Hyundai Veloster N — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews

The Hyundai Veloster N is the hot-hatch version of the second-generation Veloster and the first car Hyundai's N performance division sold in the United States. It was developed under Albert Biermann, formerly of BMW's M division, and takes its name both from Hyundai's Namyang R&D center and the Nürburgring, where it was honed. Underneath the asymmetrical 3+1-door body sit a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged four, an electronically controlled adaptive damper system, a strut-tower brace, bigger brakes and a rev-matching six-speed manual — a genuinely serious front-drive performance package sold for hot-hatch money.

Model years 2019–2021 · Independent buyer data

Hyundai Veloster N exterior
Price range
$32,250 - $33,750
Fuel economy
22 / 28 mpg
0–60 mph
5.6 s
Top speed
155 mph
Safety
Not rated (NHTSA)
Reliability
7.5 / 10
Insurance
$2,250 / yr (avg)
Resale value
62% after 5 yrs
Recalls
2 recalls (NHTSA, 2021 model year — campaigns 22V746000 and 24V528000)

Fuel economy: 22 mpg city / 28 hwy (manual); 20 / 27 (DCT); premium fuel required

Hyundai Veloster N: General Information

The Hyundai Veloster N is the hot-hatch version of the second-generation Veloster and the first car Hyundai's N performance division sold in the United States. It was developed under Albert Biermann, formerly of BMW's M division, and takes its name both from Hyundai's Namyang R&D center and the Nürburgring, where it was honed. Underneath the asymmetrical 3+1-door body sit a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged four, an electronically controlled adaptive damper system, a strut-tower brace, bigger brakes and a rev-matching six-speed manual — a genuinely serious front-drive performance package sold for hot-hatch money.

In the U.S. the Veloster N ran from the 2019 through the 2022 model years, always front-wheel drive and always built in Ulsan. It launched with 250 hp as standard and 275 hp via a $2,100 Performance Package that also brought an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, an active variable exhaust, larger brakes and 19-inch wheels on Pirelli P Zero summer tires. For 2021 Hyundai made that package standard, so every car got 275 hp, and added an optional eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic with N Grin Shift overboost alongside new N Light Sport seats. Hyundai discontinued every other Veloster after 2021, leaving the N as the sole survivor for 2022 before it too was retired; the Elantra N inherited its powertrain.

Standout traits are the drive-mode system with a customizable N mode, launch control, the pops and bangs from the variable exhaust, and a four-seat hatchback body that still swallows 19.9 cubic feet of cargo. The trade-offs are a firm ride, premium fuel and EPA combined ratings of only 22 to 25 mpg. Output is 250 or 275 hp against 260 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph takes about 5.6 seconds, top speed is 155 mph, and U.S. base prices ran from $26,900 in 2019 to $33,750 for a 2021 car with the dual-clutch.

Hyundai Veloster N by model year

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

2019 Hyundai Veloster N Veloster N

The Veloster N debuts for 2019 as the first Hyundai N model sold in America, listing at $26,900 with a rev-matching six-speed manual — the only transmission offered this year. A 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged four makes 250 hp and 260 lb-ft, rising to 275 hp with the $2,100 Performance Package, and the chassis gets electronically controlled adaptive dampers, a strut-tower brace, variable-effort steering and launch control. Base cars ride on 18-inch wheels with 225/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

▶ Watch the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Veloster N review

2020 Hyundai Veloster N

2020 Hyundai Veloster N Veloster N

The Veloster N carries over for 2020 with a $700 price increase to $27,600, still using the 250-hp 2.0-liter Theta II turbo and a rev-matching six-speed manual as the only transmission. The $2,100 Performance Package again lifts output to 275 hp and adds the electronically controlled limited-slip differential, variable exhaust, bigger brakes and 19-inch Pirelli P Zero rubber. Revised EPA testing nudges the highway figure up a mile per gallon to 29.

▶ Watch the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N Veloster N review

2021 Hyundai Veloster N

2021 Hyundai Veloster N Veloster N

2021 is the Veloster N's big year: the former $2,100 Performance Package becomes standard, so every car now makes 275 hp and comes with the active variable exhaust, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, larger brake rotors and 19-inch wheels on 235/35R19 summer tires. Hyundai also added an optional eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic with N Grin Shift overboost, new N Light Sport seats and standard navigation. Standardizing all of that pushed the base price to $32,250, nearly $4,700 above a 2020 car.

▶ Watch the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N Veloster N review

Hyundai Veloster N trim levels

Hyundai Veloster N trim levels and specifications
TrimMSRPEnginePowerDriveEconomy
Veloster N$26,9002.0L Theta II T-GDI I4250 hp / 260 lb-ft (275 hp with Performance Package)FWD22 / 28 mpg
Veloster N$27,6002.0L Theta II T-GDI I4250 hp / 260 lb-ft (275 hp with Performance Package)FWD22 / 29 mpg
Veloster N$32,2502.0L Theta II T-GDI I4275 hp / 260 lb-ftFWD22 / 28 mpg

Specifications (2021)

FuelPetrol
TransmissionAutomatic

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Frequently asked questions

How much does the Hyundai Veloster N cost?

The Hyundai Veloster N has a typical price range of $32,250 - $33,750, spanning 3 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.

What fuel economy does the Hyundai Veloster N get?

The Hyundai Veloster N achieves 22 / 28 mpg. Real-world figures depend on trim, drivetrain and driving style.

Is the Hyundai Veloster N reliable?

Owner-reported reliability is rated 7.5 / 10. Recall history: 2 recalls (NHTSA, 2021 model year — campaigns 22V746000 and 24V528000).

What years of the Hyundai Veloster N are available to compare?

Cars4Real covers Hyundai Veloster N model years 2019–2021. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.