2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line Toughens Up the Sonata's Game
The sedan isn't dead, but it is being threatened by an invasive species, the SUV. As those high-riding vehicles find more and more customers, the sedan is being forced to evolve or face extinction.
In hopes of keeping people in cars, a few sedans have begun to set themselves apart by offering sporty and tough-looking versions, something you can't find in a like-priced SUV or crossover. It's something the V-8–powered versions of the Dodge Charger do very well, as do the new Camry TRD and Avalon TRD. The freshly redesigned Hyundai Sonata will get similar treatment later next year when the 2021 Sonata N-Line goes on sale.
Much More Muscle
Not to be confused with a full "N" model such as the Hyundai Veloster N, cars with the N-Line designation aren't intended to lap racetracks. Instead, N-Line vehicles will be focused on performing on the street. The Sonata N-Line's turbocharged engine is up to the task of delivering big speeds. Based on the Sonata's new 2.5-liter inline-four, the N-Line version adds a turbocharger, a different cylinder head, and unique internals. Hyundai promises it will make at least 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Engineers are still working on the engine's final calibration, and more power may be released. Even if they don't bump the output further, the N-Line still marks a significant increase over the lesser Sonata's standard 180-hp turbo 1.6-liter four or its optional 191-hp 2.5-liter four.
The launch-control programming for the standard eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission also is still in the works. That gearbox now is shared with the Veloster N and was chosen for the direct connection and instant shifts it provides. Hyundai tells us that there will be launch control on the production cars, but even without it, the engine has no trouble overwhelming the front tires when the throttle is kicked open. All-wheel drive won't be available on the N-Line—or any Sonata, for that matter—so there'll be some histrionics when the power hits. And it hits quickly, right off idle. We estimate that accelerating to 60 mph will take a little less than 5.5 seconds, which is at the sharp end of the family sedan segment.
A Rounded Package
To keep the more powerful N-Line from overwhelming the Sonata's chassis, there's a lowered and stiffened suspension, and 19-inch Continental ProContact 6 summer tires, sized 245/40R-19. There also will be a Pirelli all-season alternative in the same size. In the interest of increasing steering feel, the electric motor assisting the helm moves from the column to the steering rack itself. A quicker steering ratio—we measured 2.4 turns lock to lock—increases responsiveness. There's good bite into bends, and the body control is good, but our drive route lacked corners tight enough to meaningfully probe the limits.
There also will be a unique body kit, but the camouflage on the early prototype we drove made it difficult to parse the details. We did notice a deeper front fascia and four exhaust outlets instead of the standard Sonata's two. Inside, you get bolstered sport seats and red contrast stitching throughout. The digital instrument display changes when you switch through the driving modes, which include Normal, Sport, Sport +, and Custom. In addition to changing the cluster, toggling through them alters the steering weight and the speed and strategy of the transmission's shifts.
It's a bit foolish to get too excited about a prototype, and an early one at that, but it's clear that the Sonata N-Line will have the power, acceleration, and handling to make us smile. It'll also distinguish itself from the rest of the Sonata lineup while standing out from the horde of SUV and crossover invaders. If the unintended consequence of the success of SUVs is sportier sedans, there might still be hope for the conventional four-door car.
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