With its new engine-transmission combination, the midsize Sonata N Line sedan sizzles. (N Line is Hyundai’s high-performance designation.) During a week-long test drive, the 2021 Sonata N Line was never breathless from acceleration commands. Speed increases were lightning quick and without torque steer. Stopping power was impressive, due in part to 13.6-inch front and 12.8-inch rear rotors vs 12-inch and 11.2-inch rotors on other Sonata trims. Sonata N Line’s performance perks include bolstered sports seats, unique front and rear fascias, four exhaust outlets, aluminum pedals, and unique 19-inch alloy wheels.

Powering Sonata N Line is a Smartstream 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 290 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1650-4000 rpm. (Standard Sonata 2.5-liter engine produces 191 hp at 6100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.) N Line Sonata is equipped with a Hyundai-developed 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Driver information is conveyed by a 12.3-inch LCD cluster display and a 10.25-inch center dash screen. The 111.8-inch wheelbase Sonata N Line collects estimated mpg of 23 city and 33 highway and carries a MSRP of $33,300.