2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line review: performance, price and standard features

Come to think of it, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line makes a compelling case for a performance-focused family sedan. Hyundai recently announced the starting MSRP, performance specs and standard features list for the Sonata N Line. Let's take a look.

How much is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line worth?

Sonata N Line pricing starts at $34,195 (including a $995 destination fee). Drivers can add $200 more summer tires, raising the base price to $34,395.

In our book, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line ranks high among a shrinking sea of competitors like the Mazda 6 Turbo, Toyota Camry TRD and Honda Accord Sport. Of course, the Hyundai member has a higher base price than the competition. But in the end, N Line is a more advanced version of the standard Sonata.

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Sonata N Line under the hood

The newest member of the growing Hyundai N Line family uses bold eighth-generation Sonata styling cues, a fastback roofline and a special “hot stamped” platform with multi-step track structure and high-strength steel plates. But it also got a heavily redesigned 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. torque. More importantly, you'll have maximum grunt from the low 1650 to 4000 rpm meaning you don't have to rev the engine for decent performance.

This gem of an engine features a unique cylinder head (with an integrated exhaust manifold), a piston cooling duct, and a split and cross-cooling system. It also has an innovative fuel delivery system. It features both Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Multi Point Injection (MPI) to maximize volumetric efficiency. And thanks to a highly efficient variable intake induction system combined with electronic variable valve timing (eCVVT), this engine is very different from the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine of the regular Sonata.

Plus, that 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is the same engine found in the base Genesis G80 luxury sedan and GV80 SUV, though both put out 300 horsepower in Genesis guise. Why is the Sonata N Line 10 horsepower less than both Genesis cars is the question we ask ourselves (maybe it's not a problem?). However, it would be great if the new Sonata N Line could match the Toyota Camry TRD's 300+ horsepower.

Innovative dual clutch transmission

The Hyundai Sonata N Line will also get a new N DCT eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifter. What makes this gearbox unique is the wet sump system, which uses oil and an electric oil pump to cool the clutch during spirited driving, meaning you can work harder for longer without overheating the gearbox. Unsurprisingly, this is the same unit found in the 2021 Veloster N, although the Veloster is also available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the Sonata N Line is not.

It's also worth noting that Hyundai's N DCT Dual Clutch Unit is designed by N-brand engineers. It even has an N Power Shift (NPS) mode that sends maximum power to the front wheels with every gear shift, which to some extent reproduces the feeling that you pulled in a manual transmission.

The driving experience is improved with stiffer springs, unique mono-tube dampers, high-stiffness chassis bushings, a faster gear ratio (12.35:1 compared to the regular Sonata's 13.27:1), and an active dual exhaust system with four nozzles.

Sonata N Line can automatically detect driving style and road conditions to optimize shift points. For example, the car stays in low gears longer for better acceleration out of corners. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Extensive standard features

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line is based on the lavishly equipped Sonata SEL trim with standard LED headlights, heated mirrors, a hands-free trunk opener, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Sonata N Line also has custom 19" wheels, standard all-season tires (summer tires are optional), bigger brakes, new front and rear bumpers, a subtle lip spoiler and the required N badging. It also got a panoramic sunroof, full LED rear lights and black mirror caps.

Inside, the Sonata N Line will get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.2-inch touchscreen display with standard navigation, a Bose audio system, LED ambient lighting, wireless charging, and unique N sports front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede. inserts.

In terms of safety, Sonata N Line comes with Hyundai SmartSense. It includes Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic and Warning System about a safe exit, among many others.

In addition, the 2021 Sonata N Line can be accessed with a digital key on a smartphone, as well as three years of free Blue Link services.

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line interior. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai Sonata N Line: availability and warranty

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line will hit U.S. dealerships by December 2020. The latest Sonata N Line comes with a 10 year powertrain warranty and a 5 year 60,000 mile limited warranty. If you have questions about how to extend your Hyundai warranty, see this helpful and free guide.

To be honest, the new Sonata N Line is the real deal in terms of performance. And we hate to admit it, but the Sonata N Line seems to outperform its competitors despite its higher base price. If you want to put a photo of a car as a background, check out this gallery of Sonata N Line photos.

Alvin Reyes, BlogAvto columnist, expert on sports cars and performance cars. In his younger years he studied civil aviation, aeronautics and accounting and is still very attached to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also loves fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

Photo and source: Hyundai Motor America.