2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 BMW 3 Series

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of awe reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design, featuring lidded headlights, a curved hood, wide air intakes, and an oversized grille, gave it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and reaching $69,570 with options, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was praised for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of colors and materials, with high-quality leather and a sophisticated design that emphasized BMW's commitment to quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a head-turner with its sleek, fastback profile and elegant design, making it hard to believe it was a Hyundai creation. The Sonata's transformation was remarkable, with features like the coolest LED running lights, a wide grille, and a black ducktail spoiler. The interior was luxurious, with big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, rivaling even luxury brands. The Sonata Hybrid's design and craftsmanship elevated Hyundai's reputation, making it a standout in the family car segment.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was a testament to BMW's engineering prowess. With significant structural and suspension changes, the M340i trim featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The car's handling was enhanced by the rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic transmission, combined with paddle shifters, provided a thrilling driving experience, with the M340i xDrive accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a different kind of performance. Its 2.0-liter engine, paired with a 51-hp electric motor, delivered a total of 192 hp. The six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving feel compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. While not as powerful as the BMW, the Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the Blue trim achieving 50 mpg city and 54 mpg highway. The car's silent interior, plush ride, and competent chassis made it a comfortable and efficient choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered a comfortable and supportive interior, with high-quality leather seats and a heated steering wheel. However, rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward. The car's controls were a mix of intuitive and cryptic, with a well-integrated widescreen infotainment system. Storage space was generous for a BMW, with a 17-cubic-foot trunk, though its narrow design limited its practicality.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim featured solar panels that provided additional driving range and headroom. The rear cabin was spacious, with ample legroom, heated seats, and manual side-window shades. Cargo space was impressive at 16 cubic feet, with a cleverly hidden trunk release. The interior boasted a push-button gear selector, dual-zone climate control, and a high-res digital dash, making it a luxurious and user-friendly environment.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with multiple ways to interact, including a knob and buttons on the center console. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was excellent, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a standout feature, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link. The digital key, blind-spot camera feeds, and voice recognition added to the car's high-tech appeal. The Highway Driving Assist and head-up display provided detailed information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for the full suite of advanced driving assistance systems. While the systems were accurate, they lacked smoothness. The car received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear emergency braking. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.