2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2022 BMW 3 Series scores 8.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice, offering a combination of distinctive design, advanced safety features, and excellent fuel efficiency.
Choose the 2022 BMW 3 Series if:
- You desire a thrilling driving experience with exceptional handling and performance.
- You prefer a luxurious and driver-focused interior with advanced technology.
- You value a high level of safety with top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
Choose the 2021 Hyundai Elantra if:
- You want a distinctive and modern design with a range of powertrain options.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid model.
- You seek advanced safety features and driver assistance systems.
Overview | |
MSRP$19,650 | MSRP$41,450 |
Average price$17,910 | Average price$34,522 |
Listings1074 | Listings713 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Hyundai Elantra Reviews SummaryCompact cars are no longer compact. Cheap cars are no longer cheap. And it is no longer necessary to buy a luxury vehicle for performance, technology, and sophistication. The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra proves it. | |
2022 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummaryFour years ago, the seventh-generation BMW 3 Series sedan arrived wearing an evolutionary design and a traditionally conservative appearance. While BMW has expanded the lineup to add plug-in hybrid and performance-tuned models and has tweaked the car’s available colors and features, the 2022 3 Series remains essentially the same as it has since 2019. Every 3 Series has the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with navigation this year, and BMW makes minor changes to the standard and optional equipment lists. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 147 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City31 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City31 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.2 cu ft | Cargo Space13.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight2725 lbs | Curb Weight3560 lbs |
Height55.7 in | Height56.8 in |
Length184.1 in | Length185.7 in |
Width71.9 in | Width81.4 in |
Wheelbase107.1 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload1133 lbs | Maximum Payload836 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2022 BMW 3 Series scores 8.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice, offering a combination of distinctive design, advanced safety features, and excellent fuel efficiency.
Choose the 2022 BMW 3 Series if:
Shop Now- You desire a thrilling driving experience with exceptional handling and performance.
- You prefer a luxurious and driver-focused interior with advanced technology.
- You value a high level of safety with top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
Choose the 2021 Hyundai Elantra if:
Shop Now- You want a distinctive and modern design with a range of powertrain options.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid model.
- You seek advanced safety features and driver assistance systems.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $19,650 | $41,450 |
Average price | $17,910 | $34,522 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 8.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Compact cars are no longer compact. Cheap cars are no longer cheap. And it is no longer necessary to buy a luxury vehicle for performance, technology, and sophistication. The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra proves it. | Four years ago, the seventh-generation BMW 3 Series sedan arrived wearing an evolutionary design and a traditionally conservative appearance. While BMW has expanded the lineup to add plug-in hybrid and performance-tuned models and has tweaked the car’s available colors and features, the 2022 3 Series remains essentially the same as it has since 2019. Every 3 Series has the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with navigation this year, and BMW makes minor changes to the standard and optional equipment lists. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 147 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 31 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 147 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 31 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.2 cu ft | 13.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2725 lbs | 3560 lbs |
Height | 55.7 in | 56.8 in |
Length | 184.1 in | 185.7 in |
Width | 71.9 in | 81.4 in |
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1133 lbs | 836 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was a standout in the compact sedan segment, thanks to Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles gave it a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to help the Elantra stand out and break conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra’s styling was more attractive with higher trim levels, and the interior, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited trims, offered a modern and upscale look with light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements.
In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, featured a more traditional yet sporty design. The M340i came with power-adjustable front sport seats that provided ample support and a perfect driving position. The rear seats offered enough legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center rear seat was less practical. The 3 Series also boasted a 17 cubic-foot trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The interior was driver-focused but not snug, providing a comfortable and practical environment for both driver and passengers.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. It returned 31.4 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA estimate of 35 mpg. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, produced 139 horsepower and achieved 42.2 mpg in combined driving. The sporty Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering a fun driving experience with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, provided an exhilarating drive with advanced features like an electronic limited-slip differential and electronically controlled suspension.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, close to the EPA rating of 26 mpg. The M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and paddle shifters. The car’s M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, and optional Adaptive M Suspension contributed to its exceptional handling and driving dynamics. The M340i provided a thrilling driving experience, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons with precision and grace.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offering a roomy interior. The driver’s seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat provided ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle could be improved. The Elantra’s trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, and some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. The rear seats offered enough legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center rear seat was less practical. The car came with a three-zone automatic climate control system, and the Premium package added a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The 3 Series had a 17 cubic-foot trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the lack of ventilated front seats was an odd omission.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, though it lost wireless smartphone integration. The Limited Hybrid’s voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a Hyundai spokesperson demonstrated better performance in another car. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key for Android-based smartphones.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a gesture control system. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant for conversational voice recognition. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. It came standard with SmartSense, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional safety features included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist, offering a high level of smoothness and accuracy.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and city-speed automatic emergency braking. The optional Driving Assistance package added a blind-spot monitoring system, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.
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