2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Nissan Altima

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 offered a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 was the top-tier model. 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 M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and high-performance tires contributed to its appealing styling and performance.

Inside, the M340i's perforated SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color provided a trendy contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series boasted quality materials in complementary tones and textures, with a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury. The technical design and upscale look and feel of the interior, combined with the car's performance capabilities, made the 3 Series a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, continuing Nissan's legacy in the family car market, featured updated front styling, new wheel designs, and two new paint colors. The lineup included the base Altima S, popular Altima SV, sporty Altima SR, and luxurious Altima SL, with prices ranging from $25,290 to $34,990 plus a $1,095 destination charge. The Altima SL, one of the upscale trims, came with optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) and a set of floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $34,755. The new wheel designs, especially on higher trims, improved the Altima's visual presence, though the SL trim's wheels appeared vulnerable to curb damage.

Inside, the Altima SL featured a mix of appealing elements and hard plastics, with Gray leather providing a high-contrast two-tone appearance. The new simulated wood dashboard trim and double-stitched seams added to the interior's look, though the hard plastic was a reminder of the Altima's lower base price. Overall, the 2023 Altima SL offered a good balance of style and comfort, despite some design and material shortcomings.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's fuel economy was 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The M340i's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the optional Adaptive M Suspension further improving handling.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, except for the SR VC-Turbo, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine produced 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 182 hp and 178 lb-ft with AWD. The Altima SR VC-Turbo offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 236 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, increasing to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Altima's fuel economy ranged from 30 mpg to 32 mpg in combined driving, with the SL AWD averaging 27.4 mpg. The Altima's driving experience was adequate, with the CVT mimicking a traditional automatic transmission, though the ride was firm and road noise was noticeable.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support, a perfect driving position, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. The rear seat offered enough legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The 3 Series 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 provided roomy cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was simple to understand and comfortable, with controls laid out logically and Zero Gravity seats providing exceptional comfort. The Altima SL test vehicle featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front passenger seat offered only four-way power adjustment, and the low seating position made entry and exit challenging. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom, foot room, and headroom, though rear air conditioning vents were only available on higher trims. The Altima's trunk measured 15.4 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped.

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 a navigation system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it was challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's base S trim featured a 5-inch display radio with Bluetooth and a hands-free text messaging assistant. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, available on SV and SR trims and standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo trims, included a navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. NissanConnect Services, available with the 12.3-inch system, offered remote engine starting, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and an SOS calling button. The SL and SR VC-Turbo trims also featured a Bose nine-speaker premium audio system, though its performance varied depending on the music type.

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

The 2023 Nissan Altima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system. The Altima SV added rear automatic braking, while the SR included automatic high-beam headlights. ProPilot Assist, optional on SV and standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo, provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Altima earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year.