2023 Toyota Prius vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

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 cabin exuded a high-end vibe with mixed material finishes, although some areas revealed cost-cutting plastics.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a complete makeover, adopting a sleeker and more futuristic design. The new look combined curves and edges, giving it a planted and athletic stance. The interior, while slightly smaller in some dimensions, offered increased legroom and a comfortable cabin. The optional fixed glass roof enhanced the sense of space, and the cabin featured practical touches like wireless smartphone charging and USB-C ports. Despite the loss of some cargo space, the Prius maintained a functional and organized interior.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance with its turbocharged engines. The 230i Coupe's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive's 3.0-liter inline-six offered 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 featured an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts. The M240i xDrive came with performance enhancements like an aerodynamic kit and adaptive M suspension, providing stability and agility.

The 2023 Toyota Prius introduced a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery. This powertrain delivered 194 horsepower in FWD models and 196 horsepower in AWD models, a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius felt more athletic and responsive, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The revised suspension and longer wheelbase contributed to agile handling, while road and wind noise were well-isolated. The brakes exhibited minor squishiness typical of hybrids but remained effective.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while technically seating four, was compact, with rear seats best suited for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but the slanted roofline limited rear headroom. 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, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its exterior growth, had slightly reduced interior dimensions. Headroom decreased, but legroom increased, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The optional fixed glass roof enhanced the cabin's openness. Cargo space varied by trim, with 20 cubic feet on XLE and Limited models and 24 cubic feet on the LE. The cabin included practical features like cupholders, wireless charging, and USB-C ports. The cargo area had underfloor storage cubbies, though a single large pocket would have been more useful.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series offered an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display as standard. The infotainment system featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus, with 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 a 12.3-inch digital display. The audio system included a standard 10-speaker setup, with an optional Harman Kardon system.

The 2023 Toyota Prius came with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base LE and XLE models, with an optional 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and standard on the Limited trim. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The navigation system required a subscription to Toyota's Drive Connect for real-time updates. The Prius featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, six USB-C ports, and an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. Subscription-based connectivity bundles offered remote access, safety features, and cloud navigation.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included Active Driving Assistant, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety options included adaptive front LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder allowed recording of driving footage. The 2 Series had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure alerts. Proactive Driving Assist used radar and cameras to detect obstacles and adjust speed. The system was minimally intrusive and could be disabled. All safety features were standard across trims. The Prius also included stability control, traction control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim offered Advanced Park for hands-free parallel parking. IIHS and NHTSA had not yet tested the 2023 Prius.