No matter what type of car you’re shopping for, everyone wants a car with a little get-up-and-go. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle to get you to work, shuttle the kids around, or keep up with your active lifestyle, the one thing on everyone’s must-list is exciting performance. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line might just fill that desire for many drivers.

Automakers across the board are consistently trying to up the ante to keep their vehicles competitive in this space. Hyundai has done just that by giving the Sonata the N Line treatment, greatly enhancing its performance. It sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, just like with all things, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line comes with a catch – the steep price tag.

The Hyundai Sonata is a top contender in performance amongst midsize sedans. But does it check all the other boxes for car buyers, and is it even worth the price? Let’s take a closer look at just what the 2021 Sonata N Line offers and if consumers should consider this vehicle. 

Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line’s performance stand out in a crowd?

Hyundai just announced the price of the 2021 Sonata N Line via a press release. It’ll start at an MSRP of $33,200, which is nearly $10k more than the base model. That cost will undoubtedly make shoppers bat an eye. It’s slightly more expensive than souped-up midsize sedans like the 2021 Toyota Camry TRD, which starts at $32,185. Plus, it’s pricier than muscle cars like the Dodge Charger and luxury cars like the Audi A3.

Nevertheless, there’s a lot to like about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line. It’s outfitted with an all-new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that kicks out 290 hp – a significant step up from the 2020 Sonata N Line’s performance. Shoppers may notice that’s 11 fewer horsepower than the Camry TRD delivers. However, the Sonata N Line more than makes up for it with a huge advantage in torque (311 lb-ft of torque vs. 267 lb-ft.)

Additionally, the Sonata N Line comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, and 19-inch wheels.

An impressive assortment of amenities and technologies

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line separates itself from more powerful muscle cars and prestigious entry-level luxury cars. Its interior is exceptionally well-equipped with race-inspired touches, cutting-edge technologies, and smart safety systems. 

It features sport seats with Nappa leather bolstered and suede inserts, as well as a leather sport steering wheel. Meanwhile, its aluminum pedals give it the feel of a genuine sports car.

Drivers will enjoy amenities like a wireless phone charger, a hands-free smart trunk, LED ambient lighting, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster display.

The above features are undoubtedly impressive, but many buyers still put safety concerns above all else, even with a sporty sedan. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line delivers on that front, too. It includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, advanced cruise control, driver attention warning, lane-keep assist, safe exit warning, blind-spot warning, and much more. Other cars like the Dodge Charge simply pale in comparison to this assortment of driver-assistance technology.

The final verdict 

Car buyers are becoming more and more self-educated before stepping on the lot. This is why automakers such as Hyundai have had to step up their game by creating N Line variants that offer exactly what people want. While this can sometimes be hard to gauge, everyone can agree that shoppers want a car with excellent performance. 

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line the answer for buyers looking for that excellent performance vehicle? It certainly is a contender, but only if you’re willing to shell out the cash. The Sonata N Line may just be worth considering if having a performance vehicle is top of mind.