2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2022 BMW i4's design was a blend of traditional and modern elements, closely resembling the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe. Its oversized grille was a point of contention, and the term "Gran Coupe" added to the confusion, as it was essentially a four-door sedan with a rear hatch. Despite these quirks, the i4 boasted improved aerodynamics over its gasoline counterpart, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base model and 0.25 for the M50. BMW achieved this through various design tweaks, including a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The i4's interior struck a balance between minimalism and classic BMW styling, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality was up to BMW's standards, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days of mimicking the Honda Accord. By the seventh generation, the Sonata had developed its own distinctive style, with a wide grille and sloped rear roofline. The interior was spacious, offering 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. The Sonata's cabin was functional, with clearly marked gauges and comfortable leather seats in the Limited trim. The N Line variant added sporty touches, transforming the Sonata's appearance with features like a body kit and dual exhaust. The N Line's interior also featured unique sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding personality to the cabin.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance with its electric powertrains. The base i4 eDrive40 produced 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor setup, delivered 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4's handling was commendable, thanks to its low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The Dynamic Handling Package further enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride and precise steering. The i4's regenerative braking system, while innovative, had mixed reviews regarding its adaptive recuperation feature.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft was available for the SEL Plus and Limited trims. The Sonata N Line stood out with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's performance was particularly engaging. The Sonata provided a smooth ride and competent handling, with a quiet cabin that rivaled more luxurious brands.

The 2022 BMW i4's interior was designed with efficiency in mind, offering a low seating position despite the battery pack beneath. However, the fastback roof limited headroom, and the seats felt flat and hard. The i4's cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet, less than its competitors, and it lacked a front trunk. The center console was efficiently designed, but the wireless charging pad was too small for larger phones.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata excelled in interior space, with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space and a 16-cubic-foot trunk. The cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the front seats. Rear-seat space was adequate for two adults, and the trunk could accommodate a full set of luggage. The Sonata's Remote Smart Parking Assist was a standout feature, allowing the car to park itself with the push of a button.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system. Optional features included a head-up display and Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level. Base models had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim included the Tech package as standard, adding features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system was praised for its power and clarity, offering excellent value.

The 2022 BMW i4 came with standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear park assist. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model received top ratings from the IIHS in crash tests.