The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is one of those high-performance, track-focused sedans that will pass for a regular practical car. Mention the words Hyundai Elantra N, and depending on who you talk to, they will varyingly think of a classic soccer mom car, snooze-worthy economy car, great compact car, or similar. Like other models in the N performance sub-brand, the Elantra N has a unique personality that is often misunderstood because of a lack of awareness of the product and of the differences in meaning one letter can have.
Despite the many shared characteristics with its regular Hyundai siblings, the Elantra N, which is basically the high-performance version of the Hyundai Elantra, differs in important ways, including N-specific design elements highlighted on the front fascia, wheels, steering wheel and shifter, sport seats, and so on. Here are ten things we love about the all-new punchy sedan.
10 Robust Powertrain
At the heart of the Elantra N is a responsive and powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 – the same mill found in the Veloster N hatchback. The polished engine delivers 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
This output should provide satisfying passing maneuvers for many drivers. However, those who desire more oomph can activate the overboost feature (N Grin Shift (NGS)) to boost output temporarily to 286 horsepower. This short burst lasts for 20 seconds, after which owners will need to allow a cool-down time of 40 seconds before using it again. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 5.0 seconds, and the top speed is 155 miles per hour.
9 Agile Handling
Being light and small goes a long way towards making the 2022 Elantra N quick and agile. This is backed by predictable steering with good road feedback as well as compliant adaptive suspension.
Despite being a front-engine car, the Elantra N has a stiff, light structure that makes it feel nicely balanced, which helps with handling. The same can be said for the electronic limited-slip differential, which sends extra power to the outside wheel during cornering to ensure the vehicle turns as sharply as expected.
8 Choice of Transmissions
Whether you require the convenience of an automatic or desire the maximum control that comes with a manual gearbox, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N offers a choice of transmissions to suit driver preferences.
It comes standard with a six-speed manual that adequately meets users' expectations of control by delivering a smooth, precise, and crisp feeling. If you want an automatic transmission, there's an eight-speed dual-clutch unit that makes for convenient operation and incredibly smooth performance.
7 Gorgeous Interior
With generous standard equipment, exceptional ergonomics, and a high standard of interior finish, you will make yourself at home sitting in this well-equipped sedan. In front of the driver is an attractive dashboard with a well-placed digital instrument cluster that provides at-a-glance information on vital vehicle systems.
To that, add a clean and straightforward design that combines style and attention to the smallest of details to ensure an environment that is practical and very fashionable.
6 Heated Front Seats & Steering Wheel
Despite losing some comfort-enhancing amenities such as the power-adjustable driver's seat and split-folding rear seat, which come with base Elantra models, the Hyundai Elantra N still offers enough comforts and conveniences that make driving a pleasure.
It is equipped as standard with a heated steering wheel and front seats that provide comfort and warmth on cold days and help counter all those chilly morning commutes. The five-seater sedan also benefits from a six-way manual driver's seat, bucket front seats, dual-zone climate control, and so on.
5 Aerodynamic Design
There are divided opinions when it comes to the Hyundai Elantra N design. However, we can all agree that it is functional. To enable the sedan to cut through the air more efficiently, its exterior was intelligently proportioned to imbue a sculpted body and athletic profile.
Elantra N also benefits from extensive use of aerodynamic components, which give it strikingly distinctive features and a sporty appearance. Aerodynamic improvements include an aggressive face with larger air intakes that help the engine breathe more easily as well as shapes engineered to reduce turbulence and drag. At the rear, a three-bridged wing spoiler reduces turbulent flow and air drag while instilling a youthful, energetic, and dynamic look.
4 Grippy Michelin Summer Tires
Very few utility sport compacts can boast of offering the maneuverability and driving the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N provides.
That's partly thanks to the equipped Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, which deliver optimum traction on wet and dry roads. Working alongside the well-judged suspension and electronically-controlled limited-slip diff, the tires offer uncompromised sporty riding by helping to put the power down.
3 Power Sunroof
To add to Elantra N's fun, Hyundai offers an optional power tilt-and-slide sunroof that's available with the automatic.
Like a breath of fresh air, the sunroof lends the interior a feel-good atmosphere by providing a bright, airy, and spacious vibe.
2 Impressive Suite of Smart, Intuitive Technologies
The 2022 Elantra N is equipped with Hyundai's Uvo infotainment system, a smart, intuitive, and easy-to-use software that makes for an entertaining experience through a 10.3-inch touchscreen display.
The system also includes a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a wireless phone charger, in-dash navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose® premium sound system.
1 Cutting-Edge Safety Innovations
Hyundai's first-ever Elantra N comes with advanced driver assistance systems to enable owners to avoid accidents and improve chances of survival when collisions occur.
They include automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane centering, high-beam assist, and more.