2020 Hyundai Veloster Review
2020 Hyundai Veloster Review





+219
Used Veloster for sale
Hyundai Veloster model years
Hyundai Veloster types
- Hatchback
- N
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2020 Hyundai Veloster Review

byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Unique and functional three-door body style
- Enjoyable power from the Veloster's turbocharged engine
- Sporty handling around turns
Cons
- Base engine is down on power
- Fewer trims and option packages mean fewer choices
- Elevated amount of road noise
What's new
- Blind-spot monitoring now standard on the Turbo R-Spec
- Turbo trim level adds standard wireless charging pad
- Manual transmission no longer offered for Turbo Ultimate models
- Part of the second Veloster generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster is an affordable fun car with unique style, performance and, relative to its size, a large and efficient interior. Fully redesigned last year and now in its second generation of production, the Veloster captures the spirit of fun, small and sporty compact cars and stands out with its signature three-door hatchback style. That extra passenger-side door is no gimmick either. It spares rear passengers the contortions often necessary to get in and out of a regular two-door sport coupe.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N 3dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $4.10 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$204/mo
Veloster N
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Neither of the Veloster's engines will win any horsepower awards, but the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Turbo series of models is plenty sporty for this lightweight car, and its available manual transmission and tight but compliant suspension make it a driver's delight. Those seeking a higher tier of performance can opt for the Veloster N, which offers racetrack durability in a car you drive every day.
The Veloster gets only a handful of changes for 2020, including wider availability of standard driver safety aids and wireless device charging. Notably, the manual transmission is dropped from the Turbo Ultimate trim level, but you can still get it with three other trims, including the base car. Hyundai has also said that there's a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for the Veloster N for buyers who don't want to row their own gears, but we don't expect it to be available until the 2021 model year.
Overall, the Veloster fills a unique niche as a sporty hatchback with good technology and utility. (For the car's size, the trunk is huge, for example.) Other compact hatchbacks such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3 provide more interior space and similarly lively performance, but nothing else on the road offers the Veloster's unique three-door style.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.3/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Veloster is an affordable fun car with unique style, performance and, relative to its size, a large and efficient interior. It's composed and comfortable enough to handle the daily grind, but still surprise you when the road opens up. An available manual transmission and a tight but compliant suspension make it a driver's delight, even if a restrictive clutch hampers some of the fun.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
9.0/10
How does the Veloster drive? With its predictable handling, precise steering and progressively firm braking, the Veloster — and specifically the R-Spec model — captures the spirit of sporty, lightweight compact cars. Power from the R-Spec's four-cylinder turbo engine comes on quick with no lag. And there's plenty of reassuring low-end power for low-speed city driving.
In turns and corners, there's only a hint of body roll, and the R-Spec's high-performance tires help it instantly change directions. The R-Spec comes only with a manual transmission, but the dual-clutch automatic in other turbocharged Velosters responds quickly to paddle-shifted gear changes.
In turns and corners, there's only a hint of body roll, and the R-Spec's high-performance tires help it instantly change directions. The R-Spec comes only with a manual transmission, but the dual-clutch automatic in other turbocharged Velosters responds quickly to paddle-shifted gear changes.
Comfort
7.0/10
How comfortable is the Veloster? The Veloster is sportier than most compact cars, and that means a fundamentally stiff suspension. Even so, the Veloster remains comfortable for driving around town or highway cruising. The ride is composed and stable, and the suspension takes the edge off larger bumps, but the car's short wheelbase makes it more sensitive to choppy roads.
The R-Spec's seats are nicely shaped, offering ample support and side bolstering and plenty of adjustability. Some drivers will lament that the seats lack adjustable lumbar, but you can get this feature in Turbo and Turbo Ultimate models. The cabin can get noisy at highway speeds, especially when the car is equipped with high-performance tires.
The R-Spec's seats are nicely shaped, offering ample support and side bolstering and plenty of adjustability. Some drivers will lament that the seats lack adjustable lumbar, but you can get this feature in Turbo and Turbo Ultimate models. The cabin can get noisy at highway speeds, especially when the car is equipped with high-performance tires.
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? The Veloster's interior is intelligently designed and packaged. It makes good use of available space afforded by the car's funky, asymmetrical styling. The long driver's door makes it tricky to get in or out in tight spaces, but shorter doors make it easier on the passenger side. There's surprisingly ample front and rear space inside the car, and most adults can sit in the rear seat without complaint, but limited headroom might annoy taller riders.
Fundamentally, the Veloster is a driver's car, and the driving position is appropriately low and sporty. The controls are logically grouped and placed close at hand. And overall visibility is good, but the massive rear pillars translate to large blind spots.
Fundamentally, the Veloster is a driver's car, and the driving position is appropriately low and sporty. The controls are logically grouped and placed close at hand. And overall visibility is good, but the massive rear pillars translate to large blind spots.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? Our R-Spec test car came pretty bare-bones in terms of features, but it included Hyundai's very functional infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link connected services, and a high-quality Infinity stereo system. Navigation is available with the Turbo Ultimate trim. It's a basic system but it's clear and easy to use.
The Veloster comes with an array of USB and 12-volt charging and data connections, and some trims offer a wireless charging pad. Voice commands are limited to a handful of functions, but the system responds well, even to some more natural phrases. Driver aids are sprinkled throughout the lineup, but we learned they don't always respond accurately after experiencing some false emergency-braking episodes.
The Veloster comes with an array of USB and 12-volt charging and data connections, and some trims offer a wireless charging pad. Voice commands are limited to a handful of functions, but the system responds well, even to some more natural phrases. Driver aids are sprinkled throughout the lineup, but we learned they don't always respond accurately after experiencing some false emergency-braking episodes.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The Veloster's trunk is surprisingly spacious at 19.9 cubic feet, although it relies on a low load floor to create much of that space. As a result, you'll have to lift items somewhat high to clear the trunk opening. The cabin offers plenty of spaces to store drink bottles and personal items, including wide door pockets and a large center console. Rear passengers need to make do with cupholders and a small tray.
The car seat anchors near the surface of the seats are clearly marked, but they're tucked between the cushions and offer no special access. The top tethers are inconveniently located on the trunk floor. This car is not the best one to choose if you're frequently installing and removing a car seat.
The car seat anchors near the surface of the seats are clearly marked, but they're tucked between the cushions and offer no special access. The top tethers are inconveniently located on the trunk floor. This car is not the best one to choose if you're frequently installing and removing a car seat.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The manual-equipped Turbo's estimated 29 mpg combined (26 city/33 highway) falls short of the Civic Si's ratings, but it's not bad for how sporty the car is. On our test loop, we averaged 32.3 mpg — a great result. Driving style will have a massive impact on your mileage. Driving hard, we saw returns well under the city estimate.
Value
8.5/10
Is the Veloster a good value? Solid build quality, competitive price, and one of the best warranties in the business make the Veloster an unbeatable value proposition. Sure, there's a lot of hard plastic around the cabin, but most of the touch points use nicer materials, and there are a variety of colors and textures that liven up the cabin. The panels fit together tightly, and overall the Veloster feels solid and substantial.
You also get Hyundai's excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. No one does it better in the class.
You also get Hyundai's excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. No one does it better in the class.
Wildcard
9.5/10
The Veloster's clutch restrictor is a notable sour spot in an otherwise standout car. We get that restrictors help with a manual transmission's long-term durability, but we'd still prefer direct control over our gear changes. Beyond that significant complaint, the Veloster is small and light and a genuine pleasure to drive. It's quirky, different and comfortable, and it has all you need for wringing out performance or simply driving at a relaxed pace to your destination.
Which Veloster does Edmunds recommend?
Unless you need to keep your budget to around $20,000, there's no reason not to start with the Veloster Turbo R-Spec. It's not much more expensive than the 2.0 Premium trim before it, but offers higher performance with its turbocharged engine, manual transmission and grippy performance tires. All are standout features in the class.
2020 Hyundai Veloster models
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster is a three-door hatchback that seats four people. It's available in six trims: base 2.0, 2.0 Premium, Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, Turbo Ultimate and Veloster N.
The base 2.0 embodies Hyundai's bang-for-your-buck philosophy, offering loads of standard tech and safety features that include adjustable driving modes, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and a rearview camera.
The next-up 2.0 Premium adds some nicer features, such as a sunroof, proximity keyless entry, wireless device charging pad, an 8-inch touchscreen display, an upgraded audio system and blind-spot monitoring.
Both trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque), but only the base trim offers a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Premium trim comes only with the automatic. The next three trims, all part of the Turbo series, are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (201 hp, 195 lb-ft).
The Turbo R-Spec adds performance features to base 2.0 specification, such as sport-tuned steering and suspension and 18-inch aluminum wheels with high-performance tires. A six-speed manual transmission is also standard. (The automatic isn't offered here.) Upgrade to the Turbo, and it emulates the Premium trim and mixes in a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and unique interior details.
The Turbo Ultimate combines the best from both and adds even more luxury amenities, such as leather upholstery, a navigation system, a head-up display and adaptive cruise control. But for 2020, you can't get a manual transmission with this trim.
The Veloster N tops the lineup with an upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (250 hp, 260 lb-ft),, N-specific suspension tuning with adaptive dampers, performance brakes and front sport seats. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. An optional package adds a limited-slip front differential, 19-inch alloy wheels, even bigger brakes, and an extra 25 hp.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster.
5 star(93%)
4 star(7%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
A Thunder Butt thrill of a car !
Richard B., 10/05/2019
2020 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Bought a 2020 Veloster 1.6T (turbo) Ultimate in Thunder Gray Metallic, Black roof and cream /red trim interior and I could not be more pleased with it. Am a car nut from the 1930,,s (89 years old) and restored antique cars as a hobby thru the years, so am supposed to know a thing or two about automobiles, and this little package of fun beats the pack ! First , it is a sheer blast to … drive, ( I do not RACE an automobile like some nutcake, but now and then do like to take some kid at the light for a few blocks down the road )......guess some folks look twice when they see an old codger get out from the Veloster , but I just smile and move on...... love the exhaust note, dual clutch 7 speed trans works smoothly in normal mode, electronics are superior to most offerings in the sport car field, the price was unbeatable for a fully dressed product that gets 34mpg ,and the Hyundai 5year Traded my Veloster for a 2021 Ridgeline as I needed a light duty truck for week end warrior duty. I enjoyed my my relatively short tenure with the Volester and although it was as hard riding as a skateboard , would own another some day !
5 out of 5 stars
Exactly what I wanted
Ron Fox, 10/15/2018
2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
This car gets left out of a lot of interesting comparisons for some reason. Maybe it's because Hyundai hasn't had the reputation like some of the other manufacturers, or because the third door puts it in between a sedan and a coupe. It doesn't matter, this is a really great car that I'm guessing most people won't find. I chose it over the Mazda 3 because for the same price, it had far … more options, was more efficient and had way more pop on the throttle. I also felt that the interior quality was much higher particularly at the the joints and seams of the trim. The warranty was also out of this world. Actual driving usage puts this car much higher than EPA estimate MPG ratings. I routinely get 39mpg in mixed traffic on normal driving mode. Smart (eco) sees even higher efficiency numbers at the expense of acceleration. Sport mode is just a blast. I do not fully understand how to drive this car with the paddle shifters, however. This car is my commuter and provides great comfort for me (a larger guy) and enough room to comfortably fit (and access) a child seat in the back for morning school drop off. All of the doors shut with a very solid, sealing, "thunk" akin to german car manufacture and quality. The Inifinity stereo system is perfect in this car with a high degree of clarity across multiple genres of music and audio indications. Blind spot monitoring is far less spastic than other cars I've driven, maybe 10 -15' zone of interest rather than 40'. I think the thing that you're not going to see in a lot of these reviews is the fact that this car has absolute soul. When you sit in the driver seat, you feel in total control - completely connected to the car. You're in a cockpit designed to give the driver everything you need. Some of it is modern convenience. The rest of it is feel. I love the red accents, from the bottom air scoop in the front of the car to the seat trim, to the steering wheel. The leather is high quality, firm to the touch. The plastic (which gets highly criticized in reviews) on the door panels is hard and firm - it does not bend when you push it even in the broad areas. The DCT with the turbo provide instantaneous power when passing on a highway. I find myself still waiting for the downshift and still being surprised when it just happens without the delay. Android auto on the 8" touchscreen is great - you can actually split screen the thing to look at two things at once. The rear visibility is probably the worst thing about the car - on the highway it's not an issue, but backing out of my driveway, I feel like I can't see much. The backup camera does a great job of providing a broad field of view however, I'm just not used to it yet. Otherwise, I wish it had a built in garage door opener.
5 out of 5 stars
I get compliments everywhere....
Matthew Hutchinson , 10/08/2019
2020 Hyundai Veloster N 3dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I traded in a 2017 veloster turbo, and could not be happier. The veloster N rips, I loved my turbo but the N is on another level completely. Buy one, you will love it
5 out of 5 stars
My new grocery getter
Lou Kirchner, 12/24/2018
2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I have always been a car nut from before I even knew how to drive. I have probably owned more cars than any sane person would. I presently have a large premium German sedan and a 1965 Shelby Cobra ( makes a lot of sense for a man my age?). I recently purchased a 2019 Velositer Turbo Ultimate. I still can"t get over the value, fit and finish, drive characteristics and comfort in a … car of this size and price. People have no idea as to what kind of car this is and it does draw quite a few second looks. I will use the car for local driving and errand hopping but so far it is my favorite go to car. Great value and a heck of a lot of fun!!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Hyundai Veloster, so we've included reviews for other years of the Veloster since its last redesign.
2020 Veloster Highlights
Hatchback
2.0
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
---|---|
Cost to Drive | $146/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Engine Type | Gas |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Veloster models:
- Blue Link
- Alerts the authorities in case of an accident, locks/unlocks the doors and checks the vehicle status from your smartphone.
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Audibly warns you of impending obstacles behind the vehicle.
- Rearview Camera
- Shows you what's behind the Veloster when you put it in reverse.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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More about the 2020 Hyundai Veloster
Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster Overview
The Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster is offered in the following submodels: Veloster N, Veloster Hatchback. Available styles include N 3dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 2.0 3dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A), 2.0 Premium 3dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Turbo 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), Turbo R-Spec 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Turbo Ultimate 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and 2.0 3dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M). Pre-owned Hyundai Veloster models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 250 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual, 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster?
Price comparisons for Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster trim styles:
- The Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster N is priced between $26,467 and$30,590 with odometer readings between 13455 and60990 miles.
- The Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is priced between $21,990 and$26,990 with odometer readings between 8780 and57571 miles.
- The Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster 2.0 is priced between $19,998 and$22,998 with odometer readings between 16910 and56263 miles.
- The Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster 2.0 Premium is priced between $20,982 and$22,990 with odometer readings between 29584 and38993 miles.
- The Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec is priced between $26,990 and$26,990 with odometer readings between 12386 and12386 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2020 Hyundai Velosters are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Hyundai Veloster for sale near. There are currently 25 used and CPO 2020 Velosters listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $19,998 and mileage as low as 8780 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2020 Hyundai Veloster.
Can't find a used 2020 Hyundai Velosters you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Hyundai Veloster?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Veloster lease specials
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