Hyundai Elantra N
2022-2024
The Elantra N represents Hyundai's ambitious entry into the performance sedan market, delivering genuine track capability at an accessible price point. It combines the practicality of a compact sedan with the driving dynamics typically reserved for more expensive sports cars.
Quick Take
Hyundai's first N performance sedan brings track-tuned dynamics to an affordable compact car. Features multiple drive modes, launch control, and aggressive styling with functional aerodynamics.
Best For
Key Strength
Track Performance Value
Watch For
Interior Quality
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Building on the success of the Veloster N, the Elantra N marks Hyundai's expansion of the N performance sub-brand into the sedan segment. Developed with input from Hyundai's motorsport division and tested extensively at the Nürburgring, it carries forward the brand's commitment to accessible performance.
Design Philosophy
The Elantra N's design prioritizes function over form, with aggressive aerodynamic elements that serve genuine performance purposes. The styling emphasizes the car's track-focused nature through bold body cladding, functional cooling vents, and a prominent rear spoiler that announces its performance intentions.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 2.0-liter turbo four delivers strong mid-range punch with a distinctive burble from the active exhaust system. Power delivery is immediate and linear, with the turbocharger providing robust torque from low RPMs that makes the car feel more powerful than its output numbers suggest.
Chassis Dynamics
Hyundai's N engineers tuned the chassis for maximum engagement, with firm suspension that remains composed under aggressive driving while still managing daily comfort reasonably well. The limited-slip differential and torque vectoring system help manage front-wheel drive limitations, though power can still overwhelm the front tires under hard acceleration.
Sound Signature
The active exhaust produces an aggressive growl with pops and crackles on overrun in the sportiest drive modes.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The Elantra N delivers genuine track capability at an unbeatable price point. With proper cooling, sticky tires, and comprehensive performance modes, it can embarrass cars costing twice as much on a road course.
Hyundai nailed the enthusiast details with rev-matching, launch control, and multiple driving modes. The manual transmission feels precise and the car rewards skilled driving while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Honest Tradeoffs
While functional, the cabin materials and build quality lag behind European competitors. Hard plastics and cheap-feeling trim pieces remind you this is still an economy car underneath the performance upgrades.
The turbocharged engine can feel peaky and the torque steer requires constant correction on anything but perfect pavement. It's engaging but can be tiring in daily driving situations.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for driving enthusiasts who want genuine performance car dynamics without the premium price tag of German or Japanese alternatives.