2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line

HYUNDAI GIVES SEDATE SONATA SEDAN MORE GET-UP-AND-GO WITH N LINE MODEL

After giving its longstanding midsize Sonata a makeover for the 2020 model year, Hyundai has upped the performance meter for the spiffy sedan with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line.

N Line models come out of the South Korean automaker’s performance division with an added kick and extra design touches that give them a sportier appearance and power boost.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that ups horsepower and torque to  respectively, to 200 hp and 311 pound-feet over the 191/181 produced by the 4-banger in the base SE model and the 180/195 in the 1.5L turbo in SEL Plus and Limited Sonatas.

The N Line comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear selection, which as far as I concerned gives it a distinct advantage over the continuously variable transmissions found on some competitors.

The N Line also offers the option of four drive modes, including a Custom setting that allows you to vary the gear ratios and steering settings and turn off the Electronic Stability Control to your preference.

Normal, Sport, and Sport-Plus are the other modes.

It might be nice if the Sonata N Line was rear-wheel drive, but, as with other Sonatas, the power goes to the front wheels.

Fuel mileage for the Sonata N Line isn’t all that far off from that of the other Sonatas. EPA figures are 23 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined for the Sonata N Line and 28/38/32 for the base Sonata SE.

All Sonatas have the same length (192.9 inches), wheelbase (111.8 inches) and passenger space (46.1 and 34.8 inches of legroom front and rear) and trunk capacity (16.0 cubic feet), but N Line models have a little more heft (3,552-pound curb weight to 3,120 for SE trim) and ride on standard 19-inch wheels to the 16-, 17-, and 18-inchers on other trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line comes with a long list of standard appearance, comfort and convenience features to make adding numerous option packages unnecessary.

They include a panoramic sunroof, Smart cruise control with Stop-and-Go function (which can be turned off), LED headlights, rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, a unique front and rear fascia with twin exhaust outlets, keyless entry and push-button start, dual automatic temperature control, hands-free trunk release, unique N leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bose premium audio, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch display featuring navigation and operation of other infotainment features.

Safety systems include blind  spot and collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane follow and lane keeping assist, the usual assortment of air bags, and a “safe exit” warning.

The MSRP of $34,305 (including destination and delivery) covers all that. Summer tires and carpeted floor mats ran the bottom line on my Sonata N Line for the week to $34,674, which, sad to say, is becoming an “affordable” cost these days.

What I liked about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line: It comes with a lot of standard technology and pretty much all of it is user-friendly with one tiny exception (see below). It is not overpowering, but it is fun to drive. The cabin is pretty roomy, and
the seats are comfortable. Mileage is still pretty good for what you get in way of performance.

What I didn’t like about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line: I don’t know why Hyundai saw fit to do away with a knob to use to spin through the radio dial. It’s much easier to control than pushing the seek or scan button on the touchscreen.

Would I buy the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line? Yes. If you are thinking “outside the box” in considering a sedan, the Sonata N Line has to be on your list, preferably at the top. The redesign gave it a classy look, and the N Line ups the fun-to-drive quotient without sacrificing much in fuel efficiency.