2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exhibited a distinctive and commanding presence on the road, akin to majestic marine life. The car's lidded headlights, curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversized grille gave it an almost aquatic appearance. Critics found its high starting price of $40,750 for the base 330i substantial, rising up to $56,000 for the M340i with xDrive. However, the M340i’s driving experience justified this investment with its exceptional performance. The vehicle offered a variety of interior colors and materials for customization, exuding a higher quality than before. The test car highlighted featured an off-white Ivory leather interior contrasted with a Tanzanite Blue exterior, a significant upgrade costing an additional $1,950.

On the other hand, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata introduced a bold redesign with the N Line trim. Easily recognizable with its daringly distinctive design, the Sonata featured broader grilles and refined rear ends that gave it a love-it-or-hate-it appeal. The N Line's restyled front fascia included larger air intakes and gloss black accents on side mirrors and window surrounds, capped off with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. A black lip spoiler and four-outlet exhaust system added a sporty and stealthy visual hint of the performance enhancements underneath. Inside, the sporty seat covers featured premium Nappa leather and Dinamica suede inserts. Red stitching and aluminum pedal covers punctuated the interior with an athletic flair, complemented by dark chrome accents and a panoramic sunroof to amplify the spaciousness.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series addressed prior criticisms by making significant structural and suspension improvements, enhancing driving dynamics. The new M340i model came equipped with a robust turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine capable of producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, a rear M Sport differential, and M Sport brakes. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, the car offered an exhilarating driving experience. However, the transition to an 8-speed automatic transmission left some enthusiasts longing for the manual option. Paddle shifters provided satisfactory control, and various driving modes allowed customization for different driving conditions.

In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the powertrain offered drivers Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes. The Active Sound Design (ASD) system enhanced the engine note, while sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels with performance tires ensured a dynamic driving experience. Exploring twisty mountain roads, the Sonata N Line demonstrated impressive handling, responsiveness, and minimal body roll. The braking system was robust and reliable, and the DCT's N Power Shift function provided sharp gear changes, maximizing acceleration without excessive torque steer.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series ensured that both the driver and passengers experienced comfort and support. The front seats were notably supportive for spirited driving, while also comfortable for long trips, but lacked ventilated seat options. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once seated, passengers found exceptional comfort, though the narrow trunk's 17 cubic feet volume felt somewhat limiting despite official claims.

In the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, the front sport seats offered a balanced mix of comfort and lateral support. The interior accommodated both the driver and front passenger well, even with a manual seat height adjuster. Rear passengers appreciated the rear air conditioning vents and USB port, albeit with slightly compromised legroom and hard plastic seatback panels. With a roomy 16 cubic feet trunk, a hands-free Smart Trunk release, and a convenient 60/40-split folding rear seat, the Sonata N Line provided ample cargo space—though users would miss the insider lid handle, risking dirty hands when closing the trunk.

Once plagued by its early iterations, BMW's iDrive infotainment system in the 2020 3 Series represented a leap forward in user experience. The system offered a mix of touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, gesture control, and familiar console buttons. Though the controls were flatter and less tactile, the touchscreen was intuitive and easy to navigate. Optional gesture control and the “Hey, BMW” voice system added layers of interaction, making it easier to manage navigation, climate, and entertainment settings. The head-up display technology was a plus, visible even while wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a combination of a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, equipped with navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system. It supported HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a three-year Blue Link service subscription, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot. Absent a tuning knob, radio controls were a bit cumbersome, and users sometimes activated unwanted touch functions due to knob placement. Despite occasional inefficiencies in voice recognition, the system’s "Sounds of Nature" feature added a calming touch. Hyundai Digital Key turned Android devices into car keys, a neat but iPhone-excluding feature.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required both Driving Assistance option packages to access the full suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). While functional and effective, the components were sometimes abrupt, especially the lane-keeping assist. Nevertheless, BMW's car was praised by the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating with its adaptive full LED headlights.

Conversely, the Hyundai SmartSense system in the 2021 Sonata N Line was comprehensive, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, among others. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning systems. Highway Drive Assist, a Level 2 ADAS, worked reliably and smoothly, fostering driver confidence during use. While NHTSA and IIHS ratings were pending for the N Line, Hyundai’s standard Sonata benchmarks suggested strong occupant protection.