2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, a midsize sedan, had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with its own unique flair, distinguishing it 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 distinctive 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 Sonata N Line variant added sporty touches, transforming its appearance from mild to wild, with features like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhaust outlets.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained its reputation for luxury and elegance. The S-Class, following a complete makeover in 2021, continued to impress with its sleek design and long, low profile. The exterior exuded elegance, with a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament. Inside, the S-Class boasted a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a serene and luxurious environment for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and unassuming driving experience. A turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, was available for the Sport and Luxury trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, however, stood out with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, delivering a more spirited and dynamic performance. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, lacking an all-wheel-drive option.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, on the other hand, offered a more powerful and sophisticated performance. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, providing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, also with EQ Boost. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive. Despite their weight, the S-Class models were quick off the line, with the S500 reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with impressive handling and braking capabilities.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata provided a spacious cabin with 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 complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, allowed the Sonata to park itself, impressing onlookers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and comfortable interior. The cabin featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk. The front seats offered rapid-heating, active multicontour features, and optional ventilated and massaging functions. The Executive Rear Seating package, exclusive to the S580, catered to rear passengers with a 43-degree recline, power calf rest, and footrest. The S-Class also included soft-close doors, ensuring a quiet and refined experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of infotainment options, with base models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Bose system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen and the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The S-Class also featured a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel, with an optional 3D instrument cluster. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display provided advanced driver assistance. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system for an immersive experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. The Sonata's advanced driving assistance systems worked seamlessly, providing a safe and secure driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, and active brake assist. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems, preparing the vehicle for imminent collisions. The car-to-x communication system allowed the S-Class to share warning messages about road conditions. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.