Consumer Reports Recommends 2 Sports Cars Over the 2022 BMW 2 Series
Luxury sports cars are often expensive, so the 2022 BMW 2 Series is a breath of fresh air. The base rear-wheel-drive model starts below $40,000, and the faster M240i trim hovers under $50,000. Similar luxury models run $60,000 at best, but many approach triple digits. The BMW 2 Series coupe isn’t just (relatively) cheap; it also earned well-deserved praise from Consumer Reports. However, CR says two other sports cars are even better.
Should you buy a 2022 BMW 2 Series?
Consumer Reports loves pretty much everything about driving the 2022 BMW 2 Series. CR reviewers tested the base turbo-four engine, producing 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque.
The M240i model has a bigger turbo-four that harnesses 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
But the base engine still offers eager acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The 382-hp engine is reportedly over two seconds faster.
Both handle well because of the coupe’s updated suspension. It also has perfectly split weight distribution now, making it more agile around turns. Consumer Reports says this coupe’s braking performance is also excellent.
In addition, the base suspension is softer than that of most rivals, and an adaptive suspension is standard on the highest trim. You can make it more rigid at any time by engaging the Sport Plus driving mode.
Furthermore, the BMW 2 Series coupe has a tastefully designed layout and updated technology inside, including a voice-activated digital assistant. The Gran Coupé can seat up to five riders, and the cabin feels spacious. Unfortunately, CR says the rear seat feels claustrophobia-inducing, and the trunk is too small.
But the BMW 2 Series lags behind these 2 rivals in Consumer Reports testing
CR says the 2022 Toyota Supra is faster than the base-model BMW 2 Series coupe. The former can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds. Its powertrain specs are nearly identical to the 2 Series coupe, and it also boasts equally impressive handling. CR also appreciated the effortless shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Toyota Supra is a two-seater, so it doesn’t have a back row to bring down its score. However, CR wasn’t impressed with the Supra’s elevated noise levels and hampered visibility. It has a nice interior, but it’s not very spacious, and the seats are difficult to access.
Consumer Reports also likes the Porsche 718 Boxster as much as the Supra, though the German roadster is more expensive, starting at $62,600 (almost $20,000 more than the $43,540 Toyota). CR enjoyed the pleasing sound of the 718 Boxster’s base 300-hp turbo-four and razor-sharp handling. The suspension is agreeable, though it prioritizes sportiness.
A mid-engine two-seater, the Porsche 718 Boxster is also more functional than most coupes thanks to its dual trunks. That said, the cabin provides little storage space. Like the Supra, the Boxster is also quite loud and barely has enough room for two riders.
What’s the worst sports car you could buy for over $40,000?
Despite performing well on its road test, the 2022 Ford Mustang received a low overall score from Consumer Reports. The standard model is inexpensive, but the base four-cylinder engine’s grainy tone might be annoying enough to push shoppers into buying one of the bigger ones. It also has a cramped second row and poor fuel economy (an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined city/highway for the base engine).
The BMW 2 Series is frugal by comparison, rated for up to 28 mpg combined. It also has better reliability scores than the Mustang, though the Supra or Boxster might last longer. Still, the BMW 2 Series coupe’s power, balanced ride, and price make this car a great value.
