2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 stood at the top. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance and Premium packages.

The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. The optional Cooling and High-Performance Tire package added 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color contrasted sharply with the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials and a technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, was two inches wider than its predecessor but maintained a subtle front end with a signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille. The side profile was less busy, with black plastic cladding designed to improve airflow and aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared outward, and the taillights featured a multifaceted design. The Premium-trim test vehicle included LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a trunk-mounted lip spoiler.

Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish. The D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, carbon-fiber-pattern trim, and black cloth seats with red stitching set it apart from other Subaru models. The interior finally looked modern and well-appointed.

The 2022 BMW M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, driving the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i also included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with an optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, and the car returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, just shy of the EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The M340i's driving dynamics were impressive, with quick, precise steering and a taut ride. It excelled in handling, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons. The car felt hard-wired to the driver's inputs, providing a thrilling driving experience. Despite the M3's higher performance, the M340i offered more than enough power and agility for most drivers.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission offered continuous AWD, while the CVT employed variable torque distribution. The WRX GT trim included Recaro seats, electronically controlled dampers, and a Drive Mode Select system.

The manual transmission was a delight to use, with notchy and precise shifts and a satisfying clutch pedal. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality and reduced body roll. The car handled well on mountain roads, feeling stable and composed even on broken pavement.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its sporty nature, offered practicality and comfort. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had enough legroom, though the center rear seat was likely to go unused. The car included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. The 17 cubic-foot trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while lacking a hatchback option, offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX's standard AWD and comfortable seats made it a viable commuter vehicle.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and navigation. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro added BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant. The optional Premium package included a head-up display, and the Driving Assistance Professional package added advanced safety features.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display in premium trims, with physical controls for climate and audio functions. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though the integration was not seamless. The base trim had two 7-inch displays stacked vertically. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available in higher trims.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on CVT-equipped models, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. Manual transmission models did not have EyeSight. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Limited and GT trims. The WRX's Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the car came with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.