Though much of the auto industry has moved to focus on crossovers and SUVs, Hyundai hasn’t lost sight of the importance of variety. That’s why it’s adding a performance variant to the lineup of its flagship sedan: the Sonata N Line. The N Line joins the Veloster N in the Hyundai performance stable. Pricing is now available for the new addition, which will debut for the 2021 model year.
The Sonata N Line will start at $34,195 and buyers can opt for summer performance tires for an extra $200. The base N Line comes with a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that also makes 311 pound-feet of torque. Power hits the front wheels through an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, similar to the unit found in the Veloster N hatchback.
The N Line will carry several performance improvements over the standard Sonata, including an increase of engine and transmission mount stiffness of 22 and 30%, respectively. Spring stiffness and front stability bar diameters are both up around 5%.
The Sonata N Line is built on the mid-range Sonata SEL, but adds 19-inch wheels, N Line-exclusive bodywork, a rear spoiler, a panoramic sunroof, a dual exhaust system, special N Line badges and full LED taillights.
On top of the mechanical trickery and sporty appearance upgrades, the 2021 Sonata N Line will get a full suite of advanced driver-assistance features that includes forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, high beam assist, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, driver attention warnings, rear seat alerts, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts and a safe-exit warning system.
The Sonata model line itself was completely overhauled for the 2020 model year, and welcomed an innovative new hybrid model with solar panels in the roof as well as striking styling and a load of new tech.
Though popular, the Sonata faces heavy-hitting competition from the ubiquitous Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, all of which have outsold the Hyundai by sizeable margins so far in 2020. The Camry, which itself is offered in a TRD performance variant, sold 234,400 units though October. During the same period, the Accord, which offers a Sport version, logged sales of 164,500. Nissan’s Altima topped sales of 109,900. All three front runners dwarf the Sonata’s 2020 year-to-date sales of 60,700. The N Line variant will likely increase new interest in the Sonata and redefine its lagging position in the segment.