2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the L, LE, and XLE, for those seeking a more understated look. The Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to better fuel efficiency. The XSE trim, tested here, featured a well-crafted interior with soft leatherette and robust switchgear, offering a clean, minimalist design. However, practical storage was somewhat lacking due to the centre console's design.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i xDrive, was a blend of performance and style. It featured a special-order Barbera Red paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, adding to its upscale appearance. The M Performance exterior design treatment, with exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, gave the car an undeniable appeal. The 19-inch wheels provided a perfect stance, enhancing its sporty look. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery convincingly mimicked leather, and the Cognac colour offered a sharp contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series boasted quality materials and a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury. The technical design was in line with the car's history, providing a driving experience that was both thrilling and comfortable.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. The SE trim offered a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching, providing a more engaging driving experience. The XSE's Dynamic Shift CVT was one of the best examples of its kind, using a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The XSE demonstrated predictable handling characteristics, making it a competent compact car. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 7.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The M340i's xDrive AWD system was standard in Canada, providing excellent traction and handling. The M Sport suspension and optional Adaptive M Suspension contributed to its unflappable driving dynamics. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the car delivered thrilling performance. The M340i's driving experience was precise and engaging, making it a standout in the sports sedan segment. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with real-world testing returning 9.4 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The driving position was comfortable, with clear sightlines and easy entry and exit. The rear seats provided good support but had limited headroom and legroom. The trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, which was competitive for its class. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. The rear seats offered adequate legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the centre rear seat was less practical. The three-zone automatic climate control system was standard, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in Canada. The trunk provided 481 litres of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The absence of ventilated front seats was notable, but the overall interior space and comfort were impressive.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE added Service Connect and Safety Connect. Remote Connect was free for a year, offering features like remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including gesture control. The car featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional head-up display was part of the Premium Enhanced Package, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. The addition of rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert enhanced safety. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and city-speed automatic emergency braking. The available Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The lane-keeping assist technology was effective, though sometimes aggressive.