2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

Back in 2020, the Toyota Corolla sported a look that divided opinions. Its alien-esque aesthetic might not have won any beauty contests, but there were redeeming features. Though the redesigned model wasn't necessarily pretty, opting for SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color improved the visual appeal dramatically. Compared to other Toyota sedans, the Corolla's front design felt slightly more palatable, leading some to believe that, with time, people might get accustomed to it—much like they did with the Honda Civic.

Internally, the 2020 Corolla showcased notable improvement in perceived quality, especially in the XSE trim. Toyota eliminated much of the low-grade plastic, replacing it with softer-touch surfaces that aimed to elevate the cabin's sensory experience. However, some economy-car traits lingered, like the less-than-satisfactory transmission shifter, persistently reminding drivers of the Corolla's humble positioning in the market.

Conversely, the 2020 BMW 3 Series showcased an altogether different exterior vibe, reminiscent of marine life, thanks to its headlamp design and oversized grille. Yet, any criticisms of its aquatic appearance were largely overshadowed by the car's sheer driving pleasure. Equipped with sumptuous details such as leather upholstery and sophisticated color options, BMW poured a lot of attention into both the aesthetic and tactile aspects of the driving experience, though the price certainly reflected this luxury.

Performance-wise, the 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a fairly straightforward choice. The basic L, LE, and XLE trims were powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower and utilizing a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with front-wheel-drive. They rolled on 16-inch wheels wrapped in all-season rubber, providing adequate but unexciting driving dynamics.

Upgrading to SE or XSE trims injected some excitement into the mix. These versions came with a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more sophisticated CVT setup, which together provided better off-the-line acceleration and sportier aesthetics, including 18-inch aluminum wheels. Although paddle shifters attempted to enhance the driving experience, the lack of turbocharging made the Corolla XSE feel underwhelming on dynamic drives, particularly when trying to overtake or climb steep inclines.

In stark contrast, the 2020 BMW 3 Series excelled in delivering a thrilling drive. The M340i trim's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine pumped out a robust 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, making it capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic gearbox handled shifts seamlessly, especially in traffic-heavy or high-speed conditions. Combined with sophisticated suspension and steering systems, the 3 Series remained a joy to drive, whether weaving through traffic or tackling a winding road.

Interior space in the 2020 Toyota Corolla was more than adequate for a compact sedan, with the EPA even classifying it as a midsize car due to its roominess. However, the reality of family use revealed some limitations. The lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports made the back seat an uncomfortable place for kids, especially during hot spells. While the driver’s seat was comfortable and featured 8-way adjustability, the low seating position across the board made entry and exit challenging for some.

In contrast, the 2020 BMW 3 Series provided simple yet supportive seating that held occupants securely during spirited driving. The leather-clad seats and heated options were a boon, though the absence of ventilated seats during summer proved a minor inconvenience. The rear seats offered excellent support but getting in and out required some effort. Surprisingly, the BMW excelled in storage space for its class, boasting a deep but narrow 17-cubic-foot trunk, which, while practical, could be a tight fit for bulkier luggage.

When comparing cargo capacities, the Corolla’s 13.1 cubic feet paled against the BMW’s 17 cubic feet, reinforcing the 3 Series' slight edge in the practicality department.

Technologically, the 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Entune 3.0, featuring Apple CarPlay but lacking Android Auto. The user interface was intuitive, with a high-mounted touchscreen accompanied by easily accessible volume and tuning knobs, and the voice-recognition system worked efficiently when integrated with Apple CarPlay. Various trims also offered wireless charging and advanced voice recognition as options.

Conversely, the latest iteration of BMW’s iDrive system provided multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and even gesture control. Though some might find these controls gimmicky, the system overall was praised for its intuitive design and seamless integration. The voice recognition was particularly impressive, capable of handling commands related to navigation, climate control, and more.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2020 Toyota Corolla, thanks to the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0. This suite included features like low-light pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. These features generally operated with a high level of refinement, though some alerts proved irritating to drivers over time. The Corolla earned a 5-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

For the 2020 BMW 3 Series, adding the full suite of advanced driving assistance systems required shelling out for two Driving Assistance option packages. While effective, these features were sometimes less refined in operation, but they nonetheless contributed to a safe driving experience. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, particularly when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.