N Line Adds More Pep to 2021 Hyundai Sonata's Step
Hyundai brought its Sonata mid-size sedan some welcome excitement with the announcement in September of a racier variant called the N Line. Now we have the details both on performance and price: The 2021 Sonata N Line packs a 290-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter engine under its hood and starts at $34,195 (with destination), slightly less than the line-topping Sonata Limited.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${ami_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
${ami_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2021 Hyundai Sonata near you
We already knew about the more aggressive grille, three air intakes, more sculpted side skirts, 19-inch alloy wheels, sleeker black lower bumper and N Line rear diffuser, but the engine details reveal Hyundai’s changes beneath the hood for the Sonata’s almost-performance variant. The N Line’s new Smartstream turbo four-cylinder engine generates 311 pounds-feet of torque in addition to its 290 hp. It’s also mated to a new wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, which Hyundai says is akin to that found in the highest-performance 2021 Veloster N. (The Veloster remains Hyundai’s only true N car, not the milder N Line variant, available in the U.S. for now.) Acceleration is further enhanced by N Power Shift, which kicks in at 90% of throttle demand and mitigates torque reduction via upshifts to deliver maximum power, Hyundai says.
Performance
The engine replaces the outgoing (2019) Sonata’s most powerful engine, a 245-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It also expands the horsepower range of the redesigned Sonata lineup considerably: Already available are a base 191-hp 2.5-liter; optional 180-hp, turbo 1.6-liter; and a 192-hp 2.0-liter hybrid drivetrain found on the Sonata Hybrid.
Interior
The Sonata N Line’s interior also gets some sportier changes with dark-chrome trim, leather-and-cloth sport seats, red N Line stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 12.3-inch instrument panel and 10.25-inch multimedia screen, wireless device charging, proximity keyless entry, second-row air vents and LED interior lighting are standard. For $200 extra, Hyundai will throw on a set of high-performance summer tires. The automaker also said its app-based Hyundai Digital Key is optional, but pricing wasn’t disclosed.
Release Date
The 2021 Sonata N Line will arrive at most dealerships by the end of November.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
