2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a generic sedan by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. The flared wheel arches and slim headlights and taillights successfully broadened the car's appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, which added unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner, albeit still large, grille. The Camry's interior mirrored its exterior's chaotic design, with a mix of contrasting materials and elements that lacked a cohesive theme. Despite the low-rent feel of the materials, the Camry's design was a step towards a more exciting aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i xDrive, exuded a more refined and sporty appeal. The M Performance exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, all contributing to its striking appearance. Inside, the M340i featured Cognac-coloured SensaTec upholstery, which convincingly mimicked leather, and a SensaTec dashboard wrap for an upscale look. The interior design was technical and focused on driving enjoyment, with quality materials and a trendy colour scheme. The 3 Series maintained its reputation for driving satisfaction without sacrificing passenger comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with front-wheel drive, and slightly less with all-wheel drive. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output slightly. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was available, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 horsepower. The Camry's chassis tuning balanced handling and ride quality, making it surprisingly fun to drive, even without the sporty TRD package.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The M Sport suspension and variable sport steering provided precise handling and a responsive driving experience. The M340i's driving dynamics were exceptional, offering a thrilling ride that was both engaging and comfortable.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was average at 428 litres, and in-cabin storage was limited. The Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, enhancing ease of use, though some controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, though the centre seat was less practical. The 481-litre trunk provided ample cargo space, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats added versatility. The M340i included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and limited USB ports.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series featured the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including gesture control. The 3 Series included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro offered advanced voice recognition and emergency assistance features.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the TSS 2.5+ package, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included enhanced forward-collision warning and a Rear Seat Reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant were available for semi-autonomous driving. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with optional adaptive LED headlights required for the highest safety accolade.