When the present Sonata was launched, Hyundai designer Haksoo Ha promised that it could “… excite people who find themselves searching for a sedan.” Aside from product planners, we do not know many people who find themselves genuinely excited by a mainstream midsize sedan, and maybe that’s why resolution was made to diverge from the mainstream with the 290-horsepower 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line.
Sure, the “N” model makes its option to Hyundai’s four-door for 2021. Hyundai began rolling out N in the US with the Veloster. The N model of that gives a ton of punch, but it surely’s an fanatic mannequin, and which means there are corresponding compromises in consolation. That’s the purpose of N: efficiency first. However the Sonata N Line isn’t that. That is an N Line mannequin in any case, not a full-blown N. Like BMW M or Mercedes-Benz AMG, Hyundai’s “N” model is supposed to be the top of efficiency for the fashions that bear it. “N Line,” very like “M Sport,” means you’re solely getting a part of the best way there.
That’s to not say that the 2021 Sonata N Line is incomplete. Removed from it. At $34,305 (together with $1,005 for vacation spot), it is a moderately priced package deal that does precisely what Hyundai guarantees, no extra and no much less. In truth, the N Line affords a lot of the range-topping Sonata Restricted’s gear regardless of coming in $600 cheaper. And just like the Restricted, the N Line has no out there packages. There are just a few smaller equipment and add-ons (together with the $200 summer time tires, although our tester had the usual all-seasons), however in broader phrases, what you see is what you get.
Notably, the N Line will get requisite badges in just a few strategic areas plus distinctive seats with a little bit extra bolstering completed in a mixture of leather-based and fake suede. A couple of of the Restricted’s luxurious inside objects are lacking, comparable to ventilated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel and Hyundai’s surround-view digital camera, however the N Line makes up for that with a sport-tuned suspension, distinctive wheels, and, nicely, 110 further horsepower.
The N Line’s 2.5-liter turbocharged engine affords 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-wet-clutch automated, together with rev-matching and launch management. Chassis upgrades embrace bigger brake rotors and upgraded pads, stiffer engine and transmission mounts, retuned dampers and bushings and better spring charges.
That is our second time behind the wheel of the brand new Sonata N Line, however the first in a production-spec automotive. Our prior expertise taught us that Hyundai had dialed the N Line in fairly darned nicely, however we have been curious to see if there had been any enhancements in experience high quality since that stage of growth. With that in thoughts, we took benefit of some unseasonably nice late-February climate to offer the Sonata N Line a go on our favourite again roads.
However first we needed to get there. The trek from Detroit’s northern ‘burbs to the agricultural playground west of Ann Arbor is rather less than an hour nearly completely on giant, divided highways. Right here, the N Line suspension appeared to do exactly high quality. We did be aware that the Sport Plus programming locks out the N Line’s adaptive cruise management function, however who wants rev-matching and whatnot if you’re cruising alongside at a gradual 70 mph, proper? The N Line’s in-gear passing energy is phenomenal, due to all that torque.
From a lifeless cease, it’s a distinct story. Launch management is nice and all, however in typical day-to-day driving, the N Line is the image of a high-output, front-wheel drive household sedan. Mashing the fuel exhausting off the road is a recipe for a one-tire hearth, and as soon as it hooks, you’re in for a little bit of a experience. Yeah, it torque-steers. It’s not extreme (Belief us; your creator drove a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 for six years), but it surely makes itself identified if you get frisky, particularly at low speeds.
We have been most involved with how the N Line’s firmer suspension would deal with again roads that look much like the barren landscapes being photographed by NASA’s Perseverance rover, however because it turned out, our worries have been misplaced. By sporty-car requirements, the N Line dealt with the heaved and damaged pavement like a champ, blasting easily over surfaces that might loosen tooth fillings in some sportier vehicles.
There’s a trade-off right here, as you would possibly suspect. The N Line’s reflexes are sharp, however not surgically so. It’s exhausting to not really feel faraway from what is occurring between the steering wheel and pavement. Axle skitter from the within wheel underneath exhausting acceleration was heard quite than felt. It feels large, too. Whereas some greater vehicles shrink across the driver when pushed enthusiastically, you possibly can’t actually escape the feeling of the N Line’s scale. It doesn’t really feel heavy, simply expansive. This all contributes to a obscure sensation of distance, as if regardless of the automotive is doing is occurring far-off from you and (maybe solely by the way to) your inputs.
As fans, we are typically a bit inconsistent with our vernacular. We’re cool with front-wheel-drive “sport” compacts and 4×4 “sport” utility automobiles, however for some motive, if you stick “sport” subsequent to “sedan,” all people mechanically assumes you’re speaking a couple of rear- or all-wheel-drive luxurious automotive with a giant engine and aggressive suspension calibration. Even reward for the Mazda6 and Honda Accord — each of which have been supplied in variants which are fairly fantastic to drive — is commonly tempered with the caveat that there’s solely a lot one can do with front-wheel drive.
However even setting that apart, we’d hesitate to make use of the “s” phrase right here. It’s sport-y, for sure, however that’s so far as we’re prepared to go, and we’re fairly sure that’s precisely what Hyundai was gunning for. It’s fast and sharp sufficient to really feel at dwelling in on a twisty street however stops wanting providing the sting we’d affiliate with a full-blown efficiency providing. This retains it accessible and extra broadly interesting, that are two issues that matter greater than we would like. If we wish Hyundai to maintain constructing sedans, individuals moreover us to have purchase them. The patron trying particularly for a hardcore Sonata represents a distinct segment of a distinct segment; constructing for that particular person is a sketchy proposition. Simply take a look at the Volkswagen Arteon.
However for the client who desires just a bit extra sizzle than what you get from the usual Sonata, or just desires to test each out there field, the N Line suits the invoice fantastically. It’s satisfyingly fast, particularly on the freeway, and affords sufficient character to be fascinating with out changing into intrusive. It’s greater than only a Sonata with one other hundred horsepower, however not a lot extra that it’s a completely completely different automotive. In right now’s market, that looks like a wonderful steadiness.
