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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  Quite Dissappointed - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By mdub10 - November 30 - 11:20 pm

  I have owned my Veloster since the summer of 2012. I really wanted the manual as I have driven stick shifts since 1994. Unfortunately this thing has to be built by morons. I have had navigation issues, massive creaks and squeaks that are completely annoying and now with 25,000 miles on this car, the clutch has gone out! Are you kidding?! I have driven numerous vehicles that were standards. I have never had a clutch fail. Not once in 20 years of owning cars. Hyundai is saying wear and tear and I have to pay over $1000. Once I get the quote from the dealer, I am going to fight this like crazy. The clutch is only covered for 12 months or 12K miles? Hmmmm...maybe they knew it was crap?!

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  Get Compliments Every Time I Go Out in My Veloster - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By dutchgirl22 - November 12 - 10:08 am

  I bought my Veloster about a month ago. I traded in my 2003 Hyundai Tiburon which I LOVED for this car. I drive for a living so I put on about 25,000 miles a year and I need a small car for parking spaces with a large trunk for my medical devices, along w great gas mileage/good warranty/good price. I had a 4 cylinder Tiburon so I am used to the weaker power of the Veloster as well as feeling everything on the road (I feel less than w my Tiburon). My complaint is the MPG whether highway/city is NOT correct. I seem to have to get gas as much now as I did w my Tiburon that allegedly has 10-15 mpg less than the Veloster. I get compliments all the time and I do love the look.

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  Exactly what I wanted/expected - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By vmotion - September 13 - 8:45 pm

  I wanted looks, and MPGs. Thats what I exactly what I got. You want power, then get the turbo. If I want fast, Ill take the 66 Mustang for a spin. This car looks hot, handles great, and is everything I expected. Powered by a 1.6, I didnt expect a pace car. My previous car was a non-turbo Mini Cooper, and I find this one to be just as much fun.

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  Zip, zip, zippy!! - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By Susan - August 23 - 10:53 pm

  My husband and I absolutely love this car! After driving suv vehicles the last ten years I had forgotten that a car could be fun to drive. This car is a blast!! Ours is white and we get loads of compliments on it. We primarily purchased it to save on gas costs as we are constantly driving our son to tennis tournaments around the state. It has more than enough trunk space to hold all his tennis gear and our baggage. We do live in a rural area and I will say that you do feel any bumps in the road and I would not recommend it for any unpaved roads as it sits very low to the ground. Would definitely purchase another one in the future, especially the turbo version because it would be even more fun than our little "zippy" which is quite light and quick. By the way my husband is 62 and has ample headspace and our son is 511 and is relegated to the backseat. My son does say the only thing he dislikes about the car is getting in and out of it. My husband and I view it as a little extra "exercise" in our day.

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  Almost a 10 - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By j_denny - June 30 - 3:44 am

  I bought the Turbo, it is quick, handles well, has all the features I was looking for and is fun to drive. The seats are comfortable, even after driving for hours. I tend to drive fast and this car still gives me good gas mileage even when exceeding the speed limit for long stretches. Ive had it to 120 a couple of times, still plenty of throttle to go. Ive had it for a few months now and have put 6,000 miles on it, The car is cold natured - it doesnt perform well until the motor is warm. And getting it into 1st gear sometimes is a battle. Shifting up or down is easy - except for 1st gear.

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  Reviewers are wrong! - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By rcarra - June 23 - 12:24 pm

  I have to say the base veloster is a great car. Im going from a 2009 Hyundai Elantra and have to say after 4 years Hyundais styling and build quality has improved. The base engine is fine with six speed automatic and paddle shifters its like having a manual shift car. If you know about cars you would know a mushy peddle means mushy performance. This car has a hard gas pedal so it means the engine has power on tap. I only own it a day and have to say its nibble sporty and does have power on tap. So stop giving this car a bad review, most owners love the car like I do.

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  Funky, quirky little car - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By denjb - April 28 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my 2014 Veloster for 2 weeks now - and I gotta admit - I LOVE this car! Theres a few weird little things that Id change about it, but for the money, I am very satisfied with the purchase. Its styling is cutting-edge both inside and out. The standard features on a base model impressed me. It turns heads, and its fun to drive! I opted for the 6 speed manual transmission, and I"m glad I did, because with an automatic transmission, this engine wouldnt let this car get out of its own way. That aside, the fit, finish, and clean lines remind me of a much more expensive European car - Hyundai did something right with their new models!

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  The sporty looking car - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By Eric Stitt - April 27 - 8:04 am

  This car can catch the eye of young drivers. Looks like a small sports cars and drives well when hugging the turns. Not great in accelerating but this was expected. Great on Gas!!!!! A big plus and travels well on the highway. A good vehicle if you are concerned about your budget.

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  My first Hyundai - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By penguin103 - April 14 - 3:32 am

  This is my first Hyundai and so far, its a mixed bag. I am in my late 30s and I wouldnt consider myself the intended demographic for a Veloster. Pros - The car is fun to drive, handles great, gets about 32 mpg average. Plus, the base model includes bluetooth, A/C, cruise control, XM and keyless entry. Just what I needed and nothing I didnt- well done Hyundai. Cons - There is a constant loud rattle/creaking in the dash/glove box area that is driving me absolutely nuts. I hate for this to be a reason I dont like driving it, but its getting to that point. Im going to see if the dealership can do something at my first oil change.

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  Terribly Unreliable, but wonderful dealer service - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By jnall - March 31 - 10:02 am

  Ive got a marathon blue luxury package with an automatic thats been plagued with gremlins. The A/V system has been replaced but random transmission problems persist (DCT). On two occasions now the transmission has stopped working. Once the car would not move from a stop despite trying drive and reverse and everything in between. Today the vehicle spontaneously went into neutral at about 30 mph. After coasting to about 5 MPH the car started moving again. I plugged in my iPhone to the A/V system once and it never worked again. Hyundai was nice enough to pay for a new phone. We have two velosters--our second one is great.