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 refined the Sonata's design, giving it a unique flair and personality. The seventh-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, creating a distinctive look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though the material quality was average. The Limited trim boasted leather seats, but the tan upholstery color was not universally appealing. The Sonata N Line added sporty touches, transforming its appearance with a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhaust outlets, while the interior featured dark chrome trim and red stitching for added personality.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series maintained its status as the heart of the Bavarian brand, with a mid-cycle refresh for the model year. The exterior design changes were subtle yet sporty, with a narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights. The 3 Series offered a range of trims, including the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The interior featured 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 elements like an M leather steering wheel and aluminum interior finish.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and competent ride. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available on the SEL Plus and Limited trims, delivered 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The Sonata N Line, however, stood out with its 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, offering a more exhilarating driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and while the ride and handling were competent, the lack of all-wheel drive was a notable omission.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous model years, offering a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor assist, delivered a combined output of 288 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, featuring a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 3 Series provided a balanced blend of performance and fuel efficiency, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the midsize sedan segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the Sonata to drive itself forward or backward in tight parking spots, adding a touch of convenience.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of front headroom and 42 inches of legroom. Rear occupants had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom, providing ample space for average-sized adults. The standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered good support, though the seat bottom cushion was on the stiff side. The 3 Series featured a 17-cubic-foot trunk, with rear seats folding down in a 40/20/40 split for added cargo flexibility. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel and remote start.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level, with base SE models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. Higher trims, including the SEL Plus, Limited, and N Line, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The Bose audio system was praised for its power and clarity, offering excellent value for the price.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive and easy to use, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Available options included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view monitor. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, with top ratings in side crash protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but the structurally similar 2021 Sonata received top "Good" ratings in all crash tests.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick nod from the IIHS, though it fell short of the "Plus" distinction due to poor headlight ratings. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard with frontal collision warning. Additional safety features were available in packages, including the Driving Assistance Package with active blind spot detection and lane-departure warning, and the Driving Assistance Professional Package with semi-autonomous driving systems.