Toyota Corolla vs BMW i4

The BMW i4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 52 mpg for the Toyota Corolla, a 68 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.

Across 4 measured categories, the BMW i4 leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

Toyota Corolla

Compact Cars · 112 configurations

52mpg combined (best)
All Toyota Corolla specs

2022–2026

BMW i4

Subcompact Cars · 33 configurations

120mpg combined (best)
All BMW i4 specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricToyota CorollaBMW i4
Best combined MPG52 mpg120 mpg
Best city MPG53 mpg122 mpg
Best highway MPG52 mpg119 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,200$650
Lowest CO2 output170 g/miNot available
Engines offeredSIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-modeNot available
TransmissionsAutomatic (AV-S10), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spdAutomatic (A1)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, PremiumElectricity
EPA classCompact CarsSubcompact Cars
Years covered2015–20272022–2026
Configurations on record11233

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Corolla vs i4: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Toyota Corolla or the BMW i4?

The BMW i4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 52 mpg for the Toyota Corolla, a 68 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW i4 runs about $650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,200 for the Toyota Corolla — a difference of roughly $550 per year.

What engines do the Corolla and i4 offer?

Toyota Corolla: SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode. BMW i4: no engine data on record.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Toyota Corolla as Compact Cars and the BMW i4 as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Corolla comparisons

Comparison id: toyota-corolla-vs-bmw-i4