2017 Hyundai Veloster Review
2017 Hyundai Veloster Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Lots of features for the money, especially with the new Value Edition
- Unique and functional three-door body style
Cons
- Base engine is down on performance
- Harsh ride without the sports car-like handling
- Low roofline makes backseat access difficult
What’s new
Joining the Veloster lineup for 2017 is the Hyundai Veloster Value Edition. The Value Edition features many of the options available in the Turbo, but is powered by the standard 1.6-liter engine.
Vehicle overview
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is a compact car with a unique characteristic: Instead of being a two-door or a four-door with a hatchback, it's a three-door. The driver gets one large door, and the passenger side of the vehicle has two smaller doors. Compared to a similarly sized coupe, it's a genius solution to the problem of being able to effectively access the rear seat in such a small car, and it works great. Combine that with its tech-heavy standard features list, the Veloster could be just the thing if you're looking for a small, distinctively styled car. But it's not perfect.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Hyundai Veloster w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$145/mo for Veloster w/Black Interior
Veloster w/Black Interior
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
From a price perspective, the base Hyundai Veloster hangs with a crowd of equally fuel-efficient four-door hatchbacks. Most of them are roomier, more comfortable to drive and offer superior acceleration. The Veloster Turbo would seem to be a good solution to the above considering its 201-horsepower engine. But compared to other "hot hatches," performance is again underwhelming. Overall, we like how the Veloster stands out on the road but think you'll be happier with a more well-rounded rival two-door or four-door small car instead.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Aside from a new well-equipped trim level called the Veloster Value Edition, the 2017 Hyundai Veloster line is pretty much the same as the 2016 model. We like how the Veloster stands out on the road but think you'll be happier with a more well-rounded rival two-door or four-door small car instead.
Driving
The Veloster won't win any races, but the manual transmission works well. The dual-clutch automatic has sluggish shift speeds. Steering feedback is adequate, but the suspension has an unrefined feel to it. Buy a Veloster for its style and functionality, not for its performance.
Comfort
The seats and ergonomics are fine enough, but the suspension needs some work. "Harsh" would be the chief complaint, particularly on the R Spec.
Interior
Fit and finish is good for the class, and contrasting fabric and trim in the Turbo as well as the red fabric in the R Spec spice things up. Rear seat passengers will feel claustrophobic, as the heads of taller passengers can touch the back glass. Otherwise, the rest of the interior is conservative.
Utility
With its funky three-door arrangement, the Veloster makes curbside passenger and cargo loading easy. Just make sure to duck, as it is essentially a low-roof coupe. The large hatch opening is deep but narrow. The rear seats fold down for even more space.
Technology
As in all Hyundais, Blue Link is standard. This allows the Veloster owner the ability to set geo-fences, speed alerts, check maintenance timing, lock and unlock doors, and even contact authorities in case of an accident. It's easy to set up and works with an app on your smartphone.
Which Veloster does Edmunds recommend?
For a 2017 Veloster, we like the Turbo R Spec best. It features the car's high-output turbocharged engine that best matches the car's sporty styling. You also get 18-inch wheels, a navigation system and an eight-speaker premium audio system. But the Turbo R Spec does have a fairly harsh ride quality. The new Veloster Value Edition is a good alternative. Though it doesn't have the turbo engine, it's more comfortable and comes with an impressive set of standard features.
2017 Hyundai Veloster models
The 2017 Veloster is available in four trims. The base Veloster comes pretty well equipped with features. The new-for-2017 Veloster Value Edition adds premium features and options that are found on the Turbo model. The Veloster Turbo R Spec is the enthusiast's choice, with sport-tuned suspension, manual transmission and R Spec specific interior bits. At the top of the price range is the Veloster Turbo. It comes with the most luxury-oriented accoutrements, such as leather seating and heated seats, for not much more money.
Highlights for the base Veloster include 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (132 hp, 120 pound-feet of torque) powers the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Veloster Value Edition upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium eight-speaker sound system and a navigation system. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are also standard, and they control the standard six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
If you want a sportier feel than the base Veloster offers, check out the Veloster Turbo R Spec. It's equipped more like the base Veloster but comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine (201 hp, 195 lb-ft of torque), sport-tuned suspension and steering, and a B&M short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual transmission. It also has an aerodynamic body kit, projector headlights and special interior trim.
At the top, the Veloster Turbo keeps the turbocharged engine and offers the dual-clutch automatic as an option. It also reverts to a more comfortable suspension setup. Inside, you'll find leather seating surfaces and an upgraded gauge cluster. You'll need to order the optional Turbo Tech Package, however, to get the panoramic sunroof, navigation system and dual-zone climate control.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#30 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Veloster from 2008-2022.$477/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.97x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Hyundai Veloster.
5 star(43%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(5%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Long-Time Miata Owner Goes Veloster
Dave, 03/24/2016
2016 Hyundai Veloster 3dr Hatchback w/Black Interior (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
As mentioned in the title of my review, I have owned only Mazda Miatas for the last 15 years. There is no other car in the world like it for me, and I would still be driving one if not for the fact that I'm getting older now and I need more room, not to mention that it's gotten increasingly difficult for me to roll into that little car day after day. Long story short, I have always … liked the unique look of the Veloster, so after test driving one I was sold. I now own a gorgeous 2016 Citrus Orange Veloster and by and large, I love it! It doesn't feel monstrously large like most cars do after having been in a Miata for so long, and the seats are the most comfortable buckets I've ever sat in. It handles fairly nimbly for a car its size and corners nearly as well as my Miata did. Excellent gas mileage in the 'Eco' mode, mine always runs around 31-34mpg which is WAAAY better than I ever got in the Miata (21-24 tops). The ride is firm but not objectionable to me (again, compared to a Miata which is a SPORTS CAR) and the car feels solid and well-built to me. The amount of tech that came on this car is amazing and fun as hell (backup cam, infotainment center, paddle shifter, etc.) as I'm not used to anything more complicated than an aftermarket stereo in my Miatas. My ONLY nit pick about this car is the transmission. The engine is not the most powerful thing in the world to start with, but the automatic transmission is strange. It seems to not want to engage when I step on the accelerator hard... like someone in a stick-shift revving the car in neutral... it just doesn't move sometimes! I have two very close friends who also purchased new Hyundai automobiles at the same time as I did (a Tuscon and another Veloster) and they report the same sort of hesitation in their transmissions that I am experiencing. That leads me to believe that the problem is not unique to my car or model, but may be a bug in the overall design of Hyundai automatic transmissions. It makes me have to be more aware when turning into traffic from a dead stop, which is probably a good thing. Overall, I'm loving the car still at 7k miles!
5 out of 5 stars
Rally Edition value for money
GOV, 07/14/2016
2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rally Edition 3dr Hatchback w/Black Interior (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Performance for the money is great. There are other cars in the segment that cost about the same with similar performance (and maybe a little better performance). That said, you have to like the way the car looks. The other comparable cars I didn't like the looks. If you're a fan of the Veloster's looks you will not be disappointed if you're purchasing a turbo. If you just like the … way the car looks and buy the normally aspirated model and are looking for economy, not a bad car. What you get is pretty good if you're just driving on the street and not the track (turbo model). Lots of power to get you in trouble on the street if you're not careful. This is a fast car. The rally model comes with JDM wheels that would cost over two grand to add to any other car, but are included on that model. Handling is stiff on the rally. If you're looking for a very comfortable car, buy the normal model or a different car. These cars are set up for a sporty ride and can be harsh over bumps. Handling around really tight corners is not great. It's not bad, but this car shines more on the longer, faster corners. On the freeway it's excellent. Freeway passing power is up to the job even if the speed limit is 85 MPH. The manual transmission is very slick with the B&M short shifter. It's really good but takes a little getting used to. If you're new to manual transmissions it can be difficult to start out in first gear until you do it a few times. I've killed the engine a couple of times and I have a lot of manual trans experience. With the modern twin scroll turbo it has lots of low end power. Punch it at any RPM and it goes. The interior is pretty nice for a car on the cheaper end. Leather seats, infotainment, steering wheel mounted stereo controls, back up camera, 450 watt sound system with subwoofer. The stereo will blast your eardrums out if you want it to. The third door is great for grocery getting and lots of space in the hatchback if you lower the back seat. I come from a background of mostly JDM cars. This is my first Korean car and I'm impressed. The fit and finish is not as good as on some JDM cars but it is a minor annoyance. You're also not getting the power for price from those vehicles. One word of warning: Matte paint. If you buy the matte painted version of this car you will get non stop attention from other car enthusiasts. You will also get a non stop headache. You can't take it through a normal car wash. It has to be hand washed. Hyundai does include a nice kit to wash and protect it with, but it's not like owning a normal car. If you really, really, really like matte paint then buy it but know that it's going to be some work to take care of. They even make you sign an agreement! The rally is the ultimate edition and only 1200 were made. If that's your thing it is definitely worth the price. In fact, I think it's worth more than what I paid.
5 out of 5 stars
Great 2016 Pocket Rocket!
MicahIL, 03/13/2017
2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo 3dr Hatchback w/Black Interior (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Looks like nothing else on the road - and that makes this car even better! In the Turbo with full tech package, the interior is super sporty and very comfortable. Having Apple CarPlay and a panoramic roof make this car more fun then it gets credit. 201hp in the Turbo keeps great pace with more expensive cars and makes you want to always drive faster...even when you know you shouldn't ha! … Coming out of first gear with the automatic takes a second (but that can be solved by the auto shifter or hand paddles if want the sportier feel) but the power is all mid range and it doesn't disappoint. Loaded it's almost $30k, but there are a lot of rebates. I previously had an Eclipse V6 loaded and the Veloster Turbo is just way more fun to drive! This car really knows how to hug the road.
[UPDATE 9/14/2018: I've been driving my Veloster for over a year now and still love it as much as the day I first purchased it. The new Veloster is now hitting the market and feel like some of the design changes have taken away some of the reasons I liked the original - almost blends in too much with everything else on the road now. Glad I purchased mine when I did.]
[UPDATE 3/17/2019: While the new Veloster offers some new great features not available at the time of my purchase of the previous design, hands down in my opinion the 2016 I currently own is just visually better looking. I have not doubt the new Veloster is a fun driving car, but so far this car has been issue free, fun to drive, looks great and has many many more miles and years to go. Great purchase and still earns 5 stars from this buyer - and has GREAT gas mileage.]
5 out of 5 stars
Pretty Sweet Little Hatch
Rob, 12/14/2015
2016 Hyundai Veloster 3dr Hatchback w/Black Interior (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
My 2016 Veloster with the navigation and appearance packages now has over 50,000 miles on it, and, I still LOVE it . I put a Thule rack on it and carry a 17 Carbon fiber canoe on it .It has been to and through almost every New England state , I have had very little problems with it . I think it is a cool little car with a unique look. It won't win any drag races , but, that is not what … it was designed for , it is a cool, reliable , smile making little machine !!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Hyundai Veloster, so we've included reviews for other years of the Veloster since its last redesign.
2017 Veloster Highlights
w/Black Interior
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $145/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Veloster models:
- Blue Link
- Alerts the authorities in case of an accident, can lock/unlock the doors and check vehicle status, all from your smartphone.
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Audibly warns you of impending obstacles to the rear of the vehicle.
- Rearview Camera
- Shows you what's behind the Veloster when you engage reverse.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestMarginal
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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