2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered attractive, resembling a hungry alien. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, it transformed into a compact sedan with a more appealing look. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previous model's cheap plastics. Despite these enhancements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at a base MSRP of $18,990, with various trims available, including the sportier SE or XSE for those seeking more power and style.

In contrast, the 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded an aquatic elegance reminiscent of majestic marine life. The car's design, with its lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille, was striking. The M340i trim, in particular, was praised for its exhilarating driving experience. Starting at $49,350, the 3 Series offered a range of interior customizations, including high-quality leather and a variety of colours. The interior was both purposeful and luxurious, with BMW taking quality seriously, which helped justify its higher price tag. The 3 Series was a car that begged to be driven, offering comfort and support for long journeys.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a modest performance with its 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower in the L, LE, and XLE trims. These models featured a CVT and 16-inch wheels, providing a basic driving experience. The SE and XSE trims, however, added a touch of excitement with a 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine and a more sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The XSE trim, in particular, delivered a sporty driving experience with its independent rear suspension and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Despite its sporty aspirations, the Corolla XSE struggled with acceleration, lacking the power to pass slower vehicles or climb mountains swiftly. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the XSE rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i trim, excelled in performance with its 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The car's engineering, including the xDrive AWD system and M Sport brakes, provided an exhilarating driving experience. The 8-speed automatic transmission, while not a manual, offered smooth and precise shifts, enhancing the car's dynamic capabilities. The M340i's powertrain allowed it to reach 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, making it a thrilling choice for driving enthusiasts. The 3 Series' performance was further enhanced by its structural and suspension changes, offering a sporty and engaging ride.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, while smaller than a Camry, offered practical space for a family of four. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports made it less comfortable for passengers, especially during a heatwave. The interior featured comfortable seating for the driver, but the low seating position and lack of a front seat height adjuster were drawbacks for some. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a trunk capacity of 371 litres, which was adequate for a couple of suitcases and additional bags.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series provided a more luxurious interior experience, with supportive front seats that held occupants in place during spirited driving. The M340i xDrive test car featured high-quality leather, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it ready for winter. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once inside, passengers enjoyed exceptional comfort. The infotainment system, with its touchscreen display and natural voice recognition, was user-friendly, although some controls were less intuitive. The trunk offered 479 litres of space, though its narrow design limited its practicality for larger items.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display and additional features like advanced voice recognition and satellite radio trials. The Corolla's infotainment system was well-suited for iPhone users, but Android users might find it lacking.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series boasted a sophisticated iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with multiple ways to interact, including a knob and buttons on the centre console. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was particularly impressive, offering natural command responses. The test car also featured a head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This included features like low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system operated with impressive refinement, though the lane-departure warning alert was considered irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered advanced driving assistance systems through the optional Advanced Driver Assistance package. While the safety features were accurate, the lane-keeping assist system was abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, ensuring it was well-prepared for potential collisions.