2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 BMW 2 Series showcased a refreshed exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It was available in two-door coupe variants, the RWD 230i Coupe and the AWD M240i xDrive Coupe, both of which had expanded dimensions compared to their predecessors. The design featured a wider kidney grille and triangular air curtains, contributing to a leaner, more aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe had a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and standard M Shadowline package, while the 230i offered similar styling options. The interior was driver-focused, with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. An 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen was standard, with a larger 10.25-inch display available. The M240i xDrive came with more standard features, including keyless entry and a larger moonroof.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution with a sporty exterior, featuring Nissan's V-Motion grille and a "floating" roofline. It was available in five trims: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. The Midnight Edition package added a gloss black sport grille, 19-inch wheels, and other blacked-out elements, enhancing its sporty look. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel. The interior quality improved with higher trims, providing a premium feel. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic feet trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not packed carefully.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance for a subcompact car. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. The 230i accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and the M240i xDrive did it in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission was standard, offering smooth shifts and quick responses with paddle shifters. The M240i xDrive came with performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, while the 230i could be equipped with similar options. Despite its speed and agility, the 2 Series lacked engagement, with numb steering and a disconnected driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. All Altimas used a CVT, with paddle shifters on the SR trim. The VC-Turbo engine could adjust its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, offering power comparable to V6 engines. However, the base engine's performance was lackluster, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. The Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its suspension and Active Ride Control. While the VC-Turbo provided better performance, it wasn't available with AWD, leaving some potential untapped.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with rear seats suitable for children or short trips. The front seats offered more space, but taller passengers might find it cramped. The coupe's slanted roofline and design limited rear headroom and trunk access. 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.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and a spacious back seat. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic feet trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not packed carefully. Despite these issues, the Altima offered a well-rounded package for a midsize sedan.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, iDrive 7, and connected services. It offered a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The BMW Digital Key allowed remote access via the My BMW App. A 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system was standard, with an optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim had a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a USB port. Higher trims featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The SL trim added a nine-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and remote engine start. Active noise cancellation was available on the SR VC-Turbo trim, and ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver assistance features.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included Active Driving Assistant with blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also had a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder could capture driving footage. The 2 Series had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with standard driver aids like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. It also had automatic high-beam headlights, driver-attention warning, and hill-start assist. The SV trim added Safety Shield 360 with rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crash tests and crash avoidance.