2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai refined the Sonata, adding unique design elements and improving quality while maintaining a competitive price. The seventh-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020, featured a distinctive wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though the material quality was average. The Limited trim boasted comfortable leather seats, albeit with a polarizing tan upholstery color. For those seeking a sportier look, the Sonata N Line provided aggressive styling cues and a more dynamic interior with sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded luxury and sophistication. The S 580e plug-in hybrid model featured optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers, adding a touch of sportiness to its elegant design. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester showcasing Sienna Brown and Black leather. The cabin was a haven of comfort, with massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, and superb fit and finish. The S-Class also included unique features like ridiculously soft headrests and the Energizing Comfort wellness program, which combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls to enhance the driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and unassuming driving experience. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available on the SEL Plus and Limited trims, delivered 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering a bit more pep. The Sonata N Line, however, was the performance standout with a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, making it a thrilling choice for enthusiasts. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and while the ride was smooth and quiet, the lack of all-wheel drive was a notable omission.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. The plug-in hybrid powertrain produced an impressive 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing the S 580e to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, although there was a slight jerk when downshifting into first gear. The S-Class excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The hybrid mode offered smooth transitions between electric and gas power, and drivers could adjust brake regeneration for a personalized driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were generous, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was roomy, accommodating a three-piece set of rolling luggage. A standout feature was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the Sonata to park itself with the press of a button on the key fob.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxury features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The ambient lighting system offered 64 colors for a customizable atmosphere. The S-Class also featured the Energizing Comfort wellness program, combining various elements to enhance the driving experience. While the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet in the S 580e, the standard S-Class offered 12.9 cubic feet. The interior provided ample storage with small cubbies and a spacious center armrest.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim, with base models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a native navigation system with augmented reality, and a variety of games for entertainment. The Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the system's natural-language AI assistant was responsive and helpful.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the 2021 model top "Good" ratings in crash tests.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered an extensive array of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a hands-on highway driver-assist system. The S-Class also featured Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist for added safety. However, the S-Class had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.