Hyundai Veloster

Overview: Is the Hyundai Veloster a Good Car?

Call it quirky or cute, the Hyundai Veloster is the Korean automaker’s compact car with sporty vibes. Its hatchback style is a throwback to when most brands offered this body style, while a unique three-door layout (plus a rear liftgate) helps the Veloster stand out. This look teased performance, but in reality, this Hyundai was more about providing efficient and affordable transportation. However, the turbocharged Hyundai Veloster N gives this car proper “hot hatch” credentials.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Hyundai Veloster cars for sale.

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Key Features

The Hyundai Veloster has:

• Three-door layout (one door on the driver’s side and a pair of clamshell-style doors on the passenger side)
• Four-cylinder engine options, including turbocharged versions with up to 271 horsepower (varies by year and generation)
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive

Trims

The Hyundai Veloster started with a single trim in 2012 but was joined by a Turbo edition in 2013. In 2016, Hyundai added a Turbo R-Spec trim and the limited-production, 2016-only Rally Edition. A Value Edition joined the lineup in 2017. Veloster production resumed in 2019 with the launch of the second generation and numerous trims (2.0, 2.0 Premium, Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, and Turbo Ultimate). The performance-oriented Veloster N was added in 2022. Only the N variant was available for 2022, the Veloster’s final year.

Learn More: Here Are The Hyundai Veloster Years To Avoid

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Front-seat passengers will find the Veloster welcoming, while taller people will experience a cramped back seat thanks to a sloping roof line and modest legroom. Tech-focused shoppers will want to focus on the second-generation Veloster, which has an available touchscreen infotainment system and many standard advanced driver aids. The liftgate and folding rear seats give this Hyundai crossover-like versatility.

How It Drives

Without a turbocharged engine under the hood, the Veloster drives just like any other compact Hyundai: competent and unexciting. Step up to an edition with a 201-horsepower turbo powerplant, and the Veloster comes alive. The Hyundai Veloster N goes even further with neck-snapping acceleration.

Safety

Only a handful of first-generation Veloster model years have undergone safety testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of those assessed, they received an overall five-star rating. There is no NHTSA information about the second-generation Veloster.

Reviews

According to Hyundai Veloster reviews from Kelley Blue Book, owners are generally favorable towards these cars. The first generation scores 4.1 (out of 5.0), with reliability and styling being strong factors. Meanwhile, the second generation rose to 4.2 as consumers favored the Veloster’s reliability and value. However, the score for comfort dipped slightly.

Related: How Long Do Hyundais Last? What To Know About Lifespan

FAQS

Can I still buy a Veloster N?

2022 was the last year for the Veloster N (and the entire Veloster line). Used Velosters are available but with a limited selection.

Are Velosters expensive to maintain?

According to RepairPal, the Hyundai Veloster has annual maintenance and repair costs of $493. This compares to $368 for a Honda Civic.

Is Veloster N faster than Type R?

Car and Driver reports that the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N and 2021 Honda Civic Type R have matching acceleration speeds of 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

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