This week I bring you a high performance compact sports sedan that's really come into its own: the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N. I reviewed the N for its introductory 2022 model-year and it was impressive then. Fast forward just two years and it exceeds even those expectations with terrific style and Motorsport-inspired performance upgrades for 2024.
Exterior
The 2024 Elantra lineup has some great design updates. A new streamlined front end features thinner LED daytime running lights, connected by a metallic bar. A new two piece grille - which features unique matte black N styling - adds to the exterior's sportier vibe.
The tail end has always made a statement, but now even more so with a rear diffuser that features a wide U-shaped silver element. Hyundai cleverly hides the trunk release button into the tail end.
The N also features large bore dual exhaust outlets and a rear wing spoiler. My test vehicle wears Ultimate Red and rides on redesigned 19-inch wheels that wrap around Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires.
Performance
A sport-tuned 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was developed specifically for the N model. It delivers 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. My test vehicle is outfitted with an optional, fantastic, N 8 wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It delivers instantaneous gear shifts. (A 6-speed manual with rev matching is standard.). If you go with the 8-speed you get a feature called N Grin Shift (NGS) -which boosts horsepower to 286 horsepower for 20 seconds!
Hyundai says the N's 2024 enhancements boost both comfort and safety while improving performance. There is a lengthly list of them, too. They include a reinforced engine mount membrane to improve after shake and agility as well as other updates that improve steering precision and enhance body control.
Braking is exceptionally CRISP thanks to large 14.2" front and 12.4" rear brake rotors as well as new motorsports-derived front-bumper air guide that augments stopping performance.
Other N features include a N Corner carving differential, a rear chassis brace and a sport exhaust system with variable valve positions.
Interior
The Elantra N's driver-centric interior hits the right sporty note with its black interior and contrasting blue trim and stitching. N Sport alloy sport pedals and door entrance sill plates look great. For 2024 designers upgraded the interior with new soft-touch door panels.
My favorite cabin feature: the leather-trimmed and microsuede N light sport bucket seats. They just look so impressive and sporty. Like they mean business, and they do. They are well-designed with tight bolstering that holds you snugly in place. The design, the materials, all perfectly executed and they have an illuminated N Logo. The front seats are heated, but only manually adjustable.
My second favorite feature is the N-badged leather-wrapped steering wheel. It has a great mix of materials. It's also equipped with two blue N Shift buttons as well as a single red N Grin Shift (NGS) button. The blue buttons change the digital driver display to provide oil and engine temp, torque and other data.
On the multimedia screen you can access N Performance pages for shift indicator, lap timer, and N track map info along with performance options.
The N benefits from two terrific 10.25-inch displays- one for the digital cluster display, the other is a high-res multimedia screen with excellent navigation mapping. The system is equipped with WIRED Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless would be nice. I do also wish the rearview camera provided a wider view. On the plus side, Hyundai's Dynamic Voice Recognition is great as always and the N's 8-speaker Bose premium audio sounds excellent. New for 2024: USB-C ports, two in the rear, one up front.
Below the dual-zone climate controls you find a fairly minimalistic center console with an integrated passenger grip bar. The console's clean design incorporates a leather shift knob, a redesigned wireless charger, and controls for drive modes, a panoramic view camera and parking sensors. The N has hand-lever parking brake.
The second-row bench seat is roomy with nice headroom even given the stadium seating. There are heater vents, but no drop-down center console.
There's a seat folding release in the spacious trunk, where you also find a multi-jointed rear chassis brace that boosts body rigidity for improved ride and handling.
Note, the 8-speed automatic N variant has a power sunroof - but not the manual version.
Ride and Drive
The 2024 Elantra N delivers on its enhanced performance promises. It's fun to drive, engaging, and handling does not disappoint. It's responsive, sharp and drive-centric. Acceleration is quick and super smooth and it's 8-speed automatic dual wet clutch transmission is applause worthy. We're talking very smooth power delivery and lots of it. WOW does pushing the NGS button give you one exhilaratingly good time! The ride overall is on the noisier side, something not all-together unexpected - but it has a great sport exhaust note.
Safety
For 2024, new rear side airbags and a new rear seat belt reminder are standard on all trims. As are new haptic feedback controls on the steering wheel: Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.
The Elantra N features all of the lineup's standard advanced driver assistance features and adds Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection, and Parking Distance Warning Front and Rear.
Note, the N model does not have Highway Drive Assist or Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
What You'll Pay
This is one of the rare test vehicles I get with zero options. The MSRP is just over $36,000 with transportation - an incredible value for a sports sedan that delivers this much engineering excellence and performance. Yes, it is roughly $3,000 more than the 2022 N I reviewed, but with all the upgrades it remains an incredible value in my book.
Verdict
An outstanding sports sedan with fantastic handling upgrades for 2024.
- What I Liked Most: Performance, driving dynamics, power. Sport bucket seat design and materials. Bose sound system.
- What I would change: Needs a wider view rear view camera.
- MSRP: Base Price $35,200/Total MSRP $36,350 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 20 city/27 highway/23 MPG overall.
- Odometer reading when tested: 560 miles.
- Weight: 3,286 pounds.
- Spare tire: Tire Mobility Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 184.1” long/71.9” wide/55.7” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side. Premium recommended.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- Official Color: Ultimate Red.
- 2024 Hyundai Elantra N in a few words: A true high-performance sports sedan.
- Warranty: 5-year, 60,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty; 10-year, 100,000 mile Powertrain; 10-year, 100,000-mile Electric Vehicle System Warranty. 3-year, 36,000 mile complimentary maintenance and 5 year unlimited mile roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Ulsan, Korea.
- Manufacturer's website: Hyundai
