The last thing you need to think about when driving a long distance is whether a sporty sedan can handle a curve or not. Thankfully, in the 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line the car itself can determine what is safe and adjust your speed on the fly.
During a week-long test of the N Line, I noticed many times how the vehicle adjusted its own speed. There are two related settings for this, and both work in conjunction with one another.
First, you should know that the N Line is a fun small car that doesn’t break the bank. At $35,500 it is affordable compared to other sporty cars.
The 290-hp 2.5L Turbo MPI/GDI 4-cylinder engine is responsive and quick off the throttle, so much so that I was a little surprised during my tests — especially since the main Sonata model is not intended as a sporty ride. You can punch it and merge into traffic easily.
The vehicle also has an 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters, 19-inch alloy wheels, and sporty front seats with microfiber inserts that make it feel like a cut above the base model. It’s not until you start driving that you notice the safety tech.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA) is the main feature that controls your speed around curves. When you have cruise set and are on a major highway, the N Line will automatically slow to the posted speed. Another tech called Auto Highway Speed Change also comes into play. Both are available to enable or disable in the center console.
The way it works is that the vehicle uses the nav system to gauge the speed limit for a corner. As you approach, the N Line will note your current speed, the speed of a vehicle in front of you, and the posted speed limit. You will feel the accelerator drop a notch to accommodate the safe speed to use around the corner, whether it is a slight drop or a little more dramatic.
What is it like to use? I would say not that obtrusive. If you are driving at normal speeds and the highway posted speed is about 10 MPH lower around a corner, the N-Line will slow down gradually to the point where you might not even notice. And, you shouldn’t have to. The whole point is that you are enjoying the drive or maybe commuting to work. It’s one less thing to think about, and yet also provides some added assurance that you can take corners at safe speeds.
I liked the tech because I barely noticed it during all of my test drives. There’s a feeling that the technology is there to help you and adjust speed without forcing you to pay attention to every detail as you drive. That’s a sign of where all safety tech is heading — that is, being unobtrusive and yet always vigilant, staying out of the way and yet interceding when needed.
I never felt like the car was taking over for me. That can happen with some vehicles where it almost feels like a robot is driving. I found the tech to be exactly what was needed on a long drive when every curve in the road didn’t mean me adjusting my speed.