2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that deviated from the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It was available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the 230i Coupe and M240i xDrive Coupe as the two-door options. The four-door Gran Coupe continued with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. The 2 Series Coupe was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessors, featuring a wider kidney grille and aerodynamic enhancements. The M240i xDrive Coupe boasted performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents and standard 19-inch M light alloys. Inside, the 2 Series offered a driver-focused interior with standard SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen, with a larger 10.25-inch display available. Optional features like keyless entry, heated seats, and ambient lighting added to the premium feel, though some cost-cutting plastics were noticeable.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since 2019 in hatchback form and 2020 as a sedan, aimed to shed its reputation for blandness with bold exterior styling. The SE and XSE trims featured an aggressive front fascia, while Nightshade and Apex Editions added unique styling elements. The Corolla shared its platform with other Toyota models, offering a simple yet appealing interior. However, the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition, with its sportier exterior, retained the same interior as the standard SE, featuring light gray upholstery. While the Corolla's interior was less imaginative, it maintained Toyota's reputation for quality fit and finish.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe delivered impressive performance for a subcompact car. 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 Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved 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 the sole option, 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 Coupe could be equipped with similar enhancements. Despite its speed and agility, the 2 Series lacked engagement, with numb steering and a disconnected driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE models had a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque, while the SE and XSE models featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Apex Edition of the SE and XSE included a sport exhaust system. A CVT was standard with the smaller engine, but the 2.0-liter engine was available with a six-speed manual on SE and SE Apex Edition models. The Apex Edition's suspension enhancements improved handling, making it more nimble, though at the cost of ride comfort. While not a full-performance model, the Apex Edition offered fun in corners, unlike the standard Corolla, which prioritized comfort over excitement.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with rear seats suitable for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but taller passengers might find the space cramped. The coupe's slanted roofline and design elements limited rear headroom and trunk space. 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 Toyota Corolla's interior felt roomy, aided by a low beltline for better visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard affected forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat as standard. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display. The infotainment system featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus, offering over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Connectivity options included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and added a head-up 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 available.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on select trims. While the interface was user-friendly, some tasks were less intuitive, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as advanced features like a digital key.

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

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on certain trims.