2 Excellent 2022 Entry-Level Luxury Cars That Consumer Reports Predicts Owners Will Love
If you’ve ever disagreed with Consumer Reports about a car, you’re not alone. CR forms its rankings from extensive research, which makes the site a trusted source of information for car shoppers. However, CR can be hyper-critical about aspects that wouldn’t bother the average driver.
So if you’re curious about whether you’ll enjoy a vehicle, Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction rating is the best indicator. CR takes its opinion about a car and measures it against what owners think. When it comes to two entry-level luxury cars — the 2022 Audi A3 and 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe — drivers will probably agree with CR’s takes.
What factors determine a car’s owner satisfaction score?
Each year, CR sends out surveys asking drivers how satisfied they’ve been with their car’s performance. Respondents are also asked about their feelings about a car’s styling, comfort, and overall value. For newer cars, CR releases a predicted owner satisfaction rating based on the latest data from the vehicle’s road test and owner satisfaction ratings from previous model years.
The Audi A3 gets high praise from owners and Consumer Reports
The 2022 Audi A3 has a very high predicted owner satisfaction score, likely because of its excellent performance and previous model-year ratings from owners. This sedan’s turbo-four engine makes 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to Consumer Reports, this powertrain pushes the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Because it uses mild-hybrid technology, it can earn a competitive 29/38 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive. CR’s all-wheel-drive test car actually exceeded its highway estimate by 5 mpg in real-world testing. The transmission also operates well for the most part, though it tends to stutter at lower speeds.
The 2022 Audi A3 is definitely sporty, displaying exceptional cornering prowess with superb tire grip. The A3 keeps its braking distances short and it thoroughly impressed CR on the avoidance maneuver test. CR testers complained the ride was a tad stiff, but a few bumps here and there won’t unsettle riders.
Minus a few chintzy door pockets and hard surfaces, the Audi A3’s interior looks and feels refined. CR says the driver has the best seat in the house, complete with standard lumbar adjustment and heating. The seats are all contoured to fit the rider’s body nicely, though CR wishes the second row offered more legroom.
You’ll probably love the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe too
Consumer Reports predicts drivers will also be satisfied with the 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s engine, which makes 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s slightly slower than the Audi A3, but it’s equally eager in tight turns. Consumer Reports testers also have no complaints about this entry-level luxury car’s eight-speed automatic transmission.
In addition, riders will likely appreciate this car’s engine note, which thankfully doesn’t disturb an otherwise peaceful interior. This coupe’s cabin quality is top-notch, with polished finishing throughout and intricate stitchwork on the dashboard.
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe comes standard with faux leather upholstery, complete with memory settings for the driver. The front seats are supportive, with cushions spacious enough to accommodate most riders.
CR says the 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s ride quality is somewhat compromised by its stiff suspension. Though it’s not unbearable, the odd pothole has the potential to give riders a good shake. The car also struggled to maintain its speed and balance during CR’s avoidance maneuver test.
The back row is quite cramped compared to the front row, hampering its ease of access. CR also dislikes some of the infotainment controls. Still, drivers who want a stylish coupe with an athletic character to match will probably love this Bimmer despite CR’s grievances.
