The 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line sport sedan is a subtle display of elevated, if not wicked, performance for a well-equipped $36,310

Hyundai has made significant updates to the midsize 2024 Sonata, with sharpened performance to the Sonata N Line. (Photography courtesy of Hyundai or as credited)
Jump To Special Features
What’s New for the 2024 Sonata?
2024 Hyundai Sonata Pricing
Extensive Safety Features
N Line Performance
Under the Hood
Ride and Handling
Why Buy the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line?
Specifications
Quick, before Hyundai finance managers realize that the powertrain engineering team ignored all cost restrictions for its Sonata N Line.
This popular midsize sedan has gone through a major midcycle freshening for 2024. The updates are more than the usual nips and tucks inside and out. For the first time, there is an all-wheel-drive option for one trim level. And the new Sonata N Line is a subtle display of elevated performance. For a well-equipped $36,310, I did not expect the pleasure of such punch in my week’s test drive.
The Sonata N Line is an outlier sport sedan in the midsize segment. It has no real competition except its company cousin, the Kia K5 GT, which uses the same N Line powertrain. Why is it so isolated? It might be the price point or a perception that the mainstream midsize segment is a grownups’ family car.
Sport compact sedans, however, are numerous, including Hyundai’s Elantra N Line. Among competing four-door sportsters are the Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX, Toyota GR Corolla, and VW Jetta GLI. And there are higher performance versions for each compact, at a cost. Pricing on average for these mere sporty sedans starts in the low to mid $30,000s. Opting for one of their more notorious trim levels can add $10,000-$15,000 to the MSRP.
The incredibly well-equipped 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line is a larger car with impressive engineering, priced at $36,310.
By EPA interior space standards, the Sonata is a “large” car.

The N Line cabin has tech-contemporary style, centered by a new curved display screen.
What’s New for the 2024 Sonata?
The 2024 exterior redesign leans into Hyundai’s styling language of “sensuous sportiness.” Among the influences are Sonata’s horizontal layout, signature “Seamless Horizon Lamp,” and wide-set hidden headlights. A full-width LED light strip at the hood shutline runs just above the main headlights, hidden above the air intakes.
Hyundai says a new grille and larger air intakes create a more dynamic and aggressive appearance. At the rear, stylized H-lights emphasize the wide stance. LED lighting adds a contemporary tech style. A black spoiler-shaped trunk lid and a rear lower fascia molded around dual exhaust tips set a performance tone.
The N Line’s 19-inch tire and wheel package gives a strong stance, with capability from Pirelli P Zero all-season tires. Standard Sonata wheels are 16, 17, or 18 inches.
Thanks go to the N Line model for new body reinforcements. There were also more general improvements in noise, vibration, and harshness.
Special N Line cabin details include red trim across the dashboard and air vents, with red stitching throughout. The steering wheel material was changed, and the upper seatbacks of the front seats have an embroidered N logo.
On the N Line and upper trims, there is a new curved display screen. The digital presentation links two separate 12.3-inch displays under a single pane of glass.
Other updates include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been expanded to all 2024 Sonata models;
- Continuous over-the-air software updates;
- Improved sound quality from the 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with new CenterPoint 360 technology.

N-Line sport seats with microfiber suede inserts and higher grip leatherette side bolsters.
2024 Hyundai Sonata Lineup
The refreshed 2004 Hyundai Sonata is available in gasoline or gas-electric hybrid models, in front- or all-wheel drive.
- Gas-powered Sonatas have a 191-hp 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. On 87-octane fuel, it has fuel economy ratings of 25/36/29 mpg city/highway/combined. The transmission is an eight-speed Smartstream automatic with an overdrive lock-up torque converter.
- Hybrid-powered Sonatas have a 192-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 39 kW (51 hp) motor, and 270-volt lithium battery pack. The transmission is a six-speed automatic.
- Sonata N Line has a specially developed 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters.
All-Wheel Drive
Hyundai TRACtion (H-TRAC) all-wheel-drive system is now available on the entry SEL model with 2.5-liter engine. The electronically “intelligent” system reroutes power between the front and rear axles. The system will also apply subtle brake pressure to the left and right wheels to help maintain cornering control.
2024 Hyundai Sonata Pricing*
- SEL $28,860 with carpeted floor mats ($210); add $1,500 for all-wheel drive. Standard SEL features include keyless entry with push-button ignition, fabric upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat, a six-way manual front passenger seat, a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen, and a wireless phone charging pad.
- SEL Hybrid (FWD) $31,950. The gasoline-electric powertrain achieves fuel economy ratings of 44/51/47 mpg city/highway/combined.
- SEL Limited Hybrid $38,350. Special features include leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels with an eco-spoke design.
- N-Line $36,310, including carpeted floor mats.
*Retail starting prices include the $1,150 freight charge from Asan, Korea.
Check current Hyundai pricing and special offers here.
Paint Colors
Hyundai says the Sonata’s exterior colors have a state-of-the-art aircraft look. The Sonata N Line’s Aero Matte Silver ($1,000) changes color from warm to cool depending on the light.
Additional exterior colors include Onyx Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl ($470), Atlas White, Portofino Gray (matte-metallic), Transmission Blue Pearl, Carbon Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Cream Beige, and Aero Silver Metallic.
Interiors are trimmed in black, dark gray, and greige two-tone, or dark gray and camel two-tone. Dark gray with red stitching and N Line red paint is exclusive to the Sonata N Line model.

This sedan has useful utility in its 15.6 cu.ft. trunk, and fold the 60/40 back seat for up to 6 feet in length.
Warranty Coverages
Hyundai has become known for its vaunted warranty coverages: 5 years or 60,000 miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance. And new vehicles also have free maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Hyundai repaired its early powertrain reliability with major engineering improvements and by offering a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, getting satisfaction in the event of an engine problem can be elusive, according to Consumer Reports. In a recent report ranking dealership satisfaction scores of 22 makes, Hyundai ranked third from the bottom. Kia was last, and just above is Jeep. Ouch.

The new steering wheel-mounted shift lever looks odd but works well.
Interior Function
Size matters when putting controls and switches in logical order. The wide digital screen is not prone to glare or odd reflections. And there is no confusion to knobs, dials, or switches to control cabin comfort or audio.
There is enough stretch to the body that sightlines are open over the shoulder, across the hood, and at the side mirrors.
Headroom of 37.8 inches with the panoramic sunroof should fit most drivers. Taller drivers might prefer to skip the panoramic roof to get 40 inches of headroom. The front legroom is incredibly long, at 46.1 inches. With door-to-door shoulder room of 57.9 inches, the front seat area does not feel cramped.
The Sonata N Line sport seats have good comfort and thigh support due to their breathable and grippy microfiber suede centers. Higher grip leatherette side bolsters were not intrusive to entry and exit. But I would like a more pronounced D-shaped steering wheel, which helps with thigh room.
The redesign also introduces a new gearshift stalk at the steering wheel. It might look weird initially, but it functions easily with a twist up or down to engage gears. The shifter is a smart way to move a lever from the center seat console for more useful space. A switch on the console changes drive modes from Normal to Smart, Sport, and My Mode.
An e-bin at the forward console has C-Type charging USBs, a 12-volt and 180-watt power plug, and a wide charging pad.
Back Seat and Cargo Space
With just 34.8 inches of max legroom, the window seats still have a comfortable stretch with good footroom. The center seat has the typical perched position, making it more useful for its broad fold-down armrest. Conveniences include two C-type USBs, grab handles with coat hooks above each door, and slim door-panel storage.
There is good utility to this sedan with is 15.6 cubic feet of trunk space, and golf-bag capable. Or fold the 60/40 back seat for up to 6 feet in length, easily negotiated through the wide trunk opening. Trunk assets include dual seatback-release pulls and an interior light. There is no N Line spare, just a “mobility kit” of tire sealer and inflator pump.

With just 34.8 inches of max legroom, the window seats still have a comfortable stretch with good footroom.
Sonata’s Extensive Safety Features
The Hyundai Sonata has comprehensive safety technologies and features, including 5 mph bumpers. The industry bumper standard is 2.5 mph for passenger cars (not trucks, SUVs, or minivans). The federal law is intended to prevent damage to the car body and safety-related equipment at barrier impact speeds of 2.5 mph across the full width and 1.5 mph on the corners. But 2.5 seems to have little benefit.
An umbrella of circuitry also protects the Sonata and its occupants. The various systems are comprised of three radar systems, five cameras, and 13 ultrasonic sensors. All linked, the systems allow for semi-autonomous driver-assist features of standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision braking, and lane-following assist.
The individual technologies are:
FCA 1.5: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5;
RCCA: Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist;
BCA: Blind-spot Collision Assist;
SEW: Safe Exit Warning;
SEA: Safe Exit Assist;
LKA: Lane Keeping Assist;
LFA: Lane Following Assist;
SCC with S&G: Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go;
RSPA: Remote Smart Parking Assist (enables the user to park the vehicle and exit parking spots by remotely reversing and forwarding with the smart key from outside the car;
NSCC: Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (optional);
HDA: Highway Driving Assist to help relieve driver stress (optional).
N Line Performance
The Sonata N Line is a sleeper sport sedan — and a lot more than paint and tape. Its 290-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged engine was developed specially for the N Line, and its eight-speed dual-clutch (automated manual transmission) thrives in high-rev performance.
While turbocharged 290 hp is great, the N-Line’s torque stands out. The 311 foot-pounds run steady from 1,650-4,000 rpm. In its testing, Motor Trend clocked zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
When the red mist whispers, there is Sport-Plus, just a couple of pages away in the vehicle settings. Sport-Plus mode is in the “My Mode” category. Use the slider buttons to maximize the performance of shift points and steering weight. Neither setting makes for a harsh or uncomfortable ride, but mercy, the performance is amplified to the predator level. Flicking off steering wheel paddle shifts gives instantaneous upshifts and rev-matching downshifts.
N Line Sport-Plus mode also includes launch control and rev-matching downshifts. Active Sound Design makes the engine sound more virile inside the cabin, but it still sounds ratchety.
Yet, there are those times of enthusiast driving when the N-Line could use a locking differential when the front tires lose grip and torque steer takes over.
N-Line has a console switch to toggle between comfort, Sport, and My Mode. Sport modes sharpen acceleration response and steering weight.
The eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic gave hesitant shifts while driving around town. That action was the gears engaging in the automated manual transmission. It annoyed me, but I discovered that Sport mode eliminated the clutching action. That is how I enjoyed the rest of my drive week, regardless of fuel economy.

The N Line’s 290-hp 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine.
Under the Hood
Pop the N Line hood, and Hyundai’s detailed engineering for serviceability and DIY maintenance becomes apparent. First, there are two robust hydraulic hood struts, not a spindly prop rod. Never mind that those struts (and tailgate struts) will wear out and need to be replaced. It is the budget for hydraulic struts that matters.

Air filter can be changed in less than a minute!
Next, check out the huge air pipe feeding the turbocharger. It is securely routed to avoid chafing on the also-large air intake tube next to it. Then, follow the air intake feed to the air filter box. The strong black plastic box has a user-considerate design with small flipper tabs. Opening, removing, and slipping in a new filter should take less than a minute.
Thermal-sandwiched metallic pads are behind and above the hood for turbocharger heat protection.
The 12-volt battery has dual lifting handles. Both battery terminals have a cover to protect positive and negative posts, and the positive terminal has its own high-current fuse.
Look closer for the corrosion-protected engine-transmission grounding strap. The robust strap is fully covered.

The simple fuse-box schematic. (Peter Badore photos)
Now, eyes right to the vehicle fuse box near the right-side shock tower, clearly identified. Remove the lid, and the underside has a detailed schematic chart showing each fuse amperage and what it protects. There are also six spare fuses and a useable plastic tweezer-like tool to pull a blown fuse.
Finally, for the owner and service tech, many of the screw heads are rounded to protect knuckles.
All these added design features add cost and weight. Many carmakers in the Sonata’s price segment cut such extras from their budgets.
Fuel Economy Numbers
At 3,534 pounds, the Hyundai Sonata N Line is the second heaviest Sonata in the lineup. It slots behind the Limited at 3,687 pounds or the SEL AWD model at 3,466.
Sonata N Line has fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 mpg combined on the recommended 87 octane fuel. In my 200-mile week of driving, I saw mileage averages of 29.4 around town to 35 mpg on the highway.
However, those mileage ratings are several mpgs off those of the four-cylinder 2024 Honda Accord turbo (29/37/32 mpg) and 2024 Toyota Camry (28/39/32 mpg).
Sonata N Line Ride and Handling
The suspension stands out for its agile finesse in transferring weight. The refined engineering of suspension components is felt in the low-friction glide quality.
Modern family sedans have been made lower and wider in the hope of improving fuel economy and meeting federal mileage standards. Consequently, some new sedans ride so low that comfortable entry and exit are compromised.
Not so the Hyundai Sonata. Its ride height allows excellent forward sightlines and comfortable entry and exit. Drivers can confidently transition driveways without a chin scrape. There is no tiptoeing across lumpy intersections in concern of bottoming out. It is hard to avoid that awful “graunch” in most other sedans and some small SUVs today.
Hyundai has applied various aerodynamic designs, winglets, and air-breaking widgets to lower the drag coefficient to 0.28. The Toyota Prius, by comparison, has a Cd of 0.27. Despite more soundproofing, there is much ambient noise in the cabin at highway speeds. It did not seem to come from tire harshness or suspension points.
Complementing ride and steering control are the 19-inch 245/40 Pirelli P Zero all-season tires, on the test car. Their rubber chemistry is compliant with an upper-midrange 500 treadwear rating (UTQG). Replacements will run around $300 each (not installed), per TireRack.com.

The N Line’s 19-inch tire and wheel package with Pirelli P Zero all-season tires.
Why Buy the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line?
Hyundai believes there is renewed interest in sedans. The Sonata offers accommodating utility and a generous budget for many useful features.
There is more to the Sonata N Line than what is typically perceived as a family sedan. Enjoying this stealthy sport sedan requires no physical sacrifice.
Now, switch off the drive assistance, take the wheel, and just enjoy driving.

The Sonata N Line is an outlier sport sedan with no real competition, except its company cousin the Kia K5 GT.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line Specifications
Body style: midsize, 5-seat, 4-door front-wheel-drive sedan; unibody high-strength steel
Engine: 290 hp, Smartstream 2.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injected DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder; 311 lb.-ft. torque from 1,650-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed N automatic wet dual-clutch
Fuel economy: 23/32/27 mpg city/hwy/combined;
Coefficient of drag: 0.27 Cd
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
Trunk space: 15.6 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 37.8*/46.1 inches *40 inches w/o sunroof
Rear head/leg room: 37.4*/34.8 inches *38.4 w/o sunroof
Shoulder room, front/rear: 57.9/56.1 inches
Hip room, front/rear: 54/.6/54.4 inches
Length/wheelbase: 193.3/111.8 inches
Height/width: 56.9/73.2 (not including mirrors) inches
Curb weight: 3,534 pounds
Turning circle: 35.9 feet
FEATURES
Sonata N Line standard equipment includes: Proximity key with push-button ignition, 12.3-inch color gauge array, 12.3-inch touchscreen for navigation-audio, panoramic sunroof, surround view monitor, dual automatic temperature control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio, 8-way power driver’ seat, 6-way front passenger seat, heated front seats, electric parking brake, 60/40 folding back seat, hands-free trunk, lighted vanity mirrors and visor extensions, locking and lighted glove box.
N-Line features: larger front bumper grille area, exclusive 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler, dual twin-tip exhaust, front sport seats with microfiber suede inserts and higher-grip side bolsters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, metal and rubber brake and accelerator pedals, LED map lights, red-accented stitching and cross-metal patterned trim, Active Sound Design, Launch Control, N Powershift, and rev-matching downshifts.
Sonata N-Line standard safety features include: 9 air bags, 5 mph bumpers, stability and traction controls, safe exit warning;
Safety technologies include: blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist; blind-spot view monitor; forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist detection and junction turning; parking collision-avoidance assist rear; high-beam assist; lane keeping assist, lane follow assist, and driver attention warning.
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes; 13.6-inch ventilated front rotors, 12.8-inch rear solid discs; 4-wheel ABS with electronic brake-force distribution with brake assist; electric parking brake
Steering: column-mounted rack and pinion; motor-driven power assist with engine rpm-sensing; turning circle 35.9 feet
Tires-wheels (on test car): 19-inch 245/40 Pirelli P Zero all-season on 5 dual-spoke wheels; tire mobility kit (no temporary spare)
Suspension: front MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar; rear multilink with a stabilizer bar; gas shock absorbers front and rear
PRICING
Base price: $36,100, including $1,150 freight charge; price as tested $36,310
Options on test vehicle: Carpeted floor mats $210
Where assembled: Asan, Korea
Warranties: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; 3-years/36,000-miles complimentary maintenance; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain