2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2023 Nissan Altima

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 was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The 2 Series Coupe offered a straightforward yet high-end vibe, though some cost-cutting plastics were noticeable.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, and paint colors, enhancing its visual presence. The Altima SL trim, in particular, offered a more luxurious feel with Gray leather for a high-contrast cabin appearance. Despite the presence of hard plastics, the interior was comfortable and user-friendly, with controls laid out logically. The Altima's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance for a subcompact coupe. 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 provided smooth shifts, and the M240i xDrive came with performance features like an aerodynamic kit and adaptive M suspension.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It produced 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive models, with slightly lower figures for all-wheel-drive versions. The Altima SR VC-Turbo variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with up to 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The Altima's CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, and the SR trim included paddle shifters for added engagement. Fuel economy ranged from 30 to 32 mpg in combined driving, with the SL AWD averaging 27.4 mpg.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with rear seats suitable for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but rear headroom was limited due to the slanted roofline. The trunk provided 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, though some areas had cost-cutting plastics.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was simple and comfortable, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats offered exceptional comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Altima's trunk measured 15.4 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped. Interior storage was reasonable, with various trays and bins for convenience.

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, cloud-based navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. An optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the system to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital 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 14-speaker system.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's base S trim had a basic infotainment system, while SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Altima SL and SR VC-Turbo trims included a Bose nine-speaker audio system, though its performance varied. The 12.3-inch system represented a significant improvement with a superior user interface and voice recognition technology.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured Active Driving Assistant, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety features included adaptive front LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, 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 2023 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.