. market. It has blacked-out trim, black 17-inch wheels, a body-color rear spoiler, and comes in Supersonic Red or new Wind Chill paint colors. Additionally, Toyota improved the 2021 Prius’s driving-assistance systems by making Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard across the board. Android Auto is also standard (joining Apple CarPlay), except for the unique infotainment system in the Prius Limited. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 0.7 kWh | |
MPG City | 26 | 58 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 53 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 0.7 kWh | |
MPG City | 26 | 58 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 53 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.0 cu ft | 27.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3589 lbs | 3010 lbs |
Height | 56.8 in | 57.9 in |
Length | 185.7 in | 180.0 in |
Width | 81.4 in | 69.3 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 825 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.