2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with its own unique flair, moving away from imitation to create a distinctive design. The seventh-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a bold look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though the material quality was average for the segment. The Limited trim boasted leather seats, but the tan upholstery color was not universally appealing. For those seeking a sportier aesthetic, the Sonata N Line offered aggressive styling with unique exterior and interior touches, transforming the car's appearance from mild to wild.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, exuded luxury and sophistication. The E-Class was available in various body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, offering versatility unmatched by competitors. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim, was a visual delight. The design purity of modern Mercedes vehicles was evident, with the AMG styling and larger wheels enhancing its character. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet was a haven of luxury, featuring high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather. The car's interior was designed to provide comfort and opulence, making it a standout choice for those seeking a high-end driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and unassuming driving experience. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available on the SEL Plus and Limited trims, delivered 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Sonata featured a drive mode selector for added versatility. The Sonata N Line, however, was the performance-oriented variant, boasting a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, offering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust performance across a wide rev range, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was efficiently delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet featured AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system further enhanced the driving experience, making the E53 Cabriolet a versatile and exhilarating vehicle.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered 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 among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was generous, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the Sonata to maneuver into tight parking spots autonomously, adding convenience to the driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, providing comfort for both front and rear occupants. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system ensured comfort in cooler weather. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin quiet and cool in hot weather. The E53 Cabriolet's trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, though this was reduced when the top was down. The car's interior featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing long-distance comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration, while higher trims like the SEL Plus and Limited offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The SEL trim included the Tech package as standard, adding features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system was particularly impressive, delivering excellent sound quality and value.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, renowned for its user-friendly interface and advanced capabilities. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the system's foundation, offering high-resolution displays. MBUX could be controlled via touchscreen, voice commands, or steering wheel buttons, and it included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The Burmester surround-sound audio system provided exceptional sound quality, while the head-up display added convenience. The system's complexity required some acclimation, but it was intuitive for those familiar with modern technology.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for side crash protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but the structurally similar 2021 Sonata received top ratings in crash tests.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound systems prepared the cabin and occupants for potential collisions. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The package's adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive, enhancing the driving experience.