2025 Hyundai Sonata N-Line: The Brand’s Affordable Sports-Like Midsize Sedan

 

Highlight: The compact sedan will soon be available as a hatchback.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $36,695 (Base Trim MSRP): $29,195

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (N-Line):19-inch wheels; a variety of drive modes; fender mounted LED turn signal indicator; sport bumper front fascia; sport rear diffuser; seats with microfiber; power driver’s seat; a manual operated front passenger seat; a manual operated tilt-telescopic steering wheel; heated front seats; a navigation system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; an auto dimming rearview mirror; and wireless charging

Options: carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

SEL

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

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

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter turbo, 4-cylinder /290-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/32-hwy (test model)

What’s New: With the exception of a few minor trim and package changes, the Sonata is essentially a carryover model.

Why:

A sexy design with the Lucid-like headlights

19-inch stylish wheels

Roomy sedan

Comfortable seating with sports-like design

A panoramic power sunroof

A high-level of safety driving aids

A radar-activate cruise control system with co-pilot steering assist

A powerful 4-cylinder turbo comparable to a 6-cylinder

A high-quality audio system

A co-pilot assist steering system

Rear spoiler integrated into rear deck

A 12-inch infotainment system

A high-level of safety driving aids

A navigation system

Wireless charging

Apple CarPlay

SiriusXM

One of the best new-car warranties in the segment

But:

No AWD available with N-Line trim

The suspension on the N-Line might be too firm for some

The wireless gear shifter can be easily be changed from drive to neutral at highway speeds, which could lead to an accident

No ventilated seats

Verdict:  After the fascia was redesign during the 2024 model year, the Sonata with its Lucid-like headlights now exudes a level of sportiness that alluded previous models. The sleek looking design stands apart from its competitors.

The roomy midsize sedan is available in several trims with a variety of powertrains. Pricing for the base Sonata starts out the gate under $30,000. In this day and time where the average transaction price of a new vehicle is on the heels of approaching $50,000, the Sonata is one of the few affordable vehicles available on the market place. Moreover, its one of the few sedans available in the segment as consumer appetites have shifted toward crossovers, SUVs and trucks.

Mazda, Subaru, Ford, Chevy, Dodge and Chrysler have walked away from the midsize segment. While Dodge remains in the large vehicle segment, they’re still tying to balance out their inventory and powertrains to make the vehicle affordable and improve its appeal.

The Sonata we reviewed was powered by the Korean’s N-Line performance brand. Our five-seater Sonata was outfitted with a peppy 4-cylinder turbo engine, which produced close to 300-horsepower.

And some of the features on our vehicle ranged from a co-pilot assist highway driving system to 19-inch wheels to a power panoramic roof. The Sonata N-Line is a perfect option for those seeking sportiness, roominess and a feature rich vehicle without breaking the bank.

Competition: 2025 Honda Accord; 2025 Nissan Altima; 2025 Kia K8 and 2025 Toyota Camry