Overview & Reviews

It's a rare occurrence when bold design is married to a car that is accessible to shoppers on a budget. The Hyundai Veloster is that rarity among hatchbacks, with evocative styling, a unique asymmetrical three-door layout and respectable performance. Yet the Veloster still achieves fuel economy figures that rival more commonplace economy cars.

Built upon the same basic architecture as the Hyundai Accent, the Veloster shares many of the same advantages and drawbacks. But when it comes to the bottom line, the Hyundai Veloster ranks highly for its feature-rich content, friendly price and appealing overall character.

Current Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a four-passenger, three-door hatchback. The driver-side door is coupelike in length, while the passenger side features two smaller doors. There are three main trim levels: base, Turbo R-Spec and Turbo.

The base Veloster comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo versions pack a turbocharged version of the 1.6 that cranks out 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. For either engine, a six-speed manual transmission is standard. The base engine offers a six-speed automated manual (called DCT), but selecting that option reduces engine output slightly (to 132 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque). A traditional six-speed automatic is optional only on the Turbo model, as the R-Spec is manual only.

Standard feature highlights for the base Veloster include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, air-conditioning, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the Blue Link emergency telematics system and a six-speaker sound system with a USB/iPod interface.. Options include the Style and RE:FLEX Edition packages, which add some unique styling flourishes inside and out, plus features like upgraded seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgraded audio system.

The Turbo R-Spec features a lower body kit, 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a torque-vectoring system that improves handling around tight turns, and a feature that pipes exhaust sounds through the stereo speakers. Compared to the more performance-focused R-Spec, the Veloster Turbo has slightly less aggressive suspension and steering tuning, some different styling elements, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats and leather upholstery. Option highlights include a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors and a navigation system.

Although the Veloster's cabin has an abundance of hard plastic surfaces, unique texturing and sculpted design help to bolster its appeal. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but that's not the case in back. There's ample legroom, but the rear seat cushions are mounted a bit too low and headroom is limited by the sloping roof line. Furthermore, the glass hatch extends over the passengers' heads, leaving them exposed to the sun.

On the plus side, all of the Veloster's cutting-edge features are sure to attract the tech-savvy youth market that it clearly has in its sights. Features like Bluetooth audio and Pandora Internet radio are standard, while the Blue Link system (besides its typical safety features) includes outbound text messaging, turn-by-turn navigation and location sharing (via Facebook). Parents of young drivers will also appreciate the programmable geo-fence feature that alerts them when the car travels outside of defined areas.

In reviews, we found power from the base 1.6-liter engine to be merely adequate, a bit of a letdown considering the Veloster's sporty styling. Regardless of trim level, the Veloster's ride tends to be harsh on pockmarked roads. Thankfully, the turbocharged versions make the latter demerit easier to take, as their added kick makes for a fair amount of entertainment from behind the wheel.

Used Hyundai Veloster Models
The Hyundai Veloster debuted for the 2012 model year in a single, well-equipped trim level. Unlike later versions, the base engine made 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque regardless of transmission. For 2013, the Veloster Turbo debuted. On the other end of the spectrum, the standard Veloster's engine output dropped slightly (to 132 hp and 120 lb-ft) when it was matched to the automated manual transmission. That year also saw the one-year-only RE:MIX Edition: a base Veloster spiffed up with a body kit and special wheels. Apart from trim level shuffling and lacking a few notable features (such as a standard rearview camera, and, for the Turbo, a torque-vectoring system), these Velosters are otherwise similar to the current models.

User Reviews:

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  A keeper - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By Lisa Baillargeon - September 23 - 12:37 am

  We bought our Veloster in protest against the high cost of fuel. This little gem can go more than twice as far as our previous car on a smaller tank at 3 hours a day in both bumper to bumper and open road traffic. Love the design and low rider feel of the car as a driver especially, but our 2 preteen kids complain about the back seat being cramped and boring, and lack of plugins and lighting for their various electronics. A bit slow on the take off, and a bit of a sticky 1st gear that needs extra push on the clutch, but each car has their own personality. Could use a device holder and an under seat storage compartment in the front. Love the sporty look and feel without the high cost.

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  Everything except accelleration - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By r3v00h - September 10 - 9:01 am

  Im a mid 20s average guy, I needed a car that I could afford but also one that didnt look like a little uh, you know. The veloster is awesome, I love everything about it, the MPG (realistically 28/37 but Ive got it up to around 32/42) and the mean front end. The car is a work of art and you really need to go test drive one to appreciate it, if you can find one, all of my dealerships sold out in a hurry. Speed demons (like me) will be disappointed at its speed off the line, but its makes up for that with handling, a smooth ride, great looks inside and out, and a pretty good warantee. I dont know about you but it works for me.

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  Perfect Combination of Style, Value and Quality - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By diablito30349 - September 2 - 6:54 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month and put about 2800 miles on it, and I love it. After reading (and watching) literally every car review done for this car, I was comfortable with what this car is, and isnt. I really was surprised by how quiet the ride is. The suspension is a little firm so you feel the bumps a little more, but its not too bad. I also think the engine is perfectly adequate for what this car is intended to be (a sporty looking economy car). Its not as "underpowered" as a lot of reviews would have you believe. I also love the bold design of the car. This shows that you can get something economical without feeling like youre driving a toaster on wheels.

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  I love this little car - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By builderjoy - August 24 - 1:46 pm

  I have looked at these for a while and driven several different types of cars, but this little guy is super, my grandbaby has his own back door, the airbags are superior. The value was great and I love it!!!!!

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  WOW what a great car and what a great price. - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By zuuppp - August 12 - 7:17 pm

  I purchased a Veloster at Temecula Hundai. I looked at the CRZ across the street and the Veloster is the better car hands down. I was almost hit because people keep stating at the car while I am driving. Today some guy was hanging out of his truck stating and gave me a thumbs up. I was driving a Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Veloster has so many more features but the same great handling. From Blue Link to XM radio to USB ports and Eco Coach, this car has it all.

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  Pretty Sweet Little Hatch - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By Rob - June 23 - 1:25 pm

  Overall, this car is a cool little Hatchback, it looks like nothing else on the road. The acceleration is a bit lacking and the close ratio 6 speed doesnt help that, this is a "momentum" car . Ride can be a bit rough over bumps and patched pavement, but, i expected that.The tech you get in the base model is pretty nice. It is a funky fun little car that gets great MPG and lots of looks. So far , i am loving my Veloster. Have put a little more than 10,000 miles on the car, still very pleased with my purchase , I have had no issues

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  Swindled - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By bds2 - April 15 - 9:37 am

  Had it in 6 times to fix the Blue Link, twice for the satellite radio, once to repair power mirror, once to replace defective door panel, theyre refusing to fix bubbling paint on door saying its "commercially acceptable" and are calling the new grinding in the transmission when reversing "characteristic of the vehicle. Car is only 3-1/2 months old and has been nothing but problems. Filed an arbitration claim with BBB but am now told the nearest office to hear the claim is a 5 hour drive away one way. Dont buy a Hyundai since they require you sign a BBB arbitration clause, unless you have a BBB site closer than 5 hours away.

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  Do your research before buying any Veloster - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By B Holmes - February 18 - 4:52 pm

  There are still significant issues with the (to be fair most regardless of manufacturer) GDI engine. Jerky acceleration appears somewhat randomly, and city driving in this car is a burden. Handling is not very good. The entertainment system interface in the car is not very well thought out and the display screen is overly bright at night, creating a distraction. After a full month and 1700 miles, I am realizing how cheaply this car is made. After owning Hondas (92 civic, 83 accord--over 200k miles) and an 04 Toyota Celica (190k miles) I can say that Hyundai, at least with the Veloster, is not in the same league yet. There is no way I could recommend this vehicle.

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  DONT Buy a 2013 Veloster Turbo - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By Rob - February 8 - 6:10 am

  I love the Veloster Turbo. Best value in the warm hatch market. Competes with civic SI, mini S, Fiesta ST. That said dont buy the 2013 model! Buy an 2014 or higher It has fatal flaws in the motor that are regularly causing massive engine failures. If your under warranty it will be covered as long as its not modded. If you do get a 2013, make sure the sparkplugs are upgraded, the ECU updated and the Fuel like Recall completed. I advise consulting an automotive forum for more detials.