2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that diverged from the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek and aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, in particular, showcased a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. The interior of the 2 Series was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional creature comforts. Despite its high-end vibe, some areas revealed cost-cutting measures, such as the use of plastics in certain components.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over its 2020 redesign, offering a modern and coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The interior stood out with a simple yet functional layout, highlighted by a touchscreen that served as the visual centerpiece. The Sentra was available in S, SV, and SR trims, each offering a range of features from basic necessities to more advanced options like dual-zone climate control and sport cloth seats. The Midnight Edition package added dark accents for a more distinctive look. Overall, the Sentra's design was a significant improvement over previous models, providing a more refined and upscale feel.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe delivered impressive performance for its size. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, whereas the M240i xDrive achieved the same 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, though lacking a manual option, provided smooth and quick shifts. The M240i xDrive came with performance enhancements like an aerodynamic kit and adaptive M suspension, offering stability and refined handling. However, the driving experience was somewhat disconnected, with numb steering feel and a lack of engagement.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not outstanding, the engine provided satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions adequately. The Sport button on the shifter offered minimal performance improvement, but the Sentra's consistent performance across different settings was commendable for a compact car.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, though larger than its predecessor, remained a compact vehicle with limited rear seat space, suitable mainly for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but the slanted roofline and design elements restricted rear headroom. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with the option to expand using the 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, though some areas revealed cost-cutting measures.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing many small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, though the ledge created by the bench could hinder loading larger items. The Sentra's two rows of seating provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable front seats and decent rear space. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including large in-door trays and cupholders.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and connected services. Additional features included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment system and added a head-up display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a standard 10-speaker sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the SV and SR trims offering an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to some competitors.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included Active Driving Assistant, featuring blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety options included adaptive front LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder allowed for recording driving footage. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for crash testing and driver-assistance effectiveness.