At the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the Elantra N’s all-new exterior styling. The Korean automaker is launching the N brand in China—Asia’s largest performance vehicle market—and is posed to build a consumer fan base. But the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is coming to America soon. It’s set to compete against the Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S.

What’s new for the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N

The all-new dynamic design is characterized by refinement to the nose cone styling. Presumably less polarizing than the 2023 model that preceded it, it’s a more grown-up, studied look. But it’s even bolder than the Elantra it replaces. It integrates the LED lightning signature spanning the entire front of the car—much like what’s seen on the company’s other offerings in the lineup.

Other Hyundai Motorsports-driven innovations are apparent. N-specific red strips line the bottom of the front and rear bumpers, including the side sill moldings. Additionally, the Hyundai badge is now color-matched black to accentuate the sporty façade. Downforce at the rear has improved through an enlarged boat tail spoiler, emphasizing the aerodynamic design seen on the IONIQ 5.

2024 Hyundai Elantra N performance specs

Much of this coming model year’s Elantra N will likely be a carryover. Apart from the exterior update and a few interior upgrades—larger infotainment, redesigned instrument cluster, and further safety features—it’s expected to have the same drivetrain.

Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder can put down 276 horsepower (286 with overboost) and 289 pounds-feet of low-end torque. A welcome six-speed manual gearbox comes standard. But potential buyers can choose an eight-speed automatic—a $1,500 optional extra.

With all this power and panache, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N all but confirms its position at the top of the spicy mass-market sports sedan segment. But it will have to measure up to two other stick-shift-equipped hot sedans. The Honda Civic Type R returned last year, but it’ll be joined by the mechanically-similar Acura Integra Type S this summer.

How do the Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S stack up?

Both cars feature a 2.0-liter K20C1 turbo-four. There’s 315 horsepower in the Type R and 320 in the Type S because of its different exhaust system. Yet, each has 310 pounds-feet of torque, which comes higher in the rev range than the Elantra N. But the Civic and Integra hit their peak horsepower at 6,500 rpm, whereas their Korean competitor rounds it out at only 6,000 rpm.

Car and Driver says the 2023 Type R will hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds. Given the Acura’s five extra horsepower, the numbers will likely be much the same. It’s just marginally better than the Hyundai Elantra N’s 5.1-second 0 to 60 mph sprint.

Despite the fact that each of the three is a front-wheel drive sedan, each has a plethora of systems on board to manage lateral performance. The Japanese sedans have impressive torque steer-suppressing dual-axis strut front suspension. The Hyundai Elantra N is staffed with variable electronic dampers and a clever torque-vectoring, electronic limited-slip “Corner Carving Differential.” 

How much does the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N cost? 

The previous Hyundai Elantra N had a starting MSRP of around $34,000. The company has yet to announce MSRP for 2024, but it will likely increase by a couple of thousand dollars. Prices have yet to be released for the Acura Type S, but the current Civic Type R is north of $44,000.  Does that mean the new Elantra N is a well-trimmed, bargain sports sedan?