When we think of performance vehicles, the Hyundai name doesn’t often come up, but it should. Hyundai’s N Line performance vehicles are exciting and fun.

Can you take ordinary, everyday vehicles and turn them into something special? Automakers have been doing it for many decades. Toyota has a recent collection of GR models, BMW brings the heat with the M Division models, and now Hyundai does the same with models wearing the letter “N.” This lineup of vehicles hits all the right notes, giving you impressive driving manners and challenges when it’s time to hit the road.

Where does N come from?

You might not find the N to be a sporty letter, but it happens to be the first letter of Namyang. Why is that significant? This is the global R&D center where the high-performance Hyundai vehicles are created. Of course, this letter is also the first letter in Nürburgring, the most iconic test track in the world, where these N-branded vehicles are tested and refined to make them performance-oriented vehicles. The N and N-Line vehicles come from the success in World Rally Championship and Tour Car Racing series to bring racing inspiration to your driving experience.

What are the N Line models?

Hyundai offers two levels of upgraded performance wearing the N. If you see Hyundai’s N Line models, they bring something specific to the market. Most of these vehicles are equipped with upgraded styling and driving performance features that push them further up the line when compared to the regular Hyundai vehicles. N Line models lack the added power and suspension features found in the N versions but boost aerodynamics, handling agility, and balance. These vehicles are a good step up from the standard vehicles for anyone looking for the first step in upgraded performance.

What are the N models?

If you want to experience the top of the performance ladder from Hyundai, you’ll need to choose an N model. These vehicles check all the boxes with more power and driving dynamics. When you want a track-ready Hyundai vehicle, it must wear the N badge. You’ll hear the crackle of the engine, feel the performance of the suspension, and enjoy the added control of the limited-slip differential, brakes, and steering system. These vehicles are extra aggressive and ready to release an incredible level of fun for your driving experience on any road or track.

The Ioniq 5 got better

The name, Hyundai Ioniq 5 doesn’t tell you much about the electric SUV, but it can be more impressive when the N badge is added to the mix. This is the first of Hyundai’s N Line vehicles with an all-electric power system. The Ioniq 5 N features a track-ready build and tons of impressive driving qualities. The dual-motor drive system produces 641 horsepower to send this small electric SUV to 60 mph in a hurry.

More fun in the Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a sporty and fun compact sedan, but in its basic form, it can be a little bland and boring to drive. This car needs a shot of adrenaline in the arm, and the N badge gives it that. The Elantra N brings an impressive powertrain with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the N Grin control system drive modes, and a rear strut tower x-brace. These features help the Elantra N dominate the track with incredible speed. The engine delivers 276 horsepower to the wheels, which makes this car more fun than any other Elantra.

Take the Kona to a new level

The Hyundai Kona is an agreeable small SUV with good driving manners and the active dynamics you want to see in your compact crossover. Still, it feels as if something isn’t quite finished in the regular models. Maybe a dose of Hyundai’s N Line features could make this SUV better. The Kona N Line has 195 horsepower churning from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. It also features HTRAC AWD to give it a sporty and aggressive feeling. Add the unique N Line styling features and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, and you’ve got an SUV that looks great.

Could this Tucson be right for you?

Can you have hybrid driving and performance features in the same Hyundai vehicle? You can if you drive the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line. This sport-performance hybrid SUV has the N Line looks with 19-inch wheels and HTRAC AWD. You’ll also enjoy up to 226 horsepower from the engine and 37 mpg combined thanks to the hybrid powertrain.

Which of Hyundai’s N Line vehicles is the one you’ll want to drive?