2021 Hyundai Veloster Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
You won't mistake the Hyundai Veloster for anything else. With its asymmetrical door layout, there's no other vehicle like the Veloster. The oddball hatchback backs up its looks with engaging driving dynamics, especially in R-Spec and N flavors. As expected from every Hyundai vehicle, the Veloster is strong in value thanks to a long list of standard equipment and the car's fun-to-drive character.
The Veloster 2.0 is a 2021 IntelliChoice Best Overall Value award winner.
What's New
- The Veloster N gets more standard features, including Hyundai's Smart Senses driver assistance suite and lightweight front bucket seats with light-up N logos
- Performance package now standard on the Veloster N
- An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is now available on the Veloster N. The six-speed manual remains standard.
- Veloster 2.0 and Turbo models carry over unchanged
What We Think
The Veloster has evolved from a weird-looking hatchback that couldn't back up its looks with performance to a sporty bargain. Every variant offers fun road manners, but the Turbo and N models offer the best bang for your buck considering how much performance you get. Slick shifters and smooth clutch actions make the Veloster a joy to drive while the linear and precise steering is perfect for tossing the car from one corner to another.
Perhaps the biggest highlight is the handling; excellent body control and well-tuned suspension—especially on the R-Spec—provide plenty of fun through the corners without beating you up. The 275-hp Veloster N provides track-ready performance; however, the ride becomes exceptionally harsh with plenty of vertical motions if you put the adaptive dampers in its Sport Plus setting. For best results, go into N Custom mode and put everything in Sport Plus except the dampers—leave that one in Normal or Sport mode. The new-for-2021 DCT variant delivers snappy, aggressive shifts and impressive acceleration times.
Quibbles with the Veloster include the interior, road noise, and the base engine. Even though the interior has character, there's plenty of cheap plastics. The 2.0 variant suffers from excessive road noise, which can get tiring at highway speeds. The N model's flinty ride and difficulties with heel-toe downshifts contributed to its third-place finish in our four-way sport compact comparison. The standard 2.0-liter I-4 is also noisy, short on power, and doesn't make up for it in the fuel economy department.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2021 Veloster is available with a choice of three four-cylinder engines.
Model: Hyundai Veloster 2.0, Hyundai Veloster 2.0 Premium
Engine and Transmission: 2.0-liter I-4 - six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
Power: 147 hp/132 lb-ft of torque
EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 25/33 mpg city/hwy (manual); 27/34 mpg (automatic)Performance (0-60 mph): 8.6 seconds
Model: Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec, Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate
Engine and Transmission: 1.6-liter turbo I-4 - six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 201 hp/195 lb-ft
EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 26/33 mpg (manual); 28/34 mpg (automatic)Performance (0-60 mph): 6.5 seconds
Model: Hyundai Veloster N
Engine and Transmission: 2.0-liter turbo I-4 - six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 275 hp/260 lb-ftEPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 20-22/27-28 mpg city/highwayPerformance (0-60 mph): 5.1 seconds
Safety
<strong>IIHS:</strong> 2021 Top Safety Pick
All Velosters get forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and drive attention warning as standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard starting with the 2.0 Premium grade. Pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control are offered only on the Turbo Ultimate grade.
Technology
A 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard on the base Veloster 2.0. The 2.0 Premium and higher models get a larger 8.0-inch unit and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system. N and Turbo Ultimate models get built-in navigation as standard. Turbo Ultimate models get a head-up display projected on a pop-up plastic panel above the instrument cluster.
Recommended Trim
Of all the Veloster models, the Turbo R-Spec is the one to get because its performance is nearly on par with the N model. Additionally, the Veloster Turbo R-Spec is priced around $25,000, making it a bargain for the enthusiast in search of cheap speed.
Don't think you're getting a stripped out vehicle, either. This version is generously equipped with many driver assistance technologies, keyless entry/start, supportive sport seats upholstered in two-tone black and gray with yellow contrast stitching, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Hyundai has announced that only the Veloster N will be returning for the 2022 model year.
