2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid

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 Premium packages.

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, enhancing the car's stance. 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, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

Honda’s press department exhibited a touch of nostalgia during a week spent with a 2023 Accord Hybrid in range-topping Touring trim. The test drive included scenic routes in New York’s Hudson Valley and a stopover in Accord, N.Y., the backdrop for the original Accord’s 1977 U.S. sales brochure. The 2023 Accord’s elegant exterior often drew comparisons to luxury sedans like the Audi A7, thanks to its sleek lines and refined design.

The 2023 Accord was approximately three inches longer than its predecessor, featuring a redesigned front grille, updated LED lighting, and a more upright front grille. The Touring trim, starting at $38,435, included seven exterior colors and 19-inch alloy wheels with black accents. The interior boasted a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The test vehicle had Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and a black leather interior, with optional gray leather available with select exterior colors.

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 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The M340i's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the optional Adaptive M Suspension further improving handling.

The M340i's performance was thrilling, with quick acceleration and precise handling, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons. The car's driving experience was intimate and driver-focused, with a comfortable driving position and supportive front sport seats. The M340i's transmission behaved flawlessly, and the car's overall driving dynamics were impressive, making it a standout in the sports sedan segment.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain provided smooth and efficient performance, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a balanced ride that was neither too firm nor too soft.

The Accord Hybrid's regenerative braking system was upgraded to six levels of regen, making it easier to fine-tune the driving experience. The car's agile handling and comfortable ride made it relaxing to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder its maneuverability in tight spots. The Accord Hybrid's performance was adequate for highway merges and passing maneuvers, making it a practical and efficient choice for daily driving.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered a traditional four-door sedan design with a focus on driving satisfaction without sacrificing passenger comfort and practicality. The power-adjustable front sport seats provided ample support, and the driving position was comfortable and driver-focused. Rear seat passengers had enough legroom for four relatively tall people, though the center rear seating position was less practical. The M340i featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package.

Interior storage space was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space. The back seat had a 40/20/40-split folding design with a center armrest pass-through, adding utility. However, the lack of ventilated front seats was an odd omission. Overall, the M340i's interior combined quality materials with a technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted the layout used in Honda’s Civic and CR-V models, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim hiding the dash-mounted air vents. The infotainment screen was prominently placed atop the dashboard, with convenient buttons and dials for climate control within easy reach. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, adding to the Accord's upscale feel. The traditional gearshift lever replaced the previous version's button-based system, providing a more intuitive and convenient experience.

The front seats were redesigned for better support, offering plenty of comfort during long drives. Rear seat legroom and shoulder room were generous, though headroom was slightly compromised by the sleek roofline. Trunk space was ample at 16.7 cubic feet, with a low load floor making it easy to access. The Accord Hybrid's interior combined practicality with an upscale feel, making it a comfortable and functional choice for families.

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 a navigation system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The car also included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. However, the previously available 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was no longer offered.

The Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability, enhancing the car's safety and convenience features.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's non-hybrid version featured a 7-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument display, while the Hybrid upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, “Hey Google” virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. The 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports added to the car's tech offerings.

The Accord Hybrid's infotainment system was easy to navigate, with intuitive menus and clear graphics. The physical volume knob and climate control buttons were appreciated, and the advanced tech features in the Touring trim justified the higher price. The Accord Hybrid's technology package provided a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, making it a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment.

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 a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package further enhanced safety with lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for semi-autonomous driving.

The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including for rollover resistance. The car's safety features worked as advertised, with lane-keeping assist being particularly effective. The 3 Series' safety package provided comprehensive protection, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a robust set of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a head-up display. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on all trims, including the Touring model.

The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests, headlights, crash avoidance, and child seat compatibility. The car's next-generation airbags and slimmer front A-pillars improved safety and visibility. The Accord Hybrid's comprehensive safety features and high safety ratings made it a top choice for families.