2022 Toyota Corolla vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since its 2019 hatchback debut and 2020 sedan follow-up, aimed to shed Toyota's "boring" image with bold exterior styling. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. Different trim levels offered unique styling elements, such as the aggressive front fascia on SE and XSE models, and the blacked-out trim of the Nightshade Editions. The Apex Editions added a subtle body kit with bronze accents and model-specific 18-inch wheels, which reduced weight and offered optional summer tires. The SE Apex Edition, in particular, stood out with its "Fast and Furious" vibe, showcasing Toyota's effort to make the Corolla more than just basic transportation.

Inside, the Corolla's design was simpler and less imaginative than its exterior, yet it maintained Toyota's high standards for fit and finish. The SE Apex Edition's interior mirrored that of the standard SE, with light gray upholstery that seemed prone to stains. While the Corolla's interior was generally appealing, the piano black plastic trim was a dust magnet. The car's platform, shared with models like the Camry and RAV4, provided a solid structural foundation, though the interior lacked the sporty flair of the exterior.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a new design language for BMW's luxury line, featuring a bold front-end with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The thin LED accent lights and recessed headlights created a focused squint, which initially seemed jarring but grew more acceptable over time. Paint color and style themes, such as the M Sport and M Sport Professional, significantly altered the car's character. The profile retained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end boasted distinctive horizontal taillights. The interior was modern and minimal, with a broad horizontal layout and a futuristic curved glass pane housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. Materials were premium, though high-gloss trims caused glare issues.

The 7 Series' interior featured leather upholstery with a faceted design motif, and the available light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery added a cozy feel. The rear seats offered a premium luxury experience, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, which included a reclining passenger-side seat and a theater screen. The 7 Series' interior was spacious, with a trunk capacity of 13.7 cubic feet, slightly larger than some competitors. However, the power-operated doors and theater screen had usability issues, and the lack of a camera-based virtual rear-view mirror was a notable omission.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE models featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, including the Apex Editions, were equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Apex Edition's sport exhaust system and model-specific suspension enhanced its sporty appeal, though it wasn't a full performance model. The manual transmission paired well with the Apex Edition, providing a more engaging driving experience, though the ride quality was stiffer due to suspension changes.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains. The base 740i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 760i xDrive upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The V8-powered 760i xDrive accelerated to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, offering quick and fluid performance. The 7 Series' handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a slightly stiffer ride. The Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness, appealing to drivers who valued performance alongside comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt decently roomy, though Toyota didn't release specific headroom and legroom measurements. The low beltline improved outward visibility, but the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard hindered forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, though long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space was smaller than competitors, but the 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat added versatility. Interior storage was limited, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered spacious and comfortable seating, with plenty of power adjustments and standard heating and ventilation. The rear seats accommodated tall passengers, and the lounge seating option added a reclining passenger-side seat with massage functions. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen was impressive but caused neck strain due to its central placement. The trunk provided 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with a wide and deep area for larger items. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and small door pockets.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on other trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The interface was user-friendly, but graphics appeared dated, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were unavailable. The Corolla lacked novel tech features like the Hyundai Elantra's Digital Key.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured iDrive 8, BMW's latest infotainment system, operable via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation was complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, though they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theater screen had usability issues, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs and a missing remote control. Overall, iDrive 8 felt less intuitive than previous versions.

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

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign reader, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and safe exit warnings. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways, enhancing driver convenience and reducing fatigue on long trips.