The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N bursts onto the scene as a high-performance variant of the already popular Elantra sedan. While its aggressive exterior styling and potent turbocharged engine grab headlines, the interior is where drivers and passengers spend their time. So, let's buckle up and take a detailed look at what makes the Elantra N's cabin a special place to be.

Stepping Inside: First Impressions

As you open the door of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N, you're immediately greeted by a sporty and purposeful environment. It's not just a standard Elantra interior with a few added badges; Hyundai has made thoughtful upgrades that enhance the driving experience. The first thing you'll notice are the N-specific sport seats, which are designed to provide exceptional support during spirited driving. These seats feature pronounced bolstering that hugs your body, keeping you firmly in place even when cornering aggressively. The seats are typically wrapped in a combination of leather and suede-like materials, often with contrasting stitching and the N logo embossed for a touch of exclusivity. Beyond the seats, the overall design maintains a modern and driver-focused layout. The dashboard is well-organized, with controls that are easy to reach and use. A digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen dominate the view, providing a wealth of information and entertainment options. The steering wheel is another key element, featuring a thick rim, perforated leather grips, and the N logo, along with dedicated buttons for activating the N driving modes. The interior also incorporates sporty accents such as metal pedals, N-branded door sill plates, and unique trim finishes that set it apart from the standard Elantra. Overall, the initial impression is one of a well-crafted and performance-oriented space that is both comfortable and engaging.

Seating and Comfort: Designed for Performance and Daily Use

The seats in the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N are a standout feature, meticulously designed to provide both exceptional support for performance driving and adequate comfort for daily commutes. These aren't your average sedan seats; they're serious sport seats with deep side bolsters that hug your torso and thighs. This aggressive bolstering is crucial for keeping you planted during hard cornering, preventing you from sliding around in the seat as the car changes direction. The seats are typically upholstered in a combination of high-quality materials, such as leather and suede, offering a premium feel and enhanced grip. The suede inserts help to prevent you from sliding around, further enhancing stability during spirited driving. In addition to the supportive design, the seats also offer a good range of adjustability. Power adjustments for the driver's seat are usually standard, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Lumbar support is also typically included, which is essential for maintaining comfort on longer journeys. While the focus is on performance, Hyundai hasn't completely sacrificed everyday comfort. The seat cushions are well-padded, providing a decent level of cushioning for longer drives. However, it's worth noting that the aggressive bolstering might not be to everyone's taste, particularly for larger individuals. The rear seats in the Elantra N are similar to those in the standard Elantra, offering adequate space for two adults. Legroom and headroom are decent, although taller passengers might find it a bit cramped on longer trips. The rear seats also feature a folding function, which allows you to expand the cargo space when needed. While the rear seats aren't as sporty or supportive as the front seats, they provide a comfortable enough space for passengers on shorter journeys.

Technology and Features: A Modern and Driver-Focused Cockpit

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N boasts a tech-rich interior designed to keep you connected, informed, and entertained. At the heart of the system is a large infotainment screen, typically measuring 10.25 inches, which is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. This screen serves as the central hub for navigation, audio controls, smartphone integration, and vehicle settings. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and quick response times. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. In addition to the touchscreen, the Elantra N also features a digital instrument cluster, which replaces the traditional analog gauges with a customizable display. This digital cluster provides a wealth of information, including speed, RPM, fuel economy, and performance data such as boost pressure and lap times. You can configure the display to show the information that's most important to you, and it even changes its appearance depending on the selected driving mode. Other notable technology features in the Elantra N include a premium audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound, and a wireless charging pad for your smartphone. The car also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind while driving. Overall, the technology in the Elantra N is well-integrated and user-friendly, enhancing both the driving experience and overall convenience.

Design and Materials: A Step Up from the Standard Elantra

While the overall layout of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N's interior is similar to the standard Elantra, Hyundai has made several key changes to elevate the design and materials, creating a more sporty and premium feel. The most noticeable difference is the use of higher-quality materials throughout the cabin. The dashboard and door panels are often wrapped in soft-touch materials, and the seats are upholstered in a combination of leather and suede. These materials not only look and feel better than the standard Elantra's plastics, but they also contribute to a more refined and upscale atmosphere. The Elantra N also features unique trim finishes that set it apart from the standard model. These might include metal accents, carbon fiber-look trim, or unique color combinations. The sporty touches extend to the steering wheel, which features a thick rim, perforated leather grips, and the N logo. Metal pedals and N-branded door sill plates add to the performance-oriented aesthetic. The overall design is modern and driver-focused, with a clean and uncluttered layout. The controls are logically placed and easy to reach, and the infotainment screen is well-integrated into the dashboard. The digital instrument cluster adds a high-tech touch, and the customizable display allows you to tailor the information to your preferences. While the Elantra N's interior isn't as luxurious as some of its competitors, it offers a significant step up in terms of design and materials compared to the standard Elantra. The sporty accents and premium materials create a more engaging and upscale environment that complements the car's performance capabilities.

Practicality and Space: Balancing Performance with Everyday Needs

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N strikes a good balance between performance and practicality, offering enough space and versatility for everyday use. While it's primarily designed as a performance sedan, it doesn't completely sacrifice the practicality that buyers expect from a compact car. The interior offers decent space for both front and rear passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer drives, and the rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults. Legroom and headroom are adequate, although taller passengers might find it a bit cramped in the back. The Elantra N also offers a decent amount of cargo space in the trunk. The trunk is large enough to handle most everyday needs, such as groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats also feature a folding function, which allows you to expand the cargo space when needed. This is particularly useful for carrying larger items that wouldn't fit in the trunk alone. In terms of storage, the Elantra N offers a variety of compartments and cubbies for stashing small items. There's a glove compartment, a center console storage bin, and door pockets for storing drinks, phones, and other essentials. The car also features cupholders in both the front and rear. While the Elantra N's interior isn't as spacious or versatile as some of its competitors, it offers enough practicality for most daily needs. It's a comfortable and functional space that can easily accommodate passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for those who want a performance car that can also be used as a daily driver.

Final Thoughts: A Driver-Focused and Well-Equipped Cabin

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N interior is a well-executed blend of sporty design, modern technology, and everyday practicality. It's a significant step up from the standard Elantra, with enhanced materials, supportive seats, and unique trim finishes that create a more engaging and upscale environment. The tech-rich features, such as the large infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, keep you connected and informed, while the standard safety features provide added peace of mind. While the focus is on performance, the Elantra N doesn't completely sacrifice comfort or practicality. The seats are comfortable enough for longer drives, and the rear seats offer adequate space for passengers. The trunk is also decently sized, and the folding rear seats provide added versatility. Overall, the Elantra N's interior is a well-rounded package that complements the car's performance capabilities. It's a driver-focused and well-equipped cabin that makes the Elantra N a joy to drive, whether you're tearing up a racetrack or simply commuting to work. If you're looking for a performance sedan that doesn't compromise on comfort or features, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is definitely worth considering.