Yahoo Autos 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line Toughens Up the Sonata's Game
The sedan isn't dead, but it is being threatened by an invasive species, the SUV. As those high-riding vehicles find more and more customers, the sedan is being forced to evolve or face extinction.
In hopes of keeping people in cars, a few sedans have begun to set themselves apart by offering sporty and tough-looking versions, something you can't find in a like-priced SUV or crossover. It's something the V-8–powered versions of the Dodge Charger do very well, as do the new Camry TRD and Avalon TRD. The freshly redesigned Hyundai Sonata will get similar treatment later next year when the 2021 Sonata N-Line goes on sale.
Much More Muscle
Not to be confused with a full "N" model such as the Hyundai Veloster N, cars with the N-Line designation aren't intended to lap racetracks. Instead, N-Line vehicles will be focused on performing on the street. The Sonata N-Line's turbocharged engine is up to the task of delivering big speeds. Based on the Sonata's new 2.5-liter inline-four, the N-Line version adds a turbocharger, a different cylinder head, and unique internals. Hyundai promises it will make at least 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Engineers are still working on the engine's final calibration, and more power may be released. Even if they don't bump the output further, the N-Line still marks a significant increase over the lesser Sonata's standard 180-hp turbo 1.6-liter four or its optional 191-hp 2.5-liter four.
