Just when you thought it was no longer possible for unassuming family sedans to strut any level of X factor, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line comes along to prove us wrong. Even though it competes with the likes of the conforming Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Mazda6, the Sonata is an exhilarating and riveting mid-sized sedan.
But we wonder, what is putting the brakes on healthy sales numbers? According to VFACTS, only 25 units were sold in January 2024. And that’s only up from 19 units in the same month in 2023. Interest could be on the rise thanks to this significant facelift, launched in the second half of 2023, with figures tripling to 72 units for February 2024. Still only available in performance-oriented ‘N Line’ guise, we’re keen to rediscover why we love it.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Specifications
Engine: 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 213kW@5800rpm / 422Nm@1650-4000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×8.0, 245/40
ANCAP: Not tested (previous model 5 stars)
Kerb weight: 1675kg
Power-to-weight: 7.86:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.1L/100km
Our consumption: 8.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 60L/91 RONPower efficiency: 26.29kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.30 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.04 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.67 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.28 seconds at 166.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.840g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.32m in 2.92 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.143g*
Decibel at idle: 44*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 82*
Starting price: $55,500
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: How much does it cost?
Since there is only one sporty variant – the N Line – pricing sits above its counterparts. But not by much when you consider what it comes with. From $55,500 (excluding on-road costs), you get an exciting performance engine, loads of features, and unassailable X-factor from its striking design not seen elsewhere in this class.
With a $3500 increase since pre-facelift, it is only about $5k more than the top-spec Toyota Camry SL Hybrid, and the Mazda6 20th Anniversary – both of which do not come with performance engines. Then the sporty Skoda Octavia RS is $1500 more.
All Sonatas come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, and one year of complimentary roadside assistance. Servicing is required more often than the average, at 10,000km or 12 months. Prepaid servicing is available for $1125 for three services, $1580 for four services, or $1955 for five services.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Interior & packaging
The facelift takes the Sonata from strength to strength. Already bulging with mod-cons, there are loads more new features thrown at it for 2024. It picks up Hyundai’s shift-by-wire gear selector located on the steering column, dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays, a 6.6-inch touch type climate control screen, front and rear USB-C ports, an acoustic laminated front windscreen to lower road noise, LED interior mood lighting and dynamic welcome lighting. Bluelink and over-the-air updates, intelligent speed limit assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and a hands-free powered boot lid also come standard.
Those interior additions coincide with an enhanced ‘horizontal’ design theme and an increased sense of space and storage with the relocation of the gear shifter. Though, space was never a problem for whichever seat you’re situated in. Even in the back seat. We also see a new steering wheel design with a four-dot emblem, which Hyundai states is Morse code for the ‘H’ in Hyundai. Being an upper spec N Line, you get premium look dark grey, suede and Nappa leather interior with edgy red stitching and dashboard highlights.
Standout features above the Sonata pre-facelift include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a quality Bose-branded 12-speaker sound system, 360-degree camera views with blind-spot cameras, a panoramic glass roof with a powered blind, second row and rear windscreen blinds, an information head-up display, and side door exit warning, to name a few.
The almost coupe-like four-door Sonata has also been significantly reinvigorated externally. A striking new front end is made up of a single horizontal LED positioning lamp, a mysterious hidden headlamp design, a wider front grille, and a widened air intake, giving off a strong sense of performance. The rear also expresses a real sense of athleticism with a sharp boot line, a new LED combination light with a “H” shaped lightbar, and quad exhaust tips.
For a sedan, the boot is plentiful in size; offering 480 litres. Though, it’s not quite as large as the Camry’s 524 litres. It is large enough to accommodate the family shopping or a weekend away.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Powertrain & handling
Those athletic looks are not just smoke and mirrors. On the road, the Sonata provides a truly exhilarating experience. There are no major updates to the engine – and there doesn’t need to be. The ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder whips out 213kW and 422Nm. It’s a wonderfully adaptable engine as you can unsuspectingly cruise around peacefully and quietly with the family, or you can punch it into action without hesitation.
From a standstill, the traction control allows front wheel spin for a moment, or, if you dare, a “Sport+” driving mode switches off the traction control altogether. The front wheels cop all the force, which creates some torque steer. But you can have lots of fun with this willing engine as it springs to life low in the rev range, and keeps kicking right up to the rev limit.
Full torque comes in at a low 1650rpm, meaning you don’t have to keep revs high up hills like performance cars of yesteryear required. A 0-100km time of 6.5 seconds is impressive. During our tests on a private road we clocked it in xx seconds.
The engine connects to an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission. Having eight ratios to choose from means that engine speed is better matched when you demand power. The wet friction make-up also seems to take away the notorious jerkiness or gear change delay under low speed that dry dual clutches are known for. Gear shifting here is smooth, intuitive, and ultra-fast when it needs to be.
This performance comes at a cost in fuel consumption. The fact is, you can run 1.8x Toyota Camry Hybrids with the fuel use of one Sonata. It officially burns 8.1L/100km. Our testing exposed an average of 8.6L/100km. In the Sonata’s defence, it can surprisingly run on the cheapest 91 RON or E10 blended fuel. And you don’t have to put up with any pesky engine start/stop feature.
Aussie-tested sports suspension is made up of a multi-link arrangement with fast response monotube dampers at the rear, and MacPherson struts at the front. The result is almost non-existent body roll around corners in true sports car form. And given the Sonata is no compact hot hatch, it feels nimble and stable when the car’s direction shifts quickly.
In spite of this, the Sonata still manages to provide a delightfully smooth ride as well. It exhibits a broad capacity to absorb bumps with negligible disturbance to passengers. The Sonata conveys a brilliant equilibrium between a comfortable ride and athletic dynamics.
Contributing to the Sonata’s sporty feel is a solid weightiness in the steering, which makes it feel secure and predictable on the road. Especially at higher speeds. Although, it does miss the raw and mechanical communication of some sports sedans (not seen in this class, though).
One unmissable grumble we have with the Sonata is the incessant speed limit warning alarm. Like with every new model Hyundai, every time you exceed the speed limit that the car detects from road signs, it chimes at you. You can turn it off deep in the settings menu, but it needs to be turned off each time the car is turned on.
The frustrating part is, the speed limit the car thinks is current is not always accurate. Hyundai claims the feature is required in order to pass upcoming tougher safety ratings. It would be nice if the speed limit detection was more accurate, and if Hyundai could introduce an easier ‘off’ button.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Piping hot athletic external design: It now looks much more premium and polished, with lots of horizontal lines emphasising width.
- Exhilarating, high performance engine: A 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder is unique for not just this segment for the new car market. It’s a big-capacity four-banger, so it has low-end torque, but it still loves a good rev.
- Brilliant balance of sporty dynamics and comfort: The suspension really does walk that fine balance between the two, perfectly for this type of car.
- Feature listing is as generous as they come: Huge curved screens, lots of adjustable settings, and luxury-levels of creature comfort.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Key considerations before you buy
- Fuel economy (for its segment): Compared with its direct rivals, the performance engine does come with higher fuel consumption.
- Speed warning: The annoying speed warnings that need to be turned off every time the engine is started will drive you mad. And the speed detection is often inaccurate, so it’s warning you of an incorrect speed anyway.
- No demand: Brilliant car in a market nobody is interested in/fast-becoming obsolete.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: Videos
How does it rate against its rivals?
Final word
The Sonata N Line is everything but a boring sedan. With a head-turning design and an engine that is bound to thrill, it changes everything we know about family sedans. And with all that, it can also fulfil that family sedan role without carrying ‘sports car’ impracticality. It’s just a shame that the Sonata is a top-notch car in a segment nobody seems to want anymore.