Hyundai Sonata trim comparison
2025 Hyundai Sonata SE vs N Line
The Sonata SE starts at $26,900 while the N Line is $35,500. That $8,600 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L I4 to 2.5L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 2.5L I4 Turbo every week, the N Line makes sense. If not, the SE is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $151/month more over 60 months, or roughly $9,060 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The SE and N Line are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $8,600 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,150 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | N Line |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,900 | $35,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 38 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 32 | 27 |
| Fuel Tank | No published data | 15.9 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,534 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 111.8" | 111.8" |
| Length | 193.3" | 193.3" |
| Width | 73.2" | 73.2" |
| Height | 56.9" | 56.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Hyundai Sonata SE vs N Line Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Sonata lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Midsize Sedans, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Sonata N Line cost than the SE?
The N Line starts at $35,500 compared to $26,900 for the SE. That is a $8,600 difference, or approximately $151/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE and N Line have the same engine?
No. The SE uses a 2.5L I4 (191 hp, 181 lb-ft), while the N Line has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (290 hp, 311 lb-ft). That is 99 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2025 Sonata SE and N Line have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with FWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2025 Sonata SE or N Line safer?
Both share the same Hyundai Sonata platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Hyundai Sonata come with?
All 2025 Hyundai Sonata trims, including both the SE and N Line, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line worth $8,600 more than the SE?
The $8,600 buys the 2.5L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the SE does the same job for less.
Which 2025 Hyundai Sonata trim gets better fuel economy, the SE or the N Line?
The SE is the more efficient of the two at 32 combined MPG, versus 27 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Sonata N Line Worth $8,600 More?
At $8,600 more, the Sonata N Line adds the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+99 hp). This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the SE delivers the same core Sonata experience for less.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the SE has the 2.5L I4, the N Line the 2.5L I4 Turbo. That means 99 more horsepower and 130 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 5 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Sonata SE gets 5 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $244 per year or $1,220 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The Sonata N Line costs $8,600 more than the SE (about $151/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 4 meaningful changes at $2,150 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Sonata SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Sonata N Line
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the N Line when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.