2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely mimicked the Honda Accord. Initially criticized for its lack of originality and quality, Hyundai gradually improved the Sonata by learning from its competitors. By the seventh generation, the Sonata showcased a distinctive design with a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with clear gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim featured comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery color was not universally appealing. The Sonata N Line added sporty touches like a body kit, gloss black accents, and unique N-brand sport seats, transforming its look from mild to wild.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year’s complete makeover. The S-Class, rooted in a long history dating back to 1954, represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedans. The exterior was sleek, with a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, exuding elegance. The interior featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. High-quality materials were meticulously fitted throughout the cabin, providing a luxurious and comfortable environment for all passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of performance options. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a quiet and docile driving experience. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available in the SEL Plus and Limited trims, delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered a more aggressive and sporty driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the ride was smooth and quiet, making it a competent choice for daily driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured advanced powertrains. The S500 model came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from the EQ Boost system. The S580 model had a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from the EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. Despite their weight, both models offered flat and predictable handling, powerful braking, and impressive fuel efficiency, with the S500 achieving up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata provided 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. The front seats offered ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for two adults. The 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the Sonata to drive itself forward or backward with the press of a button, making tight parking spots more manageable.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The 13.8-cubic-foot trunk offered ample storage space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The driver and front passenger seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage functions. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded the rear seats with additional comfort and entertainment features. The soft-close doors added a touch of convenience and luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level. The base SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration. The SEL added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. Higher trims, including the SEL Plus, Limited, and N Line, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology. The 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D Surround system adding headrest speakers for an immersive sound experience. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering further enhanced the S-Class's performance and maneuverability.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Higher trims added features like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave the 2021 model top ratings in all crash tests.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with advanced safety features. Magic Vision Control adjusted windshield spray for optimal visibility. Driver assistance features included adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist, and active lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and a rear-seat belt bag for added safety. The car-to-x communication system shared warning messages about road conditions, enhancing overall safety.