Sport tuning is when an auto manufacturer takes a normal production vehicle and changes some of the elements to improve performance and give the vehicle a sportier feel. It differs from performance vehicle in that there are fewer fundamental changes aimed at performance. For Hyundai, sport-tuned models are named N Line.
Today, we’ll be comparing two newly introduced N Line trims, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line and the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line. Both vehicles offer a great value, but there are important differences. Below, you’ll find a table directly comparing starting price, performance specs, and fuel economy. Beneath that, we explain what makes each model unique from the other. Take a look.
2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line | vs |
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line |
$24,100 | Starting MSRP | $33,300 |
1.6L turbo 4-cyl | Engine |
2.5L turbo 4-cyl |
201 hp / 195 lb-ft | Horsepower / Torque |
290 hp / 311 lb-ft |
6MT or 7DCT | Transmission |
8DCT |
FWD | Drivetrain | FWD |
28/36/31 | Fuel Economy | 23/33/27 |
The 2021 Elantra N Line is an upgrade of the base SE trim that focuses solely on sport tuning and not adding extra features. It comes standard with all the same features a 2021 Elantra SE does, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, forward collision warning, and the like. Where the SEL and Limited add more tech or convenience features, though, the N Line adds a turbocharged engine, a manual or dual-clutch transmission, and a sport-tuned suspension, leaving the rest behind.
Unlike the 2021 Elantra N Line, the 2021 Sonata N Line has many comfort and convenience features alongside its sport-tuned upgrades. With its powerful turbo engine and its dual-clutch automatic transmission, it also has a big 10.25-inch touchscreen, GPS-linked navigation, a panoramic sunroof, Hyundai Digital Key, and much more.