Fans of the new Hyundai Sonata have discovered this family sedan's radical styling upgrades, smooth transmission, and one of the best infotainment systems in the segment. After testing the 2020 Sonata, we only had a couple of requests for Hyundai - a sportier ride and a more powerful engine. Now Hyundai delivers on both in the new 2021 Sonata N Line.
The high-performance Sonata arrives in dealerships this November joining the i30N, i30 Fastback N, and the Veloster N in the N Line family. The Sonata N Line will start at $33,200 which is $10,000 more than the base 2021 Sonata. Is the price premium worth it? Let's take a look at the benefits of Hyundai's 'N' lineup and the Sonata N Line's unique performance and styling features.
Performance
Hyundai has identified three pillars around which all of its N Line Models are designed. These include precise control for carving through corners, race track capability, and everyday sports car practicality. The Sonata becomes Hyundai's latest vehicle to get outfitted with the N Line badge, and from the sound of it, will be a blast to drive.
The Sonata N Line's list of performance advantage starts with the new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Hyundai has taken the engine of the 2020 Sonata, added a turbocharger, a new cylinder head, and unique internals for 290 horsepower (up from 191 in the standard Sonata) and 311 lb-ft of torque. A new N Eight-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission offers improved acceleration, efficiency, and ride comfort.
Keeping with the N Line pillars, the Sonata N Line is designed to automatically sense driving styles and road conditions to optimize shift points. For example, it will hold lower gears longer during performance driving for better acceleration out of corners. When driving aggressively on a twisty road, the N Line uses the full range of available engine RPM for optimal performance. The N Line also gets chassis improvements, a specially tuned dampener for handling, launch control, and an active sound design for increased engine sound for added thrills.
Styling
The Sonata N Line shows off its new high-performance capability with unique exterior and interior styling. Based on the Sonata SEL, the N Line adds sporty design elements such as a unique body kit with a deeper front fascia, four exhaust pipes instead of the standard 2, 19-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, panoramic sunroof, glossy black side mirrors, and window surround, N badging, and full LED taillights.
The sporty N Line design carries through to the interior with N sport front seats that feature Nappa leather bolsters and suede inserts, a leather-wrapped N sport steering wheel, 12.3-inch LCD cluster display, aluminum pedals, and LED interior lighting with ambient lighting. Drivers will enjoy tech features including wireless charging, Hyundai's Digital Key, and a large 10.25-inch HD infotainment screen. Shoppers will be able to find the 2021 Sonata N Line at most dealerships this month with a starting MSRP of $33,200.
