2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that deviated from the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek, aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, in particular, showcased a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. The interior was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The 2 Series Coupe offered a standard 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an upgrade to a 10.25-inch display available. Despite its high-end vibe, some areas revealed cost-cutting measures, such as the use of plastics in certain components.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, adopting a striking new look that set it apart from its predecessors. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average feel for the compact car class. The Elantra was available in four trims, with the N Line providing sporty styling elements and a more engaging driving experience. The Elantra's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for small families.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe delivered impressive performance with its turbocharged engines. The 230i Coupe featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick responses. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, enhancing its handling and dynamics.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on SE, SEL, and Limited trims produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. The N Line trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided confident handling, while the DCT offered crisp shifts. The Elantra's drive modes allowed for a tailored driving experience, with Sport mode enhancing steering feedback and engine responsiveness.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with limited rear seat space suitable for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but the slanted roofline and shorter trunk lid posed challenges for rear headroom and cargo loading. The 2 Series provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and excellent visibility. The Elantra accommodated three children comfortably in the back seat, though taller adults might find the rear headroom limited. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for a weekend's worth of luggage. The trunk's narrow opening required some effort to access the rear area, but the Elantra's overall storage capacity was commendable. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof had a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and connected services. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional head-up display and Live Cockpit Professional upgrade. The 2 Series offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, including an 8-inch display audio touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The Hyundai Digital Key allowed for keyless entry and start via an Android-compatible smartphone. The Elantra's infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless Apple CarPlay integration.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured Active Driving Assistant, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety options included adaptive front LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder captured driving footage before and after a collision. The 2 Series had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive SmartSense suite with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS.