2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design choice that had become synonymous with its identity since its second-generation debut in 2004. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to embrace its unique styling, which some found unappealing, even in the trendy 2020 Edition with blacked-out trim. Inside, the Prius featured an unconventional layout with a central strip of displays near the windshield, a dashboard-mounted toggle lever for transmission controls, and a narrow center console. The interior's gloss-black trim was prone to attracting dust and fingerprints, adding to its quirky charm.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4's styling closely resembled the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, with a polarizing oversized grille and a four-door sedan design with a rear hatch. The i4 boasted improved aerodynamics over its gasoline sibling, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base eDrive40 model. BMW achieved this through various design tweaks, including a smooth underbody and active airflow control. The i4's interior struck a balance between minimalism and traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality was up to BMW's standards, though leather upholstery was not standard.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Other front-wheel-drive models earned a 52 mpg rating, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition, however, averaged 47.5 mpg during testing. Its powertrain combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. While not particularly powerful, the Prius offered lively acceleration thanks to its electric motor's instant torque. The TNGA platform contributed to its handling, providing a lower center of gravity and a more athletic feel, though the steering lacked road feel.

The 2022 BMW i4 delivered impressive performance, with the base eDrive40 model producing 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor powertrain, boasted 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4 handled well, thanks to its low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride and precise steering. The i4's regenerative braking system offered natural pedal feel, though the adaptive recuperation system's effectiveness varied.

The 2021 Toyota Prius surprised with its spacious interior, accommodating up to five passengers. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery could trap sweat. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers had adequate space, but the lack of air-conditioning vents was a drawback. Cargo space varied by trim, with up to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered a low seating position despite its battery pack, with good outward visibility. However, the fastback roof limited headroom, and the seats felt flat and hard. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. The i4 had 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than competitors like the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3. While the i4 lacked a front trunk, its hatchback design provided a wider opening for cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system, navigation, and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen. However, the sound quality was lacking, and road noise was significant. The digital instrumentation felt dated, with basic graphics.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the latest iDrive8 infotainment system and BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and OTA updates. The i4 also offered a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, and 5G connectivity. The user experience was intuitive, with a familiar rotary controller and effective voice recognition.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model, the IIHS gave it favorable marks, though it fell short of a Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 BMW i4's safety ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Parking Assistant Package offered a 360-degree camera system and advanced parking features.