2020 Subaru WRX vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional coupe design, as it featured four doors and a sloping roofline, a trend seen among several German automakers. This model joined the established 2 Series lineup, which had been known for its two-door coupe and convertible variants since 2014. The Gran Coupe was built on a new platform shared with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias. Its exterior design echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic front-end styling, but the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though not as elegant as some competitors. The 2 Series lineup included various model designations, with the Gran Coupe available in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe came with a range of standard features and optional packages, enhancing its comfort and style.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own model by 2015. It retained a wider stance and aggressive styling, with features like a lower front splitter and rear deck spoiler. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, each offering a range of features from 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen to leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI variant offered even more performance-oriented features, including a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and Brembo brakes. Despite its sporty design, the WRX maintained a simple sedan layout with excellent visibility and a practical cabin. The interior offered ample space for front passengers and adequate rear-seat space for a compact car. The WRX's cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 228i was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. The engine was refined, though turbo lag was noticeable, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The Gran Coupe featured a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. The M235i variant offered more power with 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. The 2 Series Coupe and Convertible provided a more engaging driving experience, with the M240i boasting a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp, but its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The ride quality was firm, making it less suitable for rough roads.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT available. The CVT included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters for simulated manual-shift modes. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience, with precise feedback and a smooth clutch pedal. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and strong acceleration. The car excelled in cornering, with precise steering and minimal body lean. The WRX STI variant offered even more performance, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension. The WRX's handling was sharp, though the ride was firm, especially on rough roads.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, with ample legroom for front passengers. However, this compromised rear-seat legroom, making the second row suitable only for occasional use. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible variants offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity reduced when the top was lowered.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's sedan layout provided excellent sightlines, with good rear and side visibility. The cabin featured a simple, functional design with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The WRX offered plenty of space for front passengers, with adequate rear-seat space for a compact car. The WRX's 12 cubic feet of cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but similar to sports cars with comparable performance.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen with touch functionality and Android Auto. It also offered wireless Apple CarPlay. The test model included a fully-digital instrument panel with customizable features and an available head-up display. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and helpful center console buttons for easy navigation.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The WRX also included a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a backup camera. Available features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It was available with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.