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2026 Hyundai Elantra N-Line Review

Is the N-Line Elantra just a spiced-up sedan, or does it deliver the performance it promises?

Jerome Tresvalles
2026 Hyundai Elantra N-Line Review

South Korea is one of the few places that still appreciates a four-door sedan, and this appreciation means that the Korean automakers know how to develop a good one. The car we’re reviewing today is a product of that love for sedans, the Elantra N-Line.

The Elantra nameplate had a brief hiatus in the Philippines, only to be reintroduced this year following the performance-bred Elantra N’s debut in 2024. What we want to find out now is where the Hyundai Elantra N Line stands in a shrinking segment in the Philippines, and whether sedans are still worth considering today.

4.2 / 5
2026 Hyundai Elantra N-Line Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 3.5/5
What You Will Like
  • Feels fun and engaging to drive
  • Unique styling
  • Powerful 1.6-liter turbo engine
What You Won't Like
  • No 360-degree camera
  • Slightly pricier than its rivals
How We Do Our Reviews

The Elantra lineup starts with the 1.6 GL 6AT STD, priced at a reasonable P1,065,000. The Elantra N Line, on the other hand, moves into crossover and SUV territory with a price tag of P1,795,000.

Compared to other sedans in the market, the Elantra N Line sits alongside the Corolla Altis GR-S Hybrid and the Honda Civic RS, priced at P1,746,000 and P1,790,000, respectively. While the Elantra N-Line is the most expensive of the three, it’s also the most powerful, something we’ll get into shortly.

As for whether that price is justified by what the Elantra N Line brings to the table, we’ll share our verdict later on.

To understand what we mentioned earlier about power, let’s look at the Elantra N Line’s rivals. The Corolla GR-S Hybrid produces 120 hp and 140 Nm of torque, while the Honda Civic RS Turbo delivers 176 hp and 240 Nm. The Elantra N-Line, meanwhile, is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a seven-speed DCT, generating 201 hp and 265 Nm of torque. This makes it the only one among the three to break the 200 hp mark.

Power isn’t everything, of course; driving dynamics and real-world performance still matter. But on paper, this sedan already shows that you’re getting genuine performance for your money.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Exterior

Moving on to styling, the Elantra N-Line takes the already head-turning, sleek design of the Elantra and injects a dose of sportiness throughout. The front fascia features sharp cuts and angles, highlighted by contrasting black trim on the bumper, matte silver accents on the bumper lip, and faux side intakes that enhance its aggressive stance. Along the sides, the sculpted door lines remain, complemented by N Line badging to set it apart. Large 18-inch alloy wheels with a geometric design add further drama to the profile.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Rear

The rear end is more polarizing—a love-it-or-hate-it design. The standard Elantra’s trunk spoiler already creates a sharp cut where it tapers into the rear bumper, and the N-Line adds touches like black trim at the end of the ducktail spoiler, wrap-around LED taillights, and a thin silver matte trim at the bottom of the bumper, giving it a distinct but divisive look.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Headlights

The Elantra N-Line won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but we think it does the job well of standing out not only in its lineup but also against other sedans in the market.

As you would expect from a compact sedan, legroom in the second row is plentiful, offering enough space to sprawl comfortably. Where space can feel limited is in headroom for taller passengers, due to the Elantra’s sloping roofline.

The rear seats are upholstered in plush leather and come with air vents and a pair of USB-C charging ports. Three passengers can fit in the back, but the high center tunnel may slightly compromise comfort for the middle occupant.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Seats

Up front, the leather seats are comfortable and provide decent support. Combined with red accents and a nicely chunky steering wheel, the design cues clearly reflect the sporty intent of the Elantra N-Line. Driver-focused features include a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and a prominent drive mode selector to its left. Within easy reach are physical buttons and dials for the air conditioning, a layout we appreciate very much, while an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits at the top of the dash.

Cargo capacity is decent at 400 liters of space, enough for the weekly groceries and a weekend’s worth of luggage. A nice feature we spotted is the buttons for the seats to fold them down from the trunk, allowing you to load longer items without having to go through the passenger doors to fold them. Don’t expect to be able to fit a balikbayan box in the Elantra N-Line’s compartment, but then again, carrying cargo isn’t the main point for cars like these.

Some additional features we would have liked to see include ventilated seats and the same power-adjustability for the passenger seat. While not dealbreakers, these are features you might reasonably expect at the Elantra N Line’s price point.

Overall, the Elantra N Line’s interior is comfortable, clean, and, importantly, easy to use. We believe it’s the type of car that even older drivers can get the hang of quickly, a rare quality in modern vehicles, where technology often outpaces a person’s ability to master it.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Dashboard

The Elantra N Line’s tech suite starts strong with its infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making phone pairing effortless. The cabin also features dual-zone automatic climate control, six speakers, and multiple USB charging ports in both the front and rear. Like the Premium HEV Elantra, the N Line comes equipped with a wireless charging pad, an electronic parking brake, and selectable drive modes.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Instrument Cluster
Hyundai Elantra N-Line Infotainment
Hyundai Elantra N-Line Steering Wheel

On the safety front, the N Line includes six SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Safety is further enhanced by Hyundai SmartSense, which bundles smart cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, parking distance warning, and a rearview camera.

While this is a comprehensive package for a car of this size, our only minor gripe is that, as a top-of-the-line model, a full 360-degree camera would have been a welcome addition.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Wheels

Driving a sedan is a different animal from driving a crossover, largely because sedans tend to offer a more connected feel to the road, and the Elantra N Line is no exception. On highways and smooth roads, the N Line feels stable and engaging from behind the wheel. Even on twisty sections, the low-slung Elantra N Line is confidence-inspiring and genuinely fun to drive at speed. Power delivery from the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is smooth, and it rewards heavier throttle inputs with a satisfying, throaty roar, along with a solid kick from its 201 horses.

The suspension leans toward the firm side, but it’s far from jarring or fatiguing, even on longer drives. Road noise tends to creep inside the cabin because of the low-profile tyres, but then again, it’s an expected compromise. On open roads, the seven-speed DCT delivers smooth power delivery and, when you choose to use the paddles, quick gear changes. However, as with most dual-clutch transmissions, the Elantra N Line exhibits some typical DCT quirks, such as slight jumpiness in rolling traffic. Even so, it remains one of the smoother DCTs you’ll find in this segment.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Rear Bumper

If fuel efficiency is your priority, you may want to look elsewhere. In heavy city traffic, we managed around 7 km/L, while highway driving returned up to 21 km/L. Then again, the N Line was never meant to be an economical car; it’s designed to excite the senses, and in that regard, the Elantra N Line delivers exceptionally well.

Compared to sedans, crossovers are often the more practical choice for Filipino drivers, thanks to their higher ground clearance and larger cargo space. Different body styles exist for different priorities, though, and sedans are typically for people who value the driving experience more than outright practicality.

Hyundai Elantra N-Line Rear

These are the kinds of drivers who want to feel every turn, who appreciate deliberate and rewarding steering inputs, and who want a car that excites and turns heads. The Elantra N-Line delivers those qualities and more. At P1,795,000, it may not be the most practical option, but for the right person, every peso will feel well spent.

If you think you’re the type of driver the Elantra N-Line is made for, check it out on AutoDeal.com.ph.

Specifications

Engine

1.6 L

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Performance

201 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name Hyundai Elantra 1.6T N Line 7DCT
Body Type Sedan
Price ₱1,795,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

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