2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous unremarkable appearance for a striking new look. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling, with its unique creases and folds forming a "Z" shape on the doors, gave the Elantra a distinct personality, setting it apart from both the Sonata and rival compact sedans. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality and design, offering a slightly above-average experience for its class, despite some hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series maintained its sporty and elegant design with subtle exterior updates. The narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights gave it a modern yet classic BMW look. The 3 Series featured standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. The M340i trim received exclusive design elements like a mesh-design kidney grille and trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the 3 Series showcased the new BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch curved display, creating a driver-centric cockpit. The minimalist dashboard design and high-quality materials added to the premium feel of the cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series continued with its established powertrains. The 330i and 330e featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the 330i producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the 330e offering a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The M340i, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All trims came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard and xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The 330i accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the M340i achieved it in 4.1 seconds. The 330e offered up to 22 miles of electric-only range.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality and comfort. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the interior offered clear instrumentation and ample storage options. The Elantra's seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to get in and out. The rear seat provided sufficient legroom, but taller passengers might find the headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating a weekend's worth of luggage. However, the narrow trunk opening and trunk lid support arms could be inconvenient. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a drawback.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a comfortable and well-designed interior. Front occupants enjoyed 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom, while rear passengers had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered good support, though the seat bottom cushion was somewhat stiff. The 3 Series featured ample storage options, including cup holders, rubberized trays, and a useable glovebox. The trunk provided 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with rear seats folding down in a 40/20/40 split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trims featured an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a fully digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging. Hyundai Digital Key was available on the N Line and Limited trims, allowing keyless entry and start via an Android smartphone. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the six-speaker audio system's performance was only adequate.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch curved display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and natural voice recognition via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and a one-year SiriusXM subscription. Optional features included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series also prioritized safety, earning a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. The Driving Assistance Package added active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and park-distance control. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered semi-autonomous driving systems like Extended Traffic Jam Assistance and Active Driving Assistant Pro. The 3 Series also featured optional safety enhancements like a head-up display, Parking Distance Control, and Drive Recorder.