2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. However, it served as an affordable entry-level option for those aspiring to own a BMW, complete with the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to the M Sport Package or M235i, and a new adaptive damping suspension. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, M double-spoke alloy wheels, extra-cost paint, leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging, with an MSRP of $48,595.

The design of the 2 Series Gran Coupe was a challenge due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed visual tricks like large LED headlights, grilles, and air intakes to mitigate the perception of excessive front overhang. The cabin was pulled back to improve the dashboard-to-axle ratio, and the tapering roofline extended the car's appearance, culminating in a busy rear end inspired by BMW's Sports Activity Coupes. Inside, the 2 Series Gran Coupe adhered to modern BMW design with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather was appealing. Despite being an entry-level BMW, the car didn't look or feel that way when equipped with features like those in the test car.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, in its seventh generation, showcased a significant evolution from its early years when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai learned from its competitors, gradually improving the Sonata's quality and design while maintaining a competitive price. The 2022 model featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a distinctive look that might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, clear gauges and dials, and average material quality for the segment. The Limited trim test car featured comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery color was not to everyone's taste. The Sonata N Line offered a sportier appearance with a body kit, gloss black accents, and N badging, transforming the car's look from mild to wild. The N Line's cabin featured dark chrome trim and red stitching, with unique N-brand sport seats and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could credibly serve as an "ultimate driving machine." While some, like George Kennedy, were skeptical, others found the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe comparable to the revered Volkswagen GTI, both featuring a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The BMW offered xDrive all-wheel drive, enhancing its performance on various road surfaces. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, powered by a turbocharged inline-four paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and performance-enhancing technology. The car's M Sport Package equipped it with M Sport steering, providing a swift, sharp, and direct driving experience. The suspension was firm but manageable, and the Gran Coupe felt glued to the road, though the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit of adhesion. The car averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a split personality in terms of performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a quiet and non-threatening driving experience. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, making 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, powered the SEL Plus and Limited trims. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters standard on the 1.6-liter turbo. The Sonata N Line, in contrast, featured a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, offering a more aggressive and spirited driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive option. The Sonata provided a smooth ride, competent handling, and a serene cabin, offering near Genesis-like levels of quiet.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats that were snug but comfortable. Storage was adequate, though entry and exit were not effortless due to the car's low-slung design. The Gran Coupe's rear seat and extra doors were not particularly convincing, as rear entry required contorting, and space was limited. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility. However, the car lacked the full sportback treatment of BMW's other Gran Coupe models.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top of the class, while shoulder room was average. Rear-seat space was adequate for two adults, but a third passenger would find it cramped. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete three-piece set of rolling luggage with room to spare. The Remote Smart Parking Assist, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the car to drive itself forward or backward with the press of a button on the key fob, making tight parking spots more manageable.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional round analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a fully digital 10.25-inch display, paired with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services, with over-the-air updates. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car featured a premium sound system with ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available for stereo volume and station changes. A full-color head-up display was also included, though it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE versions featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, a 12-volt outlet, and a rearview camera. The SEL added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. The SEL Plus, Limited, and N Line trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, wireless device charging, and dynamic voice recognition. The SEL trim included the Tech package as standard, with features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was easy, and the Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, though the test car did not have this upgrade. The Active Driving Assistant included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning with intervention, and a speed limit information system. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance systems were effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, rearview monitor, and Rear Occupant Alert. The SEL trim added blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-centering assistance, and Safe Exit Assist. The Limited trim featured a blind-spot view monitor, rear park assist, and surround-view monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the 2021 Sonata top "Good" ratings in crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.