2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. Sporting features like sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, it presented a sporty and appealing look, especially in Celestite Gray metallic paint. However, some design elements, such as the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the sporty SE and XSE, which came with a more powerful engine and sportier features.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4 shared its styling with the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring an oversized grille that was polarizing to some. Despite this, it boasted improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50. The i4's design included a smooth underbody and active airflow control, contributing to its sleek appearance. The interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and high-quality materials, though leather upholstery was not standard.

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. The Dynamic Shift CVT, with its mechanical first gear, provided a smooth driving experience, though occasional droning was noted. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the Corolla offered predictable handling and a fun driving experience, despite its modest power. It achieved an EPA-rated 34 mpg in combined driving, with real-world tests averaging 31.1 mpg.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered two powertrains: the eDrive40 with 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, and the M50 with 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. The M50's acceleration was impressive, reaching 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4's handling was enhanced by a low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, and the integrated braking system offered natural pedal feel. However, the adaptive recuperation system's variable regenerative braking was less predictable.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE featured SofTex leatherette seats with power adjustments for the driver, enhancing comfort and visibility. The rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom. The trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with no interior handle for closing.

The 2022 BMW i4 had a low seating position, which did not compromise visibility. However, the fastback roof limited headroom, and the seats were noted to be flat and hard. The i4 offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors, but benefited from a hatchback design for easier loading. The lack of a front trunk was a drawback.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with a robust infotainment system, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The XSE trim added features like Remote Connect and a JBL premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, though the radio knobs could be more accessible.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the iDrive8 system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition, making the touchscreen largely unnecessary.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. It had a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, though new airbags required retesting.

The 2022 BMW i4 included standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time.