Hyundai N Line and Hyundai N: Two Levels of Performance

These special editions of several models offer a spectrum of speed and price.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Aug 8, 2024 | 3 min read

Hyundai

Competition is fierce for car enthusiasts with money to spend. Automakers are also hungry for customers who want to drive something that looks and feels a little faster than what's typically sitting in the showroom.

This translates to some automakers, such as Hyundai, making multiple levels of performance available to their customers. Hyundai straddles the divide between performance and practicality with its N and N Line vehicle families.

Hyundai

Hyundai N Is Pure Performance

Hyundai intends each of its N models to be a track-ready machine capable of providing significant thrills at a high rate of speed. This means that the N models offer more power than their standard counterparts. They are equipped with a suspension system that has been tuned for maximum handling capability at the limits of traction. They're also offered with enthusiast-luring features such as a manual transmission, launch control, and a raucous exhaust system.

Much of the Hyundai N playbook is sourced from the company's motorsports experience, but it's also worth noting that of the two N vehicles currently on sale, one is an EV.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which debuts as a 2025 model for around $67,000, builds on the success of the standard electric vehicle by giving it even more horsepower and torque, thanks to aggressively programmed electric motors.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra N, which is still available at $34,000, is a traditional gas-powered hot rod that links up with the N division's original mission statement.

Hyundai

Hyundai N Line Dials Things Back

The N Line designation can be thought of as a balance between the all-out attack of pure N models and the realities of daily street driving. The N Line editions of Hyundai vehicles produce more power than any other trim level — aside from N models. They also offer additional performance equipment such as sporty suspension settings and drive modes, limited-slip differentials, and sticky tires, but they factor in the need for a comfortable commute.

N Line editions embrace high-performance styling cues such as spoilers, side skirts, and look-at-me color schemes to set themselves apart from standard versions of their respective models. Current examples of the N Line include the 2024 Kona N Line starting at around $32,000, the 2024 Tucson Hybrid N Line for about $38,000, the 2024 Sonata N Line for about $36,000, and the 2024 Elantra N Line starting at around $30,000.

Hyundai

How to Choose One Over the Other

Hyundai N directly appeals to drivers who either want to maximize performance on the street or plan to use their vehicles on a track in their spare time. Such drivers are willing to tolerate a rougher ride and increased fuel costs — or energy usage for EV models — and are willing to pay a higher purchase price.

Hyundai N Line's more balanced approach likely attracts more casual enthusiasts who are looking for quicker acceleration and better handling but not at the expense of day-to-day practicality, comfort, or operating costs. They also might be on a tighter budget and can't justify spending extra cash for track performance.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication) and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.