2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured distinct powertrains, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The M3 and M3 Competition were the high-performance options. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, came with options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to just under $80,000. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, resulting in a stylish and performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided a sophisticated look, with quality materials and a focus on driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, available since 2019 in hatchback form and 2020 as a sedan, aimed to shed Toyota's reputation for blandness with bold exterior styling, including LED headlights and a wide grille. However, it couldn't match the unique design of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesive look of the Honda Civic. Different trim levels offered distinct styling elements, with the SE and XSE models featuring an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade Edition added blacked-out trim. The Apex Edition, tested in Cement Grey, sported a subtle body kit and 18-inch wheels, giving it a street-racer vibe. The Corolla's interior, though less imaginative, maintained Toyota's high fit and finish standards, with standard cloth upholstery and SofTex leatherette available on some trims. The SE Apex Edition's interior mirrored the standard SE, with light grey upholstery prone to stains. Overall, the Corolla's design aimed to offer more than basic transportation, with varying levels of flashiness for different buyers.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i featured a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, with power flowing to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The xDrive AWD system was standard in Canada. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the car's performance was impressive, with precise handling and a thrilling driving experience. The M340i was praised for its driving dynamics, making it a standout in the sports sedan category.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque for the L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque for the SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition shared the 2.0-litre engine with a sport exhaust system. A CVT was standard with the smaller engine, while the 2.0-litre engine offered a six-speed manual gearbox with rev matching or a CVT with paddle shifters. All Corollas were front-wheel drive. The SE Apex Edition featured a manual transmission, sport exhaust, and model-specific suspension, enhancing handling and nimbleness. However, the Apex Edition wasn't a full performance model, lacking tire, brake, or engine upgrades. The manual transmission helped manage power, and the Apex Edition was fun in corners, though the standard Corolla was more comfortable than exciting. The Apex Edition's suspension changes affected ride quality, but driving enthusiasts might appreciate the trade-off.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a sporty driving experience without sacrificing passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats providing ample support for various driving scenarios, with a perfect driving position and a well-shaped steering wheel. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for four relatively tall occupants. The back seat offered good thigh support, though the centre rear seating position was less practical. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with heated rear seats available. The 481-litre trunk provided ample cargo space, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility. However, a sports wagon variant was not available in North America.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered headroom and legroom similar to the Honda Civic, with a low beltline aiding visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard affected forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel was standard. The Corolla's interior featured squishy front and rear seat cushions, lacking support. The sedan's 371 litres of cargo space trailed competitors like the Civic and Sentra, but a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders. The angled phone tray was small and oddly shaped, limiting its usefulness.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the infotainment package was effective. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available. Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. The system responded well to various queries, enhancing convenience. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability, with a Back-Up Assistant for tight spaces.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, with an 8-inch touchscreen on other trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL audio system on the XSE and XLE. The interface was user-friendly, with analog climate controls, but some tasks were less intuitive. The graphics appeared dated compared to rivals, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The Corolla lacked novel tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key, but this might not be a priority for all buyers.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series had a basic standard safety tech package, including Active Guard with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The available Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. An Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver and initiate an SOS call. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with models equipped with adaptive LED headlights qualifying for the accolade. It also received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award, with top "Good" scores in crash tests, though headlights received lower ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The Corolla featured eight airbags and standard driver-assist features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available and standard from the LE trim.