Toyota Corolla vs BMW 3 Series
The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the BMW 3 Series, a 16 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Corolla leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Toyota Corolla
Compact Cars · 112 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Toyota Corolla | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 52 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 53 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 52 mpg ✓ | 43 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,200 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 170 g/mi | 158 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S10), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 112 | 105 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Corolla vs 3 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Toyota Corolla or the BMW 3 Series?
The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the BMW 3 Series, a 16 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 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 $2,200 for the BMW 3 Series — a difference of roughly $1,000 per year.
What engines do the Corolla and 3 Series offer?
Toyota Corolla: SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode. BMW 3 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota Corolla and the BMW 3 Series as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
More Corolla comparisons
Comparison id: toyota-corolla-vs-bmw-3-series