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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  Terrible experience with Veloster & Hyundai Dealership - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By ssmith160 - April 23 - 4:14 pm

  Since receiving a letter in the mail about the recall on the sunroof in my 2012 Veloster; Ive had issues with what the dealerships would and would not do to fix my car. I set up an appointment to get my sunroof tested for the recall issue and found out the dealership in Brunswick, GA didnt have the tools for the recall test. After repeatedly calling for weeks on the status of the tools, no response was given to me. I was driving home from work one day and my sunroof shattered. The dealership in Brunswick gave me alot of difficulty on how I would transport the vehicle to them for repairs. So I ended up having to tow it to the closest dealership in Valdosta, GA. Terrible service in Bwk, GA

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  Very fun car, questionable quality - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By rex81 - April 1 - 4:07 pm

  First off, I really like this car. I bought it because I wanted something fun but practical. This is a perfect mix. The car handles great, the engine/transmission feels good, it has a TON of standard features, the full third door and roomy backseat are great for carrying kids, and the trunk is huge. I am constantly sitting at work itching to start my commute. Something I dreaded in my last car, a Toyota Yaris. So spending $18,000 out the door to get a car that does that is a really great value in my opinion. However, after driving it for 1,000 miles Im questioning its build quality. Its a brand new car so its bound to have quirks, but it just doesnt feel as solid as my Toyota.

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  2nd Veloster - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By Deathsykle - February 3 - 5:16 pm

  I am sorry for the haters when I read the reviews out there... They are comparing apples to oranges. With all the mods out there and there is even a Hyundai Performance parts the car can be setup to run pretty well. I am a happy so far with my second Veloster..

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  Bad Reviews - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By morseplace - December 7 - 7:33 am

  I have read a lot of bad reviews on this car but I must say I bought my veloster brand new and havent had a single issue with it. Yes the tires are garbage but you will find these crappy tires on many new vehicles. I havent had to replace mine yet with 40,000km but maybe next year. I rotate them every 10,000km. My car has never been back to the dealership partly because I have never had any issues with it and in part to the fact I dont trust dealerships. So I do all my own maintenance. The fuel economy is great and having a manual transmission I am able to find the power if I need it. All in all I am very happy with this car!

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  I shouldve listened to my father - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By mrskenny - November 18 - 11:14 pm

  Ive had problems with my Veloster after hitting the 25,000 miles range. I had to replace my tires, twice, and after complaining to consumer affairs, I was sent a reply email basically telling me nothing is their fault. The Veloster does not come with a spare so I had to call road side assistance. Road Side assistance told me to go to the nearest Hyundai dealership....it was Sunday, theyre closed. So, basically, Hyundai uses really bad tire manufacturers and then claims to have no sort of responsibilities for the types of tires they put on your car. The "touch screen" screen stopped working, even after having a recall and getting it fixed. I will never again purchase a Hyundai!!!

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  First Time Buyer - Worst Purchase Ever!!! - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By wendeez - November 5 - 9:19 pm

  Where do I even begin... Bought my Veloster June 2012 and have put about 22,000 miles on it since then. 19 days after having the vehicle I was going down a major highway when my sunroof shattered on me. Glass EVERYWHERE! Dealership claimed that it was my fault but "since I am a first time buyer they would pick up on the cost". Dealership had my car for 14 days and I had to battle with them to get a renal car. Since then I have had it in the shop to replace the Climate Control Unit and the third time fixing the touch screen radio unit. Bought this car because I thought it would be reliable, great gas mileage, and fun to drive.... Boy was I wrong on that! Waiting for Lemon Law to take it away!

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  Entertaining Little Car - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By Mike_rg - October 23 - 5:16 pm

  Ive loved everything about this car, and Ive not had a single problem with it in my ownership. There are a few departments where it is lacking, namely its lack of power, however this was to be expected with the range of cars that this is offered/compared as well as for the price. It is very comfortable to drive, maintaining it is a breeze, insuring it is cheap, and the warranty is wonderful. One of the only other drawbacks I know of is if you have taller passengers in the back, theres not as much headroom there.

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  Fun Car - 2014 Hyundai Veloster
  By gd2583 - October 10 - 5:28 pm

  The Veloster Turbo is a fun fuel efficient car to drive. With horsepower of 201 it passes like a car with a V8. The cornering and handling seem to be from a much more expensive car. Hyundai did a great job on the exterior design, While shopping I was looking at 2 door coupes like the KIA Forte, Hyundai Elantra and Honda coupes. I saw my first Veloster in the lot after test driving the Elantra Coupe and ask the salesman what it was. I noticed that a couple had turbo badges on them and said why not take it for a test drive, who knows. Needless to say this was the car for me.I can see the Veloster becoming a cult classic of the fast and furious types.

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  unhappy - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By jverjano - August 5 - 8:50 am

  Ive had my veloster for about a year now and 17800 miles. I am always having transmission problems my local dealer doesnt do anything about. Ive been dealing with Hyundai Corp not much help either. my steering wheel Ive changed two time already because the leather keeps peeling off. My radio gives me issues at time to.

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  Very unhappy - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By unhappy1980 - June 6 - 10:41 am

  I purchased my veloster 9 months ago and the vehicle is in the shop every other month for a problem. Ive gone past the dealer and still Hyundai Canada is not doing anything. Its ridiculous on how they can sell a lemon and not take responsibility for there default merchandise. I cant even enjoy my vehicle and making payments on a car that spends more time at the dealer then with me.Im very disappointed in hyundai and the customers satisfaction is there thing bullshit. Its excuse after excuse and they lie about the work they claim they did on the vehicle. Im extremely frustrated and ready to take further measures.