“Me and my wife had an Elantra before we bought our Sonata. It's an upgrade in the way a growing family would need. More space, car seats, foot room, etc. The Elantra was great, but small.”
2021 Hyundai Sonata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the new N Line performance trim, with a 290-hp turbo engine, a quicker-shifting 8-speed automatic, and sport-tuned suspension. Otherwise, this is a light-update year following the Sonata's 2020 redesign.
About the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
8th generation Sonata (DN8), second year for the gas and hybrid sedan after the 2020 redesign; first year for the N Line before the 2024 refresh.
The 2021 Sonata is Hyundai’s style-forward midsize sedan for shoppers who want more visual drama, safety tech, and cabin features than the usual family-car formula. Hyundai positions it as a roomy everyday sedan with easy smartphone integration, lots of driver-assist technology, and several personalities in one model range: basic commuter, better-equipped comfort trim, high-mpg hybrid, and true sport sedan in N Line form.
The 2021 Sonata ranges from the efficiency-focused Hybrid Blue to the new, performance-oriented N Line. SEL adds useful comfort features such as heated front seats, while Limited emphasizes luxury and technology with cooled front seats, a head-up display, a 10.25-inch navigation screen, and extra parking cameras and sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new N Line brings a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. It also has sport-tuned suspension for sharper responses.
Styling
The N Line adds its own sport-focused exterior details and model-specific sport seats with Nappa leather and suede-like Dinamica trim.
Tech
The touchscreen monitor became standard on the SEL Plus rather than optional.
2021 Hyundai Sonata specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd N Wet Dual Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 27–45 mpg | 50 mpg | 23 mpg | 27–45 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 37–51 mpg | 54 mpg | 33 mpg | 37–51 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191–192 hp | 192 hp | 290 hp | 180–192 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 139–181 lb-ft | 139 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 139–195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
The biggest change is the arrival of the Sonata N Line. This new performance trim combines a 290-hp turbo engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, sport-tuned suspension, unique styling, and model-specific sport seats.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata a major redesign?
No, the 2021 Sonata is not a major redesign. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2020, with the new N Line serving as the main update.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line different from the regular Sonata?
Yes, the 2021 Sonata N Line is substantially more performance-focused than the regular trims. It has a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, sport-tuned suspension, more aggressive bodywork, and unique sport seats.
Did the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid change from 2020?
No major changes were made to the 2021 Sonata Hybrid. It largely carries over from the redesigned 2020 model, including the efficiency-focused Blue trim and the more richly equipped SEL and Limited versions.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata worth considering over the 2020 model?
The 2021 Sonata is most compelling over the 2020 model if you want the 290-hp N Line or an SEL Plus with a standard touchscreen monitor. Otherwise, the two years are closely related because the Sonata had already been redesigned for 2020.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata.
4.3
2021 Hyundai Sonata
(395 reviews)
“The vehicle is an amazing pick. It rides smooth, very safe, and reliable to drive with no issues.”
“This car gets so many good comments on its exterior styling! It is extremely comfortable to drive. At 6'4" I fit with lots of spare room. Gas mileage is a huge plus with the hybrid. Overall we love this car!”