2022 HYUNDAI SONATA N LINE

 

N LINE MODEL GIVES SONATA EDGE IN PERFORMANCE IN MID-SIZE SEDAN SEGMENT

Hyundai added the performance-oriented N Line trim to its Sonata portfolio last year, giving it a full range of standard features that makes it one of the more interesting buys in the mid-size sedan segment.

One had to hope that a full-fledge N model would be coming for the 2022 Hyundai Sonata as with the Elantra compact, but, alas, that is not the case. Considering that the South Korean automaker is dropping the N and other versions of its Veloster hatchback for 2023, we may not ever see a Sonata N.

This is only disappointing because, going by the Elantra, an N would kick up the performance of the Sonata to even higher levels than the 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line does. Think of how AMG works with Mercedes’ models and M tweaking does with BMW, but at bargain prices.

Quick to say here I’m not putting the Sonata up there with the German luxury cars, but you’re on a tighter budget the 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line is an intriguing option in what is usually a mild-manner segment.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line is outfitted with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that sends 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque to its front wheels via an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. That combination shaves more than two seconds off zero-to-60 mph times for other Sonata trims, yet fuel efficiency remains a commendable 23 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined.

Hyundai included a long list of standard features when it introduced the 2021 Sonata N line and the only add to the 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line is a special Night Edition package that includes unique badging, wheels, spoiler, and other design tweaks that give it an aggressive look.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line for my week came in a more traditional quartz white exterior color that added $400 to the bottom line. That and $195 for carpeted floor mats plus the standard $1,045 freight charge were the only extra costs.

Included in the starting MSRP of $33,600 were such items as N-unique 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera, N-unique front and rear fascia with dual exhausts, heated Sport front seats with N designs, Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers, dual climate control, a rear center armrest with cupholders, 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and 3-year complimentary Hyundai Blue Link services.

Safety technology includes blind-spot warning and lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and LED daytime running lights.

All that technology is jammed into a rather spacious interior that has a premium feel while offering a generous 46.1 inches of legroom.  The backseat can big a big snug with less than 35 inches of legroom, but the trunk is a generous 16 cubic feet.

The final bottom line for my test 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line came to $35.240, which makes it a bargain among performance sedans.

What I liked about the 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line: The infotainment features are plentiful and, with one exception (see below) very user friendly. The Sonata’s interior is comfortable and roomy and has a high-class look. The power upgrade you get from the N Line is worth the cost over the lower trims and is actually a bit less than the top-of-the-line Limited trim that operates with a much-milder 1.6L turbo-4 engine.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line: I miss a knob to change radio stations. Holding down a button on the touchscreen doesn’t do it for.me. Too bad it doesn’t offer a 6-speed manual transmission.

Would I buy the 2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line? The N Line version doesn’t offer quite as much in the way of driving thrills you get from the N version of  Hyundai Elantra, but it is higher up the food chain than the smaller Elantra. It is well worth a look if you’re shopping for a sharp-looking, nicely appointed sedan with a bit more pop than the average offerings in the non-luxury class.