2022 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is the brand’s first performance sedan, entering the ring against the likes of the Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf R. It’s expected to arrive before the spring, bringing more aggressive styling and performance. Now we know that N badge and extra performance comes with a hefty premium over the standard model: The Elantra N starts at $32,925 for the manual transmission and $34,425 for the automatic transmission (all prices include $1,025 destination).

Related: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N: Your Move, Honda

By contrast, the base 2022 Elantra starts at $20,875 and tops out with factory options at $26,625; the Elantra N Line and Elantra Hybrid, meanwhile, both top out at less than $30,000.

What’s Different About the Elantra N?

Under the hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pairs with a six-speed manual transmission for 276 horsepower or an eight-speed automatic with an N Grin Shift feature that offers a temporary boost to 286 hp. The Elantra N is distinct from the Elantra N Line, a 201-hp variant whose performance slots between the regular 147-hp Elantra and Elantra N, and the Elantra Hybrid, an electrified variant with only 139 hp but more torque and better fuel efficiency.

In addition to the higher power, the Elantra N brings a racier exterior with exclusive features like N badging, 19-inch wheels and wider performance tires.  It also sports a unique rear spoiler and rear diffuser with red accents that signal its performance-centric character.

While Hyundai’s other performance compact, the Veloster N, only seats four, the Elantra N offers room for five. It also gets illuminated N sport seats that sit lower than in a stock Elantra. Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with N-specific menus to let drivers customize performance and sound features. Standard safety tech includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist and lane centering, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, safe exit warning and automatic high beams.

How Does Its Price Stack Up?

With its significant performance advantages over the base Elantra, it’s not surprising the Elantra N wears a much higher sticker price, but how does it compare against rivals from other brands? Still at a discount, though the others make more power on paper.

Honda’s 306-hp Civic Type R started at $38,910 for 2021, but full details await on a forthcoming 2023 Civic Type R based on the redesigned 2022 Civic. VW just redesigned its Golf, and with it comes a 315-hp Golf R that starts at $44,640. And Subaru’s just-redesigned WRX boasts 271 hp, but pricing remains pending, as do any details on the higher-echelon WRX STI.

The Elantra will likely stack up as a bargain alternative to a few of those, and we should note that engine output is but one factor in how a car accelerates — much less its overall performance. Stay tuned for more.

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