2020 Hyundai Veloster

Overview

The 2020 Hyundai Veloster is an affordably priced compact car that stands out thanks to its one-of-a-kind three-door body style. In addition to its two front doors, this hatchback has a third passenger-side rear door that simplifies ingress and egress for those in the back seat. This Hyundai delivers memorable performance, with a suspension that masterfully blends comfort and responsiveness. We're fans of the Veloster's optional turbocharged engine, which delivers power that elevates this car's sharp handling. Unfortunately, the base powerplant is less impressive, and it gets raucous when pushed. If you're looking for a small car that's budget-friendly and fun to drive, the 2020 Veloster easily earns our recommendation.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#11 in Best Compact Cars for 2020

1

Honda Civic

STARTING AT: $20,995

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2

Mazda Mazda 3

STARTING AT: $22,445

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3

Volkswagen Golf

STARTING AT: $24,115

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4

Honda Insight

STARTING AT: $23,925

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5

Toyota Corolla

STARTING AT: $20,430

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11

Hyundai Veloster

STARTING AT: $19,795

SHOP Veloster

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What's New for 2020?

For the 2020 model year, cargo-area tie-down hooks are now standard on all Veloster trim levels. A wireless device charger is now standard on the Turbo trim, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard on Turbo R-Spec models. Turbo Ultimate models are no longer offered with a manual transmission.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Veloster's base model comes nicely equipped. It rides on 17-inch wheels and boasts amenities such as daytime running lights, automatic projector-beam headlights, and heated power-adjustable sideview mirrors. All Veloster cars come with tech features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, as well as driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision mitigation and lane-keeping assistance. Unless you're on a tight budget, we'd recommend stepping up to the Turbo DCT trim, which starts at around $26,000. Relative to the base model, it adds useful features such as blind-spot monitoring, a sunroof, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, and an upgraded sound system. Most important, this trim is equipped with an engine that's spunkier and more enjoyable than the base powerplant.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Veloster buyers can choose between two powerplants. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. All trims with the Turbo descriptor are motivated by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. With all models, power is sent to the front wheels, and transmission choices include a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). A Veloster Turbo Ultimate DCT we tested sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, which is reasonably quick for this segment. A Civic hatchback we tested took a second longer to complete this run. The base engine delivers adequate performance, but it gets a bit noisy when pressed. The optional turbocharged engine is the superior choice if you're looking to make the most of this car's fun-to-drive nature. The Veloster's handling is nimble and rewarding. For driving dynamics that are even more enthusiast-friendly, check out the Hyundai Veloster N, a high-performance variant we review separately.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to EPA estimates, fuel economy for Veloster hatchbacks equipped with the base engine tops out at 28/34 mpg city/highway. With the optional turbocharged engine, gas mileage peaks at 27/34 mpg. Those are respectable numbers, but some rival compact cars offer much better fuel efficiency. For example, the Kia Forte gets up to 31/41 mpg, and the Honda Civic hatchback gets up to 31/40 mpg. In our time with a Veloster Turbo Ultimate DCT, we observed mileage of 38 mpg on our 200-mile highway test route.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Veloster's cabin seats four and features solid craftsmanship. The materials used are of decent quality, but you'll find a few hard plastics. The cabin's aesthetic is pleasant enough, but there are other picks in this class that deliver a more upscale interior design. Unlike a standard two-door hatchback, the Veloster is built with one long door on the driver's side and two shorter doors on the passenger side. The addition of the third passenger-side door makes it easier for those in the back seat to enter and exit the vehicle. With the rear seats in place, the Veloster provides 20 cubic feet of cargo space. This expands to 44.5 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered. Those figures are reasonably competitive for a small hatchback.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The base-model Veloster comes with a six-speaker sound system and an infotainment system with a 7.0-inch display screen. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, facilitating hands-free phone calls. All models are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless device integration. The list of optional tech features includes a wireless device charger, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, integrated navigation, and an upgraded sound system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Hyundai Veloster hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, in test conducted by the IIHS, the 2019 model was designated a 2019 Top Safety Pick. The Veloster is equipped with a generous selection of standard and optional driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning
• Standard lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available blind-spot monitoring
• Available rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Veloster's warranty coverage is impressive. Hyundai offers one of the best warranties in the business. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

• Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance covers 3 years or 36,000 miles