After a month with my 2024 Sonata N-Line, I’m loving its balanced performance and features. The updated tech is impressive, with smoother animations and better screen refresh rates compared to my 2021 model. It has strong road presence, often drawing compliments and curiosity. The car feels like it hits the “Goldilocks zone”—everything is good enough without overdoing it. The ride, power, transmission, and sound system all strike a perfect balance between daily comfort and fun when you push it.
However, there are a few drawbacks. For its price point (~$36K), the lack of a power passenger seat is odd. U.S. models also miss out on features like ventilated seats and heated steering wheels, available in European versions. Additionally, the 2.5T engine and 8-speed transmission can feel clunky at low speeds but smooth out in normal driving. Overall, it’s a well-rounded sedan with a fun edge—an excellent alternative to the Camry or Accord.
Cameron said:
How do you like the stalk gear shifter?
I don’t mind it. It’s still some getting used to. I think I prefer the buttons on the previous Sonata. 3-point turns can be a bit annoying but I think it’s more that I’m still getting used to it as opposed to it being bad.
@Jordan
I had a 2024 Kona for 3 months before trading it in. The gear selector is especially annoying on 3 point turns. It feels kinda cheap too after awhile but the concept of it saving space in the middle is worth it.
Rich and privileged? I worked for years to save for a new car. I also had recently gotten 5k for hitting a deer. If I would have gotten the Kona N-line I probably would have been fine with it. I wanted the Kona N-line initially but went with the SEL for the better gas mileage. I hated it though and like the Elantra N line a lot more. I still had a little money to cover the difference I lost from trading the Kona back in.
Cameron said:
How do you like the stalk gear shifter?
My husband has the 24 Sonata as well and I have the 23 Elantra, it took a little to get used to but it’s honestly pretty cool tbh I don’t see why it gets hate.
Cameron said:
How do you like the stalk gear shifter?
People are overly too critical regarding the gear shifter! It only took me a few hours to get used to it. That’s about it.
Dude after the test drive, I couldn’t figure out how to get it in park lmfao I was pulling it twisting like that toy with speaker as a kid then I realized there’s a park button.
@Phoenix
Dude, I mean, when I test drove my N, and when I bought it like I said, muscle memory wise took me an hour to a couple hours tops. I used to the twist shifter on the steering wheel to me at least not a big deal.
Phoenix said: @Zadie
Yeah bought it Friday, haven’t got it yet though hopefully this week.
Well, all I can say is good luck to you… you’ll be fine though. Just like anything else in life, once you get “used to it” it will become “second nature” to you…
@Zadie
Are you North American? Canadian website says it has lane change cameras, but I’ve yet to see it on any American model YouTube videos lol. I’m under the impression we lost the heads up display, cameras and air flow seats lol.
@Phoenix
Yeah, right before I bought my N, I actually researched this on YouTube. Australian market has the N having the automatic rear windshield sunshade and rear window shades as well. US market doesn’t get any of that either. It was slightly disappointing to me, but it wasn’t a “dealbreaker” for me either.
Not sure why the two different global markets are like that, but it is what it is… Yeah, if you YouTube any N in the Aussie market, you can easily tell the rear sunshine. Also, in the Korean market, but I can more easily understand that one. Basically, the US market got gypped a little bit.
@Phoenix
Yeah, I’m pretty sure there’s a subwoofer from the rear windshield dash area. Acceleration and performance is just outstanding. I barely throttle it mostly because I try to save fuel economy because I drive 41 miles to work at home each way and my drive mode set up for Eco mode and I didn’t get in about 34 to 36 in Eco mode. I get about 26 MPG combined sport mode /Eco mode. Everything about the car so far I love.
Cameron said:
How do you like the stalk gear shifter?
I’ve accidentally revved it in park maybe 3 times in the first month. But most of the time, it’s not an issue and I like there’s one less obstruction at the cup holders.
you’ll be fine though. Just like anything else in life, once you get “used to it” it will become “second nature” to you…