2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

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. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, enhancing its visual appeal. However, the design was not without its quirks. The hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper were points of contention, and the Apex Edition further exaggerated these design elements. Despite these issues, the Corolla's interior was a significant improvement, featuring high-quality materials and a minimalist design that prioritized user experience, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series offered a fresh exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. Available as the RWD 230i Coupe and AWD M240i xDrive Coupe, the 2 Series was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessors, with a leaner, aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe featured performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents. Inside, the 2 Series boasted a driver-oriented layout with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The interior exuded a high-end vibe, though some materials felt less premium. Despite its compact size, the 2 Series offered a refined and agile driving experience.

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, offering 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. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the Corolla offered predictable handling and a low center of gravity, making it a competent compact car. The Corolla XSE achieved an average of 31.1 mpg in mixed driving conditions, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 34 mpg.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, despite its subcompact size, delivered impressive performance. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models were equipped with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth and quick shifts. The M240i xDrive came standard with performance enhancements like an adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes, offering balanced handling and dynamics. However, the driving experience was criticized for being disconnected, with numb steering feel and a lack of engagement.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped 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 offered good support but were tight on headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback variant offered 17.8 cubic feet.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while technically seating four, was best suited for front passengers due to its compact size. The rear seats were cramped, and the slanted roofline further restricted headroom. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and a layout similar to other new BMW models.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE offering additional connectivity features like Service Connect and Remote Connect. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. However, the JBL sound system lacked clarity, and the radio knobs could be difficult to grasp.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring the iDrive 7 operating system and cloud-based navigation. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and included a WiFi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the displays and added a head-up display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA for the 2020 model. The 2021 model added rear side-impact airbags and a rear cross-traffic warning function.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety options included adaptive front LED headlights, a 360-degree surround view, and BMW Drive Recorder. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.