BMW 4 Series vs Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 4 Series, a 21 mpg advantage and costs about $1,250 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Corolla leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Toyota Corolla
Compact Cars · 112 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 4 Series | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 52 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 28 mpg | 53 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg | 52 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 | $1,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 285 g/mi | 170 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S | SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (AV-S10), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 160 | 112 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
4 Series vs Corolla: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 4 Series or the Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 4 Series, a 21 mpg advantage and costs about $1,250 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota Corolla runs about $1,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the BMW 4 Series — a difference of roughly $1,250 per year.
What engines do the 4 Series and Corolla offer?
BMW 4 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S. Toyota Corolla: SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 4 Series and the Toyota Corolla as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: bmw-4-series-vs-toyota-corolla