2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology for an estimated 32 kilometres of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, enhancing power and performance. The M3 and M3 Competition represented the high-performance end of the lineup. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red special-order paint, featured Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery and options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package, Premium Enhanced package, and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to nearly $80,000. The M340i's M Performance exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, resulting in a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale look, with the Cognac colour adding a trendy contrast to the dark cabin. The 3 Series was known for its quality materials and technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous rental-car looks for a striking new appearance. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. While reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, the Elantra's exterior had its own unique personality, with creases and folds on the doors forming a "Z" shape for added character. The interior saw improvements in material quality, with some hard plastics present but outweighed by the overall design. The Elantra was available in four trims in Canada: Essential, Preferred, Ultimate, and N Line, with the Elantra Hybrid offered in Preferred and Ultimate trims. The test car, a Scarlet Red Pearl Elantra N Line, featured sporty styling elements like N Line design fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, N Line sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals contributed to a sporty look and feel. The Elantra's interior was comfortable, with excellent visibility and ample storage options, making it a practical choice for small families.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the power flowed to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential, with xDrive AWD standard in Canada. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the car's performance was impressive, with precise handling and a responsive transmission. The M340i was praised for its driving dynamics, offering a thrilling experience and setting a standard for sports sedans.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, with the Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trims featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Essential, with a CVT optional on Essential and standard on other trims. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed DCT. The N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, equipped with a seven-speed DCT in Canada. The N Line's DCT was clunky at low rpm but delivered crisp shifts at higher speeds. The N Line also included sport-tuned suspension, steering, and revised powertrain mounts, with a multi-link independent rear suspension for improved handling. The N Line's performance was enhanced by its peppy powertrain and sport-tuned suspension, offering a compelling package for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for four relatively tall people. The back seat provided good thigh support, though the centre rear seating position was less practical. The M340i included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated steering wheel and front seats standard in Canada. Interior storage was decent, with a 481-litre trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the lack of a sports wagon option was noted as a downside.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was designed for practicality and ease of use, with a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. The Elantra's interior offered comfortable seating and excellent visibility, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults would prefer the front seats due to limited headroom. The Elantra's cargo space was 402 litres, adequate for most needs, though the trunk opening was narrow due to the sloping roofline. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was noted as a drawback.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the digital gauges were less impressive than Audi's Virtual Cockpit, the iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options. The 3 Series included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice recognition. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a surprising level of technology for its price, with the base Essential trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four speakers. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Ultimate and N Line trims included an eight-speaker Bose audio system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The N Line's infotainment system was easy to use, with seamless Apple CarPlay integration. However, the six-speaker audio system was only adequate compared to the Bose systems in other Hyundai models.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, a package with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving, and the Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though only models with adaptive LED headlights qualified for the accolade.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Other features included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and driver attention alert. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with LED headlights earning a "Good" rating.