The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N was initially slated to make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show. However because the event was canceled for the second year in a row, owing to the pandemic, the Korean automaker chose to debut its newest high-performance N-line sedan via an online presentation.

Hyundai Elantra N Exterior

Hyundai has opted to strengthen its sporty range known as “N”, a brand which distinguishes itself for giving us the most potent variants of some of its popular models like the Veloster and Kona. These N models, in addition to improving performance, also provide a more radical aesthetic package, and this newest addition to Hyundai’s lineup, the Elantra N, couldn’t be left out.

Styling-wise, I’ll have to admit, the new Hyundai Elantra N is unquestionably a vehicle that draws your attention with several cuts, creases, and a stance that is very aggressive, to say the least. The Elantra N features a "full width" grille flanked by an almost horizontal design. It forms a single connecting element with Full LED headlight clusters and the lower air intakes, that are also incorporated into the bumper. Apart from this, you’ll also find a small rear wing on the trunk and a lower diffuser that houses two large section exhausts.

In addition to the prominent sporty red accents and badges on the exterior, a contrasting black tone is also present making that rear diffuser, as well as that subtle but not so subtle spoiler, appear more purposeful. For wheels that come stock, these 19-inch look pretty dynamic and spectacular.

2022 Hyundai Elantra N exterior dimensions

Hyundai Elantra N Interior

The interior is also just as sporty and comes with bucket seats designed to provide great lateral support, keeping you in position during those intensive driving sessions. There is leather and Alcantara upholstery, a sport steering wheel, blue stitching, as well as three buttons particular to the N version, that helps you toggle between the different driving profiles.

The NSE (N Sound Equalizer) system, which provides a simulated sound in the cabin, replicates the sound of Hyundai Motorsports' racing engines.} It is done through modulation of the bass and gives out the characteristic "whistle" of the turbocharger.

Hyundai Elantra N Drivetrain

The N Grin Shift (NGS) function momentarily increases turbocharger pressure, giving 10 more horses and resulting in 286 horsepower. Although this feature is limited to the eight-speed (DCT) dual-clutch automatic. The other option being a six-speed manual with Rev Hang technology.

The Elantra N will be able to get from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. The N's exuberant power is rooted in a front-wheel-drive setup that features an electronic limited-slip Differential, Launch Control, and integrated drive axle technology, a system inherited from Hyundai's racing knowledge.

Hyundai Elantra N Pricing

Being Hyundai, expect pricing to be aggressive. The Elantra N should start at around the $30,000 mark, which is considerably lower than the competition. If you don't require AWD that some of the rivals offer, the Elantra with its sedan body style certainly makes for a rational and compelling buy. Expect the Elantra N will hit showrooms by the end of this year, or by early 2022.

Hyundai Elantra N Competition

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N will compete against a number of well-known sports cars, including the likes of the Honda Civic Type R, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, and Golf R.

Honda Civic Type-R

The Civic Type R is basically a factory-built hot rod that's a lot of fun to drive. In a world where high-performance automakers like Porsche and Aston Martin are gradually abandoning manual transmissions, Honda comes with a vow to keep them alive. A six-speed manual transmission is paired with a 306 horsepower 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbo engine. It's also equipped with a limited-slip differential. Honda attempted to make the Civic as light as possible by removing some sound deadening material, the back windshield wiper, the rear parcel shelf, and lighter wheels, which resulted in a 50-pound weight decrease.

Despite its aggressive, attention-grabbing appearance, the Civic is an incredibly practical vehicle. The Civic's beauty traces back to the 1990s. Back then, the formula was simple: take a lightweight budget vehicle and add power to get the power-to-weight ratio of a far more premium car. The Civic was a regular car that evolved into a fire-breathing beast that devoured pricey sports cars for breakfast. Even now, the Civic adheres to that very same basic formula. The 2022 Honda Civic Type R costs $37,895, while the special edition car costs $43,995.}

Volkswagen Golf R

Performance and practicality are two words that don’t necessarily go well together, do they? However, one of the stalwarts of the entry-level performance segments, the MK 8 Volkswagen Golf R, as ever strikes that balance just right. Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, all coupled to VW’s legendary AWD setup, which also features torque vectoring. As with the Elantra N and the Civic Type R, the Golf R can also be had with a manual transmission, a six-speed unit, or VW’s seven-speed DSG automatic.

The MK8 Golf R is returning to the U.S. market after a gap of two years. The Golf has always been all about sophistication, hasn’t it? As with any Volkswagen, despite the R sitting at the top of the Golf range, gets understated styling both inside and out. The tech though is all new and in keeping with the times, there are screens pretty much everywhere you look. The Golf R comes in a single spec and will be priced at $44,640 which is significantly higher than the competition and will also hit the showrooms by the end of the year.

2022 Hyundai Elantra N specifications