2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with base 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 driving 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, with its Barbera Red special-order paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, was priced at just under $80,000. The M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and technical interior design contributed to the car's appeal, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, in its seventh generation, showcased a distinctive design with a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline. While the design was subjective, it set the Sonata apart from its competitors. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, featuring clearly marked gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim test car had comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery colour was not to everyone's taste. The Sonata N Line provided a sportier option with a body kit, gloss black accents, and N badging, transforming its appearance. The N Line's interior featured dark chrome trim, red stitching, and unique N-brand sport seats, adding personality to the cabin.

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 M340i offered a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, with power flowing to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The xDrive AWD system was standard in Canada. The M340i featured M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with an optional Adaptive M Suspension for enhanced driving dynamics. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the car's handling was precise and responsive, making it a thrilling drive.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft was available for the Sport and Luxury trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters standard on the 1.6-litre turbo. The Sonata N Line featured a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, providing a more aggressive driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, with no AWD option. The Sonata offered a smooth ride, competent handling, and a quiet cabin, making it a comfortable choice for daily driving.

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 tall adults. The back seat provided good thigh support, though the centre position was less practical. The car came with a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with heated rear seats available. The 481-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. The front seats offered top-class headroom and legroom, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a three-piece set of rolling luggage. The Sonata featured Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the car to move forward or backward with a button press on the key fob, making tight parking spots more manageable. This feature was standard on U.S. test cars and available on the Ultimate grade in Canada.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the infotainment technology was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE versions featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, a 12-volt outlet, and a rear-view camera. The Sport grade added SiriusXM satellite radio and BlueLink connected services. The N Line and Ultimate Hybrid trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and wireless charging. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was easy, and the Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, offering great value for the price.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came with Active Guard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver and bring the car to a safe stop. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including rollover resistance.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata featured a comprehensive safety package, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, rearview monitor, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Highway Driving Assist and a blind-spot view monitor were standard on N Line and Ultimate Hybrid trims. The Sonata received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. The Sonata's child-seat anchors received an "Acceptable" rating.