2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

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 flair and personality, setting it apart from its competitors. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, featured a distinctive wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with clear gauges and average material quality. The N Line variant added sporty touches like a body kit and unique interior elements, enhancing its appeal for those seeking a more aggressive style.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series maintained its status as a cornerstone of the brand, with a subtle yet sporty exterior refresh. The narrow kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights contributed to its sleek appearance. Inside, the 3 Series showcased the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch curved display, creating a driver-centric cockpit. The minimalist dashboard design and intuitive controls enhanced the driving experience, while the M Sport package added sporty exterior elements for a more dynamic look.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, while the Sonata N Line boasted a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the N Line featured a sport suspension and dual-clutch transmission for a more spirited drive. The Sonata was front-wheel drive only, providing a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series continued with its established powertrains, including a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six for the M340i. The 330i produced 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, while the 330e offered a combined 288 hp with electric assist. The M340i delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The 3 Series featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive, except for the PHEV. It offered a balanced ride with precise steering, making it a capable performer on various terrains.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata provided 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by NRCan standards. Front-seat headroom and legroom were generous, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 453-litre trunk was spacious, and features like Remote Smart Parking Assist added convenience.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior with 982 mm of front headroom and 1,066 mm of legroom. Rear passengers had 955 mm of headroom and 894 mm of legroom. The 481-litre trunk accommodated various luggage configurations, and the 40/20/40-split rear seats provided flexibility. Standard features included SensaTec upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats, enhancing comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment varied by trim, with base models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims offering a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a Bose audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Bose system impressed with its clarity and power.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the iDrive 8 system with a 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker audio system, with options for wireless charging and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star NHTSA rating and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though some trims had "Marginal" headlight ratings.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series also earned a five-star NHTSA rating, with standard safety features like collision warning and automatic braking. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The 2022 model was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short in headlight ratings.