The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has always strived to be a potent disruptor in the mid-size sedan segment. While the increased pressure by CUVS and SUVs has forced companies to rethink the viability of sedan offerings, the Sonata is still a strong seller for the Korean car giant. However, a lack of power has always been a very noticeable weakness for the model, especially in the face of rivals like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Hyundai is keen to tackle this issue head on, with the unveiling of the all new 2021 Sonata N-Line.
The Sonata N Line fully embraces what Hyundai calls “Sensuous Sportiness” in its design, and the N Line certainly looks the part. The bulk of the styling language retains key Sonata traits like the cascading front grille, and its slick aerodynamically hued body. However, the N Line stands out with three prominent air intakes, sharper side skirts, and trim exclusive 19-inch wheels. The performance infused styling also carries over to the rear end where a sleek contrast black rear bumper works together with dual exhaust tips, and an N designed rear diffuser to create a ready to play personality.
“The 2021 Sonata N Line will attract more customers to both the rock solid Sonata lineup and our increasingly popular N Line sub-brand. Sonata N Line will appeal to customers who desire sporty styling in a sedan package,” said SangYup Lee, Head of the Hyundai Global Design Center.
This is reflected in the interior which has benefited from a number of welcome changes. The steering wheel features bright red stitching, while dark chrome trim is splashed throughout the interior. The seats themselves are the biggest changes that buyers will notice, with Hyundai opting to go for a new throne that has more aggressive side bolstering and fabric inserts to help keep occupants firmly in place when the roads get twisty. The seats even feature a tasteful N brand logo on the seat backs and tasteful pinches of red contrast trim.
Hyundai chose to not reveal what performance hardware is lurking under the hood in todays release, but prior samplings of portotypes by Hyundai have appeared to reveal that the new model will be powered by a turbocharged 2.5 liter four cylinder engine that will make just under 300 horsepower. An eight speed dual clutch automatic will be the sole transmission available, and Hyundai promises that it’s ready to handle the rigors of performance driving. The suspension has also been lowered slightly when compared to a lesser Sonata. The wheels also appear to be hiding larger brake rotors, and the N Line also houses software in the infotainment system that appears to allow the driver to have a greater degree of adjustability when it comes to some of the drive settings.
While the N Line is not as track focused as the Veloster N, Hyundai claims that N Line models like the Sonata are designed to bring higher degrees of style and power to the street, and that should please buyers that wants more performance, but don’t want to sacrifice practicality and usability to achieve track ready performance.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.