2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, with its lineup including the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, offered a range of powertrains and price points, starting from $41,450 and reaching up to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each model had its unique engine configuration, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology for an electric range of 23 miles. The M340i, known for its performance, boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, enhancing its dynamic handling. The M3 stood as the high-performance variant. The M340i test vehicle, adorned in Barbera Red special-order paint, combined with Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, showcased a blend of style and performance. It included various packages like Driving Assistance, Premium, and Adaptive M Suspension, culminating in a price of $67,390. The M340i's exterior design, with its exclusive grille, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, exuded appeal, while the interior offered a technical design with quality materials, focusing on driving enjoyment.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous inconspicuous image for a striking new look. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, had its unique personality, with distinctive creases forming a "Z" shape on the doors. The interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average feel for the compact car class, despite some hard plastics. The Elantra was available in four trims: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with the Hybrid variant in Blue and Limited trims. The test car, a Scarlet Red Pearl Elantra N Line, featured sporty styling elements like N Line design fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, N Line sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel added to its sporty appeal, though the low seating position and lack of lumbar support could be uncomfortable on long drives.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm, and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, with power directed to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i's performance was impressive, with BMW claiming a 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds. The car's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring an optional Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i excelled in handling, providing a thrilling driving experience with precise response and a good feel for the road. Despite the absence of a manual gearbox, the automatic transmission performed flawlessly, making the M340i a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, with the SE, SEL, and Limited trims featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed DCT. The N Line trim, aimed at driving enthusiasts, had a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The test car, equipped with the DCT, offered Drive Mode Select, enhancing driving dynamics with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and larger front brake rotors contributed to its confident handling. However, the sport seats, while supportive, could be uncomfortable on long journeys.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its sporty driving dynamics, maintained passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats, providing ample support and a perfect driving position. The rear seat offered adequate legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center position was less practical. The interior included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with optional heated front and rear seats. The 3 Series provided decent interior storage and a 17 cubic-foot trunk, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the absence of ventilated front seats was notable.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra, with its compact size, was easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The interior offered clear instrumentation and controls, with comfortable seating, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The Elantra accommodated three children comfortably in the rear seat, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. The trunk, with 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, was adequate for a weekend's worth of luggage, though the narrow opening could be challenging. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a drawback.

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. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including voice recognition. The car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro added BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional Premium package included a head-up display, though it was challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package offered advanced safety features, including a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trims featured an eight-speaker Bose audio system and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Hyundai Digital Key, standard on N Line and Limited trims, allowed unlocking and starting the car via an Android smartphone. The infotainment system was easy to pair with a smartphone, though the six-speaker audio system was only adequate.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a basic safety tech package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

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