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5 Ways That the Hyundai Sonata N Line Makes the Honda Accord 2.0T Look Weak

If you’re shopping for a family sedan, then you’re most likely looking at either a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. And who would blame you? They’re both fantastic sedans that are sure to last you a long time. But have you checked out the Hyundai Sonata? It was redesigned for the 2020 model year …

If you’re shopping for a family sedan, then you’re most likely looking at either a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. And who would blame you? They’re both fantastic sedans that are sure to last you a long time. But have you checked out the Hyundai Sonata?

It was redesigned for the 2020 model year and what’s even more exciting is that the Korean automaker added a new “N Line” trim level for the 2021 model year. It’s so good that we think it makes the Honda Accord with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine look rather weak. Here are five reasons why.

The Hyundai Sonata N Line has more power

Of course, we had to highlight the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line’s power bump over the Honda Accord first. This new sporty trim level receives a power bump over its trim-level stablemates thanks to a larger turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine as opposed to the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that you’ll find in the other Sonatas. That increase in displacement equates to 290 hp and a whopping 311 lb-ft of torque.

Since we’re counting ponies here, that’s almost 40 hp over the Honda Accord with the 2.0-liter engine (252 hp) and 38 more lb-ft of torque. According to Car and Driver’s testing, the new potent powertrain is able to get the Sonata N Line up to 60 mph from a standstill in just 5 seconds and down the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds quicker than the Honda Accord. In fact, this new Sonata N Line is the quickest front-drive sedan that Car and Driver has tested.  

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line Engine
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line Engine | Hyundai

The Sonata N Line has a larger infotainment screen

While you may or may not care about the size of a car’s infotainment screen, they are getting much bigger nowadays, so we thought it would be important to call it out. For reference, the Honda Accord comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment display that’s connected to a 180-watt system with four speakers.

However, the Hyundai Sonata N Line kicks things up a notch with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen that is connected to a Bose premium audio system will 12 speakers. If infotainment isn’t important to you now, it just might move up on your list of important features once you check out the Sonata N Line.

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line infotainment screen
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line infotainment | Hyundai

A sportier interior

Don’t get us wrong, the Honda Accord’s interior is plush and top-notch for the category, but we must admit, the sporty seats that you’ll find in the Sonata N Line make the Accord look like a rental car. We say that because Hyundai outfitted the Sonata N Line with its own special seats that are covered in fine Nappa leather and Alcantara suede. It’s a pretty slick look and we’re sure they’re super comfortable as well.

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line interior
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line Interior | Hyundai

Sharper looks

Speaking of looks, the Hyundai Sonata N Line boasts a little more flair than the other trim levels. It has a darkened grille and larger 19-inch wheels for a sportier overall look that matches well with its robust body lines and contours. Sitting next to the Accord, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Sonata N Line actually made it look kind of dated.

A better warranty

Lastly, who can forget the tried-and-true Hyundai warranty that you get with the new Sonata N Line? With 10 years and 100,000 miles, you won’t have any worries or regrets when paying the $33,000 entry fee for the N Line. In contrast, the Honda Accord comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s good, but Hyundai’s is better.

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line rear shot
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line | Hyundai
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