Itís hard to believe, but the Hyundai Sonata has been around for 40 years, going through
many iterations. The current Sonata debuted back in 2020, marking it as the 7th
generation in the car’s history. A few years later, Hyundai added a new model to Sonata
lineup – the N Line, which places its emphasis on performance. This week Hyundai sent
me a Sonata N Line to drive for a week, so I can experience what a Sonata with some
performance injected into it feels like.
Today’s Sonata is a strikingly good-looking car. Prior to 2009, Sonatas were as exciting
to look at as a blank piece of paper. But once that sixth generation appeared, everything
changed – the Sonata became one of the best-looking mid-size sedans on the road. The
current design continues that trend with an attractive grille and headlights that make for a
pretty face, sleek, smooth body and nicely tapered backside.
The Sonata is available in six trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line, SEL
Hybrid and Limited Hybrid. The base SE and the two SEL models use a 2.5-liter four-
cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque). The N Line uses a turbocharged
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The
SEL Hybrid and Limited Hybrid use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-
speed automatic and a hybrid system to produce a total of 190 horsepower. All other
Sonatas uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the N Line is dual-clutch
transmission that provides quicker shifts for added performance.
Without question, the N Line is the most exciting Sonata of the bunch. While its
appearance is conservative compared to other sports sedans in this market, it still follows
the sports-sedan dress code with its aggressive front fascia, four pipes out the back and a
rear diffuser. There are a few small N Line badges scattered around as well as unique 19-
inch wheels.
Inside, other than a nice set of sports seats wrapped in leather and suede, the Sonata N
Line hardly differs from less potent Sonatas. Even the column shifter from the regular
Sonata finds its way into the N Line.
But under the hood, the Sonata N Line stands apart from other Sonatas. Using the same
engine found as standard equipment in the Genesis G80 and GV80, as well as the Kia K5
GT, the turbo four turns the Sonata into a real performer. Fitted with launch-control, the
Sonata N can hit 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and nailing the quarter mile in 13.6 seconds
at 105 mph. Believe it or not, the Sonata N is one of the quickest front-drive family
sedans ever made.
Along with the extra power is a retuned chassis with thicker anti-roll bars, firmer
dampers and stiffer motor mounts. These changes amount to a Sonata N Line providing
excellent steering feel and road manners, without giving up too much in the ride
department. Larger brakes all around ensure this performance Sonata can stop as fast as it
goes.
The combination of the powerful engine and the dual-clutch eight-speed transmission
make the Sonata N Line a real treat to drive. The powerband is impressive, especially in
the midrange, and the N Line easily pulls well past 6000 RPMs, never seeming to run out
of breath. The shifts from the transmission come quickly and smoothly, although they
don’t seem as snappy as other DCTs.
Power and flash aside, the Sonata N Line is like other Sonatas in that it is quite practical.
Its spacious interior, highlighted by the supportive yet comfortable seats, offers just as
much room as any Camry or Accord. The trunk offers about 15.6 cubic feet of room –
which is standard for a mid-size sedan, making it easy to toss in groceries, a stroller or a
golf bag. And even in N Line trim, it brings in 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the
highway.
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata starts at $28,095 for the base SE. Go all the way up to the
Sonata N Line and you’re looking at $37,610 – the price tag of the tester. As I have
repeated over and over with Hyundai’s – that’s a heck of a lot of car for the money.
Included with that is Hyundai’s impressive ten-year warranty.
It is great to see Hyundai continuing to offer a performance vehicle like the Sonata N
Line. In an era where we are witnessing the impending death of the sedan, Hyundai
continues to bet on sedans and even go so far as to build fun driving performance car like
the Sonata N-Line. How long will this last, who knows? But we must enjoy it while we
can.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line
Base Price: $35,250.00
Price as Tested: $37,610.00
Layout: front-engine / front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: 8 - speed automatic DSG
Horsepower: 290 hp
Torque: 311 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 23 city / 32 highway mpg [Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]
