2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The sedan's design updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the 5 Series maintained its classic BMW layout, with familiar elements like the touchscreen positioning and unique shifter design. While the interior materials varied by trim level, the Nappa leather option in the 540i xDrive test car added a touch of luxury, though the sporty steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata evolved from its earlier iterations, shedding its mimicry of competitors to establish a unique identity. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, featured a distinctive wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline, offering a bold design that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five. The Limited trim's leather seats were supportive, though the tan upholstery color was not universally appealing. The Sonata N Line added sporty elements like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhausts, transforming its appearance from mild to wild. The N Line's interior featured dark chrome trim and red stitching, enhancing its sporty character.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the base 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This entry-level model could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on tire choice. The 540i model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. It achieved zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive all-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and an electric range yet to be confirmed for 2021.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata exhibited a dual personality in terms of performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, offering a smooth and unassuming driving experience. The SEL Plus and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, providing adequate performance. However, the Sonata N Line stood out with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, delivering a more spirited driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive option available. The Sonata's ride and handling were competent, offering a smooth and quiet cabin environment.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered a spacious interior that matched its exterior proportions. Front-seat space was competitive, while the rear seats provided ample room for passengers. The 540i's trunk offered 14.0 cubic feet of space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats provided comfort and support, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, earning it a "Large Car" classification from the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were class-leading, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a full set of luggage. The Limited trim featured Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the car to maneuver into tight spots via the key fob, a feature that impressed onlookers during demonstrations.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the latest iDrive 7 system, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a rotary knob for control, though gesture controls were less intuitive. The voice control system responded to "Hey BMW" prompts, adding convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE models featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the SEL Plus and Limited upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim now included last year's Tech package as standard, offering features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was seamless, and the Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, enhancing the car's safety credentials.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and surround-view monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave the 2021 model top "Good" ratings in crash tests. The Sonata's child-seat anchors received an "Acceptable" rating.