Compare the2023 BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeVS 2023 Hyundai Sonata

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Sonata doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Sonata doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Sonata doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Sonata have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the Sonata’s (12 vs. 7 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe first among small premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Sonata isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 20 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 13th.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has more powerful engines than the Sonata:

As tested in Consumer Reports the 228i Gran Coupe is faster than the Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl.:

As tested in Motor Trend the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe is faster than the Sonata N Line 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series Gran Coupe gets better mileage than the Sonata:

Regenerative brakes improve the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Sonata doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Regardless of its engine, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Hyundai only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the Sonata SE.

For better stopping power the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sonata:

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Sonata are solid, not vented.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe stops much shorter than the Sonata:

For better traction, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has larger standard tires than the Sonata (225/45R17 vs. 205/65R16).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sonata SE’s standard 65 series tires. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Sonata SEL Plus/N Line’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Sonata SE.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 2 Series Gran Coupe can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Sonata doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Sonata’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe handles at .91 G’s, while the Sonata SEL Plus pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Sonata SEL Plus (25.8 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 27 seconds @ .64 average G’s).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is 1 foot, 2.4 inches shorter than the Sonata, making the 2 Series Gran Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe is quieter than the Sonata Limited (36 vs. 37 dB).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the 2 Series Gran Coupe easier. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s trunk lift-over height is 24.5 inches, while the Sonata’s liftover is 27 inches.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Sonata’s useful trunk space.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series Gran offers cargo security. The Sonata’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Hyundai. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 35% lower rating, Hyundai is ranked 29th.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sonata’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the Sonata SEL/SEL Plus/Limited/N Line’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the 2 Series Gran Coupe the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Sonata can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Sonata’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Consumer Reports rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Sonata’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 2 Series Gran Coupe offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Sonata doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Sonata offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Sonata SEL/SEL Plus/Limited/N Line.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Sonata offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Sonata doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Hyundai Sonata, based on reliability, safety and performance.