2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with more distinctive styling, setting it apart from its competitors. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a unique look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though the material quality was average for the segment. The N Line variant added sporty touches, transforming the Sonata's appearance with features like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhaust outlets, while the interior boasted dark chrome trim and red stitching for added personality.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, showcasing its versatility. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, exuded luxury with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim. The E-Class design was characterized by a modern purity, with AMG styling and intricate wheels enhancing its appeal. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet featured high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather, creating an opulent atmosphere. The convertible's Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence, while heated seats and a neck-warming Airscarf system ensured comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, powered the Sport and Luxury trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Sonata featured a drive mode selector. The Sonata N Line stood out with its 290-hp, turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, delivering a more spirited driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the ride quality was smooth, with a quiet cabin.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet boasted a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was effectively delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet featured AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, an AMG-tuned air suspension, and an AMG performance exhaust system. The convertible offered a dual personality, providing a quiet and comfortable ride for leisurely drives, while transforming into a dynamic performer on twisty roads. The E53 Cabriolet's AWD system and heated features made it suitable for year-round driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin offered 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a three-piece set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, allowed the Sonata to manoeuvre in and out of tight parking spots with ease.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet provided comfortable seating for four adults, with an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet, while multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system enhanced long-distance comfort. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, but this was reduced when the top was down.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level. Base SE models featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone connectivity. Higher trims, like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless charging. The Bose audio system impressed with its power and clarity, offering excellent value for the price.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was user-friendly, with touchscreen, voice, and steering wheel controls. MBUX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car's Burmester surround-sound audio system delivered exceptional sound quality. The digital assistant occasionally misinterpreted commands in convertible mode due to wind noise.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. The Sonata's advanced driving assistance aids worked seamlessly, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for a collision and protecting occupants' hearing. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and other advanced features, enhancing the E-Class's safety credentials.