2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a serious demeanor, while a variety of vibrant paint options, including two-tone schemes, added flair. The interior was spacious, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a modern and comfortable driving experience. The Sentra's second row was roomy, though best suited for two passengers, and the trunk provided ample cargo space with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i model, combined sporty performance with luxury. Its exterior featured exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, creating an appealing stance. Inside, the M340i offered power-adjustable sport seats and a driver-focused cockpit, ensuring comfort and support. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, though the center seat was less practical. The 3 Series also boasted a 17 cubic-foot trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, enhancing its utility.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its fuel efficiency, achieving 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models. The suspension and steering offered tidy road manners, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i, on the other hand, delivered a thrilling performance with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, generating 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Its M Sport suspension and variable sport steering provided precise handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite its power, the M340i managed an impressive 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, showcasing its efficiency.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It offered ample storage, including a large glove compartment and roomy door pockets. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, and optional upgrades included power-adjustable seats and a moonroof. The Sentra's practicality made it a suitable choice for everyday use.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i combined driving satisfaction with passenger comfort. Its power-adjustable sport seats and three-zone climate control ensured a pleasant ride. The interior offered decent storage, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk provided ample cargo space. The 3 Series' design focused on driving enjoyment without sacrificing practicality, making it a versatile option for those seeking both performance and comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a range of infotainment options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The SV and SR models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the SR offered an optional premium Bose system. NissanConnect services provided additional features like remote access and a WiFi hotspot, though navigation was limited to SR models.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. BMW iDrive 7.0 offered intuitive controls, and the car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro added advanced features like the Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of safety technologies, though its standard package was less comprehensive. The optional Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Professional packages added features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.