2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 stood at the top. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Pro and Adaptive M Suspension. The M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and blue brake calipers added to its appeal, while the interior's perforated SensaTec upholstery and technical design emphasized driving enjoyment over luxury.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, a full-size sedan with seating for five, replaced the Avalon and stood out with its elevated ride height, reminiscent of the Honda Accord Crosstour. Its massive grille, angular wraparound headlights, and sporty front end aimed to attract a broad range of customers. The side profile featured large wheels and a black trim piece, while the rear had a bold taillight strip and a distinctive stepped transition. The top Platinum trim offered a two-tone color option. Inside, the Crown featured a digital instrument panel, a large horizontal touchscreen, and a mix of hard plastics and cushioned touchpoints. The cabin's modern design was somewhat marred by 1980s-era LED displays, but overall, it aimed for a fancier Toyota feel.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg. The car's M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, and optional Adaptive M Suspension contributed to its precise handling and driving dynamics. The M340i's performance was thrilling, making it a top choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains across its XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims. The base powertrain combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor, producing 236 horsepower and featuring a CVT. The Platinum trim's Hybrid Max powertrain included a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a more powerful rear electric motor, delivering 340 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while the Hybrid Max achieved it in 5.7 seconds. The Crown's ride quality prioritized comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. Despite some engine drone, the cabin remained quiet, and the Crown's driving experience was enjoyable, though some electronic driver aids were intrusive.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support and a perfect driving position. The rear seats provided adequate legroom for four tall passengers, though the center rear seat was less practical. The car included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. The 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats added utility. However, the lack of a sports wagon option was a downside for some.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's base XLE trim featured fabric seat upholstery with SofTex faux-leather trim, while the Limited and Platinum trims offered full leather coverings. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though firm cushioning could cause discomfort over time. The driver and front passenger had adequate storage space, including large cupholders, door pockets, and a center console armrest bin. The rear seats provided ample legroom and adequate headroom, with a panoramic sunroof available in higher trims. The Crown's trunk capacity was 15.2 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors but still useful for most needs.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system were standard, though the Harman Kardon surround-sound system was no longer available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, and the Driving Assistance Professional package included advanced safety features like a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Toyota Crown featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a wireless charging pad. The base six-speaker audio system could be upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL premium system in higher trims. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and a voice-recognition system activated by saying "Hey Toyota." A digital key feature allowed smartphone access, standard on the Platinum trim and optional on the Limited. A Wi-Fi hotspot with remote monitoring and streaming entertainment was also available.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for semi-autonomous driving. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included frontal and cross-traffic collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and a rear-seat-passenger reminder. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parallel parking system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were well-tuned, though some new features were intrusive. Crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available.