The N Line trim is an indulgence in a class of vehicles where affordability is a key factor. Starting at an MSRP of $31,200 in FWD guise for 2022, there is value for money if you’re into the Tucson N Line’s styling and a back road is part of your commute. Otherwise, if you want more power and better fuel economy, the hybrid models are a better bet at a few thousand more; the Tucson is still fun to drive without the upgraded suspension and throttle and transmission mapping. There’s no N Line trim on the hybridized versions of the Tucson, though. We wouldn’t file the Tucson N Line away as an enthusiast’s car, but for someone that wants to look good and occasionally pick up the pace, it has a place in Hyundai’s lineup.
When it goes up against the Toyota RAV 4, we prefer the Tucson in general. Toyota has angled the RAV4 as a soft-roader with its sportier trims, so there’s no real comparison to the N Line. We still need to get the new Honda CR-V in for a full week, but from our first drive experience, we believe it will be a toss-up. However, Honda has leaned into its Sport trims, and they’re hybrid only. There’s more power there but also more weight. Still, we would wait for the CR-V Sport to hit the dealerships and test drive them both before making a decision.
