2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since its 2019 hatchback debut, aimed to shed Toyota's "boring" image with bold styling. Its exterior featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it didn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. Different trims offered unique styling elements, such as the aggressive front fascia on the SE and XSE models, and the blacked-out trim of the Nightshade Edition. The SE Apex Edition, with its Cement Grey finish and sporty body kit, stood out with a street-racer vibe. Despite its efforts, the Corolla's interior remained simple, with standard Toyota fit and finish, though the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series, refreshed for the model year, maintained its sporty elegance with subtle exterior updates. The narrow kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights gave it a sleek look, while the M Sport package added chrome accents and a larger rear diffuser. Inside, the real transformation occurred with the introduction of BMW iDrive 8 and the expansive BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit. The minimalist dashboard design reduced button clutter, enhancing the overall driving experience. The 3 Series exuded a sense of luxury and modernity, appealing to those seeking a blend of performance and sophistication.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE models featured a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, including the Apex Edition, boasted a 2.0-litre engine delivering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Apex Edition's sport exhaust system and unique suspension enhanced its sporty appeal, though it lacked significant performance upgrades. The manual transmission paired well with the Apex Edition, providing a more engaging driving experience, though the ride was notably stiffer.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years. The 330i featured a twin-turbo 2.0-litre engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e plug-in hybrid offered a combined 288 hp and 258 lb-ft, with an electric-only range of up to 35 km. The M340i, with its 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, reached 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The 3 Series excelled in fuel efficiency, with the 330i xDrive rated at 8.6 L/100 km combined. The 330i provided a balanced ride, while the M340i offered a more exhilarating performance, making the 3 Series a versatile choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla provided decent interior space, with headroom and legroom comparable to the Honda Civic. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard affected forward visibility. The driver's seat adjustments aimed for optimal positioning, though taller drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's cargo space of 371 litres was less than competitors, but it included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Storage for smaller items was limited, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior. Front headroom measured 982 mm, with 1,066 mm of legroom, while rear passengers had 955 mm and 894 mm, respectively. The SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable sport seats provided support, though the seat cushions were firm. The 3 Series featured 481 litres of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat for flexibility. Standard amenities included a power moonroof and heated front seats, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system were standard, while a nine-speaker JBL system was available on select trims. The interface was user-friendly, but graphics appeared dated, and wireless connectivity options were lacking.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, with a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker audio system. Optional features included wireless charging and a premium Harman Kardon sound system, offering a cutting-edge infotainment experience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned top safety ratings, including an IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured eight airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available from the LE trim.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star NHTSA rating, though the PHEV model was unrated. Standard safety included a rear view camera and Active Guard features. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered additional safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, enhancing driver confidence.