2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was a notable departure from its predecessors in terms of design appeal. With sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, it presented a more dynamic and attractive appearance, especially when finished in Celestite Gray metallic paint. However, some design elements, such as the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla's interior, especially in the XSE trim, was a significant improvement over previous models, featuring soft leatherette materials and a minimalist design that enhanced the user experience, although practical storage was somewhat limited.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a front-wheel-drive model, offered a different take on BMW's traditional design language. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its sportback sibling. The 2 Series Gran Coupe's design included large LED headlights and a tapering roofline, which helped to balance its proportions. Inside, the car adhered to BMW's modern design idiom, with geometric shapes and a digital instrumentation display that replaced traditional gauges. The materials used were upscale, and the optional leather added to the cabin's appeal, making it feel more sophisticated than its entry-level status might suggest.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, which included paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode. The CVT was praised for its mechanical first gear, which improved initial acceleration, and its ten programmed ratios that masked typical CVT drawbacks. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering and a MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and a fun driving experience, with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 34 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive, featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and optional AWD. BMW claimed a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds for this model. The car's performance was enhanced by features like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. In Sport mode, the 2 Series Gran Coupe delivered a lively driving experience, with paddle shifters and a more engaging exhaust note. The M Sport Package added sharp and direct steering, contributing to the car's nimble handling. The suspension was firm but not overly harsh, and the car averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat. These features provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats, while supportive, had limited headroom and legroom, and lacked air conditioning vents. The Corolla sedan's trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with no interior handle for closing the trunk lid.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, while practical for two passengers, had limitations in rear-seat comfort and accessibility. The sport-bolstered front seats were snug and comfortable, but entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seats offered limited space, with hard plastic front seatbacks and a roofline that restricted headroom. The trunk provided 15.2 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment of its larger sibling.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came equipped with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard features. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE offering additional connectivity services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. However, the JBL sound system, while offering depth, lacked clarity.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display, upgradeable to a fully digital 10.25-inch display with the Premium Package. The infotainment system, using iDrive 7.0 technology, included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The system was intuitive, with multiple control options and responsive software. The car also offered a premium sound system and optional Gesture Control, though the latter was not always accurate.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. The system performed well, though adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance occasionally required driver intervention. The 2020 Corolla received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but the 2021 model required re-testing due to added airbags.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. The lane-keeping system was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the car highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.