Hyundai Veloster — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews
The Hyundai Veloster is a front-wheel-drive sport compact built in Ulsan, South Korea, and sold in the United States from the 2012 through the 2022 model year as the spiritual replacement for the Tiburon. Its defining feature is an asymmetrical 3+1-door layout — one long door on the driver's side, two shorter ones on the passenger side, plus a rear hatch — a configuration otherwise found mainly on vans and commercial vehicles. Because the big door is always on the driver's side, right-hand-drive markets get a mirror-image body, and American passengers always step out onto the curb.
Model years 2015–2021 · Independent buyer data
Fuel economy: 25 mpg city / 33 hwy (manual); 27 / 34 (automatic)
Hyundai Veloster: General Information
The Hyundai Veloster is a front-wheel-drive sport compact built in Ulsan, South Korea, and sold in the United States from the 2012 through the 2022 model year as the spiritual replacement for the Tiburon. Its defining feature is an asymmetrical 3+1-door layout — one long door on the driver's side, two shorter ones on the passenger side, plus a rear hatch — a configuration otherwise found mainly on vans and commercial vehicles. Because the big door is always on the driver's side, right-hand-drive markets get a mirror-image body, and American passengers always step out onto the curb.
The first-generation FS car rode on the Hyundai-Kia PB platform and ran from the 2012 through the 2017 U.S. model years, using a 1.6-liter Gamma direct-injected four rated at 132–138 hp and, from 2013 on, a 201-hp 1.6-liter Gamma II turbo. Hyundai skipped the 2018 model year in America entirely while it readied the second-generation JS car, which shares its bones with the European i30 and arrived for 2019 with a new 147-hp 2.0-liter Nu four, standard multi-link rear suspension, torque-vectoring control and standard forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist and driver-attention monitoring. The 275-hp Veloster N launched alongside it as the first Hyundai N model sold in America. Citing slow sales, Hyundai dropped every Veloster except the N for 2022, and the N followed it out of the lineup after that year.
Standout traits are the door trick, a genuinely useful hatchback — 15.5 cubic feet behind the seats on the first-generation car and 19.9 on the second — a strict four-seat cabin, and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. What it never offered was all-wheel drive or a back seat you would put an adult in for long. Across the American run, output spans 132 to 275 hp, EPA combined ratings run from 22 to 31 mpg, and base prices ranged from roughly $18,000 for an early manual 1.6 to $33,750 for a final-year Veloster N with the dual-clutch automatic.
Hyundai Veloster by model year
2015 Hyundai Veloster
2015 Hyundai Veloster Veloster
The naturally aspirated Veloster is the entry point to the range at $18,000 with the six-speed manual, powered by a 1.6-liter Gamma direct-injected four. 2015 is the last year the manual car carries the higher 138-hp tune — Hyundai standardized on 132 hp across the naturally aspirated lineup for 2016 — while the optional six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch runs the 132-hp calibration and returns the better EPA numbers. Standard kit includes a rearview camera, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a six-speaker, 196-watt stereo.
2015 Hyundai Veloster RE:FLEX
The RE:FLEX is a limited, appearance-focused version of the naturally aspirated Veloster sold only with the EcoShift dual-clutch, listing at $21,950. It pairs the 132-hp 1.6 with full leather seating in black or red, 18-inch PVD-chrome alloys, LED headlight accents and taillights, illuminated door sills and the 450-watt eight-speaker Dimension audio system with subwoofer. Hyundai launched it at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show and 2015 is its final model year.
2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
The R-Spec is the enthusiast bargain of the range: $21,600 buys the full 201-hp 1.6-liter Gamma II turbo engine and a six-speed manual, but deletes the standard Turbo's panoramic sunroof, proximity key and navigation to keep the price a thousand dollars below it. It gets a B&M Racing short-throw shifter, retuned dampers and a firmer setting for the driver-selectable steering. At 2,877 pounds it is the lightest way into a turbocharged Veloster.
2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The standard Turbo tops the 2015 range at $22,600 with the manual, adding the equipment the R-Spec goes without: a panoramic sunroof, proximity key with push-button start, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, navigation and leather seating with heated front cushions. Power is the same 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo, and the optional transmission here is a conventional six-speed automatic with Shiftronic rather than a dual-clutch. The Turbo body adds its own front and rear fascias, side skirts, twin center exhausts and a wider track.
2016 Hyundai Veloster
2016 Hyundai Veloster Veloster
The naturally aspirated Veloster opens the 2016 range at $18,000 with a six-speed manual. For 2016 Hyundai standardized the 1.6-liter Gamma direct-injected four on a single 132-hp calibration — the previous 138-hp manual tune is gone — but recalibrated the powertrain for better economy, so both transmissions gained a mile per gallon. A no-cost yellow interior accent package is new this year alongside a freshened front fascia.
2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
At $21,600 the R-Spec remains the cheapest route to the 201-hp 1.6-liter Gamma II turbo, undercutting the standard Turbo by $1,000 by leaving out the panoramic roof, proximity key and navigation. It keeps the B&M Racing short-throw shifter, stiffer suspension tune and the firmer steering calibration, and is manual-only. Red interior accents and 18-inch alloys are part of the look.
2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The standard Turbo lists at $22,600 with the six-speed manual and carries the loaded end of the range: panoramic sunroof, proximity key with push-button start, heated leather front seats, navigation and rear parking sensors. The headline 2016 change is the automatic — the old six-speed torque-converter unit is replaced by a seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch that lifts city economy from 24 to 27 mpg. Engine output is unchanged at 201 hp and 195 lb-ft from 1,750 rpm.
2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rally Edition
New for 2016 and limited to 1,200 cars, the Rally Edition is a lightweight, manual-only take on the Turbo at $23,950. It swaps the panoramic glass roof for a full metal one, wears matte blue paint, carbon-fiber-look side accents and a front lip, and rides on RAYS wheels that save about five pounds each. Mechanically it matches the standard Turbo's 201 hp but adds the retuned suspension and firmer R-Spec steering calibration, and it deliberately goes without the proximity key, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and navigation. 2016 is its only model year.
▶ Watch the 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rally Edition review
2017 Hyundai Veloster
2017 Hyundai Veloster Veloster
The naturally aspirated Veloster opens the final first-generation range at $18,100 with a six-speed manual, using the 132-hp 1.6-liter Gamma direct-injected four and 17-inch alloys. Nothing changed mechanically for 2017 beyond revised EPA ratings, and the entry car keeps the simpler six-speaker, non-amplified stereo. This is the last model year for the naturally aspirated 1.6 base Veloster — the U.S. skipped 2018 entirely, and the second-generation car returned for 2019 with a 2.0-liter engine.
2017 Hyundai Veloster Value Edition
New for 2017 and offered only this year, the Value Edition bundles the naturally aspirated Veloster's most-wanted options into one $21,350 package sold exclusively with the six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch. It adds a power glass sunroof, 18-inch wheels and the 450-watt eight-speaker audio system with subwoofer over the base car, while keeping the 132-hp 1.6-liter engine and its class-leading 28/35 mpg EPA rating.
2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
The R-Spec carries over at $21,600 as the cheapest 201-hp Veloster, trading the standard Turbo's panoramic roof, proximity key and navigation for a lower price. It remains manual-only with the B&M Racing short-throw shifter, stiffer damping and firmer steering calibration, on 18-inch alloys and the 450-watt Dimension audio system. Revised EPA testing moves it to 26/32 mpg for 2017.
2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The loaded Turbo tops the 2017 lineup at $22,600 with the manual and $23,800 with the seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch, both using the 201-hp 1.6-liter Gamma II turbo. Standard equipment includes the panoramic sunroof, proximity key with push-button start, heated leather front seats, fog lights and the 450-watt eight-speaker audio system. It is the last first-generation Veloster Turbo sold in America before the model's one-year U.S. hiatus.
2019 Hyundai Veloster
2019 Hyundai Veloster 2.0
The 2.0 is the entry point to the all-new second-generation Veloster at $18,500 with a six-speed manual, and it replaces the outgoing 1.6-liter engine with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Nu four making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft — 15 hp more than the car it replaces. Every 2019 Veloster gains multi-link rear suspension, torque-vectoring control and standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and driver-attention warning. It rides on 17-inch alloys and uses a six-speaker stereo with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019 Hyundai Veloster 2.0 Premium
The 2.0 Premium is the loaded naturally aspirated car at $22,750, sold only with the six-speed automatic. Over the base 2.0 it adds a power glass sunroof, 18-inch alloys, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while keeping the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine and its 27/34 mpg EPA rating.
2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
The R-Spec returns as the enthusiast bargain of the range, listing at $22,900 and pairing the 201-hp 1.6-liter Gamma II turbo with a six-speed manual — the only way to get a stick behind the turbo engine in 2019. It goes without the sunroof, heated seats and Infinity audio that the pricier Turbo trims carry, but adds a B&M Racing short-throw shifter, a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloys on performance tires.
2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The mid-range Turbo lists at $25,400 and is sold only with the seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch, which makes it the most efficient turbocharged Veloster at 28/34 mpg. It layers a power sunroof, heated front seats with power lumbar, Infinity audio and blind-spot monitoring onto the 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo. Wireless device charging and an eight-inch navigation display are available.
2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate
New for the second generation, the Turbo Ultimate tops the non-N range at $26,650 with the manual and $28,150 with the seven-speed dual-clutch. It combines the 201-hp turbo with LED headlights, a head-up display, navigation, wireless charging and the full driver-assistance suite on top of the Turbo's sunroof, heated seats and Infinity audio. It is the only 2019 Veloster besides the R-Spec that can be had with three pedals.
2020 Hyundai Veloster
2020 Hyundai Veloster 2.0
The entry Veloster carries over for 2020 at $18,800 with the six-speed manual, a $300 increase over 2019, still powered by the 147-hp 2.0-liter Nu four. Standard equipment is unchanged: multi-link rear suspension, torque-vectoring control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, 17-inch alloys and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2020 Hyundai Veloster 2.0 Premium
At $23,000 the 2.0 Premium remains the loaded naturally aspirated car and is again automatic-only. It adds a power glass sunroof, 18-inch alloys, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert to the base 2.0, while keeping the same 147-hp engine and 27/34 mpg EPA rating.
2020 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
The R-Spec is again the only manual-transmission turbocharged Veloster, listing at $23,350 for 2020, up $450 on the year. It pairs the 201-hp 1.6-liter Gamma II turbo with a six-speed manual, a B&M Racing short-throw shifter, sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloys on performance tires, skipping the sunroof and heated seats of the pricier Turbo trims to stay light and cheap.
2020 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The mid-range Turbo lists at $25,650 for 2020 and remains dual-clutch-only, which makes it the most efficient turbocharged Veloster at 28/34 mpg. It adds a power sunroof, heated front seats with power lumbar, eight-speaker Infinity audio and blind-spot monitoring to the 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo, and wears the Turbo body's own fascias and twin center-exit exhausts.
2020 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate
The Turbo Ultimate tops the 2020 non-N range at $28,350, and for this year Hyundai dropped its manual option — it is now sold only with the seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch. Equipment is otherwise unchanged: LED headlights, a head-up display, navigation, wireless device charging, heated front seats with power lumbar and eight-speaker Infinity audio on top of the 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo.
2021 Hyundai Veloster
2021 Hyundai Veloster 2.0
The entry Veloster closes out its run at $18,900 with the six-speed manual, a $100 bump over 2020, still using the 147-hp 2.0-liter Nu four. Nothing changed mechanically for 2021, but this is the last one: in July 2021 Hyundai announced it was dropping every Veloster except the N for the 2022 model year, citing slow sales and a shift toward the Kona.
2021 Hyundai Veloster 2.0 Premium
The automatic-only 2.0 Premium finishes at $23,100, adding a power glass sunroof, 18-inch alloys, eight-speaker Infinity audio, heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert over the base 2.0. Engine and EPA figures are unchanged at 147 hp and 27/34 mpg. It is the last naturally aspirated Veloster Hyundai sold in America.
2021 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
At $23,450 the R-Spec ends its run as the only manual turbocharged Veloster and the cheapest way into the 201-hp 1.6-liter Gamma II engine. It keeps the B&M Racing short-throw shifter, sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloys on performance tires, and skips the sunroof and heated seats to stay the lightest of the turbo cars at 2,833 pounds.
2021 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The mid-range Turbo lists at $25,750 for its final year and remains dual-clutch-only, which keeps it the most efficient turbocharged Veloster at 28/34 mpg. It bundles a power sunroof, heated front seats with power lumbar, eight-speaker Infinity audio and blind-spot monitoring around the 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo, and wears the Turbo body's own fascias and twin center-exit exhausts.
2021 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate
The Turbo Ultimate signs off as the most expensive non-N Veloster at $28,450, sold only with the seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch. It carries LED headlights, a head-up display, navigation, wireless device charging, heated front seats with power lumbar and eight-speaker Infinity audio on top of the 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo, and disappears from the lineup after this year.
Hyundai Veloster trim levels
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | Drive | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veloster | $18,000 | 1.6L Gamma GDI I4 | 138 hp / 123 lb-ft (manual); 132 hp / 120 lb-ft (DCT) | FWD | 26 / 35 mpg |
| Veloster RE:FLEX | $21,950 | 1.6L Gamma GDI I4 | 132 hp / 120 lb-ft | FWD | 27 / 36 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo R-Spec | $21,600 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 24 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo | $22,600 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 24 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster | $18,000 | 1.6L Gamma GDI I4 | 132 hp / 120 lb-ft | FWD | 27 / 35 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo R-Spec | $21,600 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 25 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo | $22,600 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 25 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo Rally Edition | $23,950 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 25 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster | $18,100 | 1.6L Gamma GDI I4 | 132 hp / 120 lb-ft | FWD | 27 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster Value Edition | $21,350 | 1.6L Gamma GDI I4 | 132 hp / 120 lb-ft | FWD | 28 / 35 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo R-Spec | $21,600 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 26 / 32 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo | $22,600 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 26 / 32 mpg |
| Veloster 2.0 | $18,500 | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft | FWD | 25 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster 2.0 Premium | $22,750 | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft | FWD | 27 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo R-Spec | $22,900 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 26 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo | $25,400 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 28 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo Ultimate | $26,650 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 26 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster 2.0 | $18,800 | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft | FWD | 25 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster 2.0 Premium | $23,000 | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft | FWD | 27 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo R-Spec | $23,350 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 26 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo | $25,650 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 28 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo Ultimate | $28,350 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 28 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster 2.0 | $18,900 | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft | FWD | 25 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster 2.0 Premium | $23,100 | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft | FWD | 27 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo R-Spec | $23,450 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 26 / 33 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo | $25,750 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 28 / 34 mpg |
| Veloster Turbo Ultimate | $28,450 | 1.6L Gamma II T-GDI I4 | 201 hp / 195 lb-ft | FWD | 28 / 34 mpg |
Specifications (2021)
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the Hyundai Veloster cost?
The Hyundai Veloster has a typical price range of $18,900 - $28,450, spanning 27 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.
What fuel economy does the Hyundai Veloster get?
The Hyundai Veloster achieves 25 / 33 mpg. Real-world figures depend on trim, drivetrain and driving style.
Is the Hyundai Veloster reliable?
Owner-reported reliability is rated 7.0 / 10. Recall history: 1 recall (NHTSA, 2021 model year — campaign 21V301000).
What years of the Hyundai Veloster are available to compare?
Cars4Real covers Hyundai Veloster model years 2015–2021. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.