2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line: The Brand’s Midsize Sedan Power Boost

Highlight: This is the first non premium vehicle offering an optional remote smart parking assist system.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,840 (Base SE Model: $25,595)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; automatic high beams; a rearview camera; a forward collision avoidance assistance with cyclist and pedestrian protection; a lane keep assist system; a stability control system; and a traction control system

Standard Equipment (SE): 16-inch wheels; solar panels; cloth seats; manual operated front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; manual operated a/c an 8-inch infotainment system;

Standard Equipment (N Line): 19-inch wheels; 290-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; sports seats; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated front seats; adjustable rear head restraints; a 10-inch infotainment system; navigation system; 12 speaker Bose system with SiriusXM; dynamic voice recognition; rear USB charge ports; access to the vehicle via smartphone (eg digital key); aluminum gas and brake pedals; floor console with mounted rear seat vents; dual automated ventilation system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; steering wheel mounted shift paddle; homelink system for garage doors/gates/security system; an electronic blind spot system; a safe exit warning system; and a twin tip dual exhaust system; a rear spoiler; a sport rear diffuser; and a dual power sunroof

Options: carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

SEL

SEL Plus

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD audio system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine/191-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 28-city/38-hwy

What’s New: For the 2022 model year, the Sonata is a carryover model.

Pros:

·        A premium exterior design

·        Easy-to-use infotainment system

·        A roomy five-seater

·        Comfortable and supportive front seats with N Line trim

·        Best warranty in segment

·        An affordable and well-equipped value package

·        Hands-free trunk opening

·        Great road vehicle

·        Ability to use a smartphone to control the vehicle

·        Wireless in-vehicle charger

·        290-horsepower engine with N Line trim

·        19-inch wheels on N Line trim alters ride, handling and overall appearance

·        Upgraded crystal clear Bose audio system

·        Co-pilot assist steering with radar-activated cruise control system

·        A radar-activated start and stop cruise control system

·        Standard panoramic roof

·        A hybrid model is available, as a non N Line trim

But: 

·        Oval shaped fascia is reminiscent of the discontinued Chrysler Concord

·        No AWD available like its twin the Kia K5

·        No plug-in model

·        Radar activated cruise control system doesn't work in sport mode plus.

·        No HUD (heads up display) on the windshield for the N Line model

Verdict:  Just a few days ago, we learned from a reliable source that the Sonata will be discontinued in the near future, leaving only Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Subaru to play in the midsize space -- in spite of the vehicle being redesigned in 2022.

The performance-oriented N Line trim, which we reviewed, offers more punch underneath the hood, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine and sporty 19-inch wheels. The roomy five-seater, with its supportive front seats, is powered by a zippy 290-horsepower engine. Ironically, the Sonata's gutsy 4-cylinder turbo falls a few horsepower shy of the Toyota Camry's 6-cylinder. In additional to power packing underneath the hood, the well-equipped Korean sedan is outfitted with a host of standard driving safety aids and an easy-to-use infotainment system, too.

Overall the well-built vehicle is a great value buy. In fact, the Sonata N Line, which is priced about $10,000 less than the average transaction price of a new vehicle, offers one of the best warranties in the industry. So, if you're in the market for sedan, the Sonata is worth checking out!

Competition: Chevrolet Malibu; Honda Accord; Kia K5; Mazda6; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry; and Subaru Legacy