2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a compact four-door sedan with a bold and athletic exterior. Its V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a serious demeanor, while the availability of eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic, added flair. The SR trim offered two-tone paint schemes, enhancing its design appeal. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastic surfaces, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The second row was spacious for its class, though best suited for two passengers, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, in its second generation, showcased a new exterior design without the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. Offered as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, the 2 Series was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessors. The signature kidney grille and flared fenders contributed to its aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive featured performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents. Inside, the 2 Series had a driver-oriented layout with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The interior boasted an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 10.25-inch display, and a high-end vibe despite some penny-pinching plastics.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, offering adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Weighing between 3,036 to 3,084 pounds, the Sentra delivered fuel economy of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners and cornering, making it almost fun to drive.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe packed impressive performance with its turbocharged engines. The 230i Coupe's 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive's 3.0-liter inline-six delivered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved it in 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series featured an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, with Sport Plus mode for enhanced driving dynamics. The M240i xDrive came with performance features like an adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes, offering balanced handling and stability.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for practicality, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It included an infotainment touchscreen, open cupholders, a large glove compartment, and roomy storage beneath the center armrest. The Sentra offered USB ports and a 12-volt port, with big door pockets for added convenience. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides, and the Premium Package added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a moonroof.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while small, offered a driver-focused interior with updated ergonomics. The rear seats were best suited for children or short trips, and the slanted roofline limited rear headroom. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft touch points and a layout similar to other BMW models, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in higher trims, with an optional Bose system. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth audio, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation available via NissanConnect services. The system offered a WiFi hotspot and remote access through a smartphone app, with voice command capabilities via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series boasted an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, with BMW Live Cockpit Plus for over-the-air updates and connected services. It included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional added a head-up display and upgraded screens. The 2 Series offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a standard 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a comprehensive array of safety features, including advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It offered adaptive front LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder could capture driving footage in case of a collision. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.