2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 was the pinnacle of the lineup. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Pro and Adaptive M Suspension.

The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. The optional Cooling and High-Performance Tire package added 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color contrasted sharply with the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials and a technical design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline. The interior was functional and spacious, with seating for five passengers. The Limited trim test car had leather seats, though the tan upholstery color was not to everyone's taste. The Sonata N Line offered a sportier look with a body kit, gloss black accents, and N badging. The N Line's cabin featured dark chrome trim, red stitching, and unique N-brand sport seats with premium leather bolsters and simulated suede inserts.

The Sonata's interior space was generous, with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist feature was a standout, allowing the car to drive itself forward or backward with the press of a button on the key fob.

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 and 368 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, and M Sport brakes contributed to its impressive handling and driving dynamics. The M340i returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The SEL Plus and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The Sonata N Line, with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a sportier driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's sport suspension and tuned exhaust added to its performance appeal. The Sonata offered a smooth ride, competent handling, and a quiet cabin.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. The rear seat offered adequate legroom for four tall passengers, though the center rear seat was less comfortable. The 3 Series had a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available in the Premium package. The 17-cubic-foot trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added to the car's practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist feature was a standout, allowing the car to drive itself forward or backward with the press of a button on the key fob.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and navigation. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system were standard. The Driving Assistance Professional package added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim. Base SE versions had an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. Higher trims, including the SEL Plus, Limited, and N Line, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, and dynamic voice recognition. The Limited trim also included Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring 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. The Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The SEL trim added blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-centering assistance. The Limited trim featured a blind-spot view monitor, rear park assist, and a surround-view monitor. The Sonata received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS for the 2021 model.