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2019 Hyundai Veloster

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Make
Hyundai
Model
Veloster
Year
2019
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Select a Trim
2019 2.0 3dr Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $18,500
2019 2.0 Premium 3dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $22,750
2019 Turbo R-Spec 3dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $22,900
2019 Turbo 3dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $25,400
2019 Turbo Ultimate 3dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $26,650
2019 N 3dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $26,900

Overview

After sitting out last year, Hyundai's sporty hatchback returns with aggressive new looks, enhanced technology, and a more powerful base engine. The Veloster's defining characteristic — its clever three-door layout — carries into the latest generation.

What's New for 2019

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster has been completely redesigned.

Hyundai Veloster

Choosing Your Hyundai Veloster

Although its basic shape hasn't changed, the Veloster displays more creases and sharper angles, along with a prominent rear spoiler. Once again, the passenger side features a full-size rear door for easy access to the rear seat and cargo area, which has grown considerably. The Veloster can handle 19.9 cubic feet of stuff, or a surprising 44.5 cubic feet with the seat folded. This makes it just as practical as some conventional hatchbacks.

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder serves as the new base engine, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the Veloster is EPA-rated at 25 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 combined. The optional six-speed automatic transmission bumps efficiency to 27/34/30 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Performance fans will be more interested in the carryover 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, which pumps out 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine comes with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. EPA ratings are 26/33/29 mpg with the manual, and 28/34/30 mpg with the automatic.

Engine and transmission availability vary by trim level, of which there are five:

Hyundai Veloster

2.0

Priced from $19,385 (all prices include the $885 destination charge), the base Veloster 2.0 carries the 2.0-liter engine and 17-inch wheels, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a six-speaker infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The six-speed automatic can be added for $1,000. There are no additional options or packages available for the Veloster on any trim level, except for a small assortment of dealer-installed accessories.

Hyundai Veloster

2.0 Premium

The $23,635 2.0 Premium model comes standard with the automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, and a large bundle of upgrades. All models get a sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a keyless ignition, proximity key entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system gains a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, an eight-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.

Hyundai Veloster

Turbo R-Spec

The Veloster Turbo R-Spec, which starts at $23,785, gets the turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, summer performance tires, full LED exterior lighting, high beam assist, a unique grille and rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, alloy pedals, and Turbo R-Spec-badged cloth upholstery. The six-speed manual is the only transmission offered. The Turbo R-Spec carries some of the 2.0 Premium's infotainment upgrades, but is otherwise equipped like the base 2.0.

Hyundai Veloster

Turbo

For $26,285, the Veloster Turbo combines the turbocharged engine with all the comfort and convenience features of the 2.0 Premium. The interior receives special trim, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard. The Turbo model also adds Hyundai's Drive Mode Select system, exterior mirror-mounted turn signals, a perforated leather steering wheel, and power lumbar adjust for the driver's seat.

Hyundai Veloster

Turbo Ultimate

The top-of-the-line Veloster Turbo Ultimate starts at $27,535 with the turbocharged engine and the manual transmission. The seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic reverts to option status ($1,500), bringing the starting price up to $29,035. The Turbo Ultimate also adds leather seats, navigation, a head-up display, a two-tone roof, rain-sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control.

CarsDirect Tip

With the base engine, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster is more about looks than actual performance. To get both, an upgrade to a Turbo model is in order. The Turbo R-Spec is the most entertaining of the lot, but its firm suspension and lack of an automatic transmission option limit its appeal as a daily driver.

Get your price on a Hyundai Veloster »

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster, re-designed from the ground up this year, retains its quirky three-door persona but receives a slicker and more chiseled look, a higher-quality cabin, and a nicely executed and intuitive infotainment system. Holding it back is a steering system that lacks on-center feel, a dual-clutch automatic that occasionally bumbles at low speeds, and a ride that still might tire commuters.

Best Value

Prices for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster start at $19,385 for the base 2.0 equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and rise to $29,035 for the Turbo Ultimate fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Two engines are available right now. The 2.0 and 2.0 Limited models are offered with a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, and Turbo Ultimate trims share a carryover 201-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder mated to either a six-speed manual (R-Spec, standard on the Ultimate) or seven-speed dual clutch automatic (Turbo, optional on the Ultimate). Later this year, Hyundai will begin offering the high-performance 275-hp Veloster N.

For all models, the usual power features are present along with a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, dual center exhaust, Bluetooth, seven-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard and only available on the 2.0 Premium, Turbo, and Turbo Ultimate trims, while adaptive cruise control is standard and only available on Turbo Ultimate models equipped with the dual-clutch automatic.

Choosing among the turbo models (we haven't driven either 2.0 trim, or the N version), we'd go with the R-Spec for its affordability and additional equipment that includes larger 18-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires, LED headlights (low beam only) and taillights, high beam assist, R-Spec cloth seats, alloy pedals, keyless push-button start, an eight-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system with a subwoofer, satellite radio, and Hyundai's Blue Link connected services (three years).

Here's how we'd build it:

  • Model: 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
  • Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Output: 201 hp / 195 lb ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 26 City / 33 Hwy
  • Options: None
  • Base Price: $23,785 (including an $885 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $23,785

Performance

Hyundai Veloster

For 2019, Hyundai addressed our biggest gripe about the outgoing model by swapping out the rear torsion beam axle for a multi-link setup. That, along with a stiffer body, shows up in more predictable and capable handling. Mid-corner bumps and road imperfections are now handled with ease – sticking points on the last-generation. Opting for the R-Spec with grippier summer tires takes full advantage of the precision dialed into the new rear end. There's still not a boatload of compliance, but driving in Chicago will no longer require a follow-up visit to the dentist for fillings replacement.

Kudos to Hyundai in other areas, as well: the turbo offers plenty of driving fun, off-center feedback is decent through the steering wheel, the brakes are easy to modulate, while the slick clutch and six-speed manual make it a joy to row your own gears.

Fuel economy is also very good, with manually-equipped 2.0 models earning an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 combined, while those with an automatic get 27/34/30 mpg (city/highway/combined). Turning to turbo-equipped models, those with a manual check in at an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 mpg, while ratings rise to 28/34/30 mpg when fitted with the dual-clutch transmission.

At the same time, swapping out those summer tires for all season rubber requires judicious use of the accelerator in cornering to avoid skittering, as the Turbo quickly overpowers the less-aggressive rubber. The steering system displays a bit of on-center wander, while the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission bumbles an occasional shifts at low speeds.

Style

Despite the ability to market it as either a three-door or five-door hatch (sold in both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive markets, those body panels are available), Hyundai has stuck to its guns by continuing to offer the Veloster as a unique single-driver/two-passenger-door model. The logic goes something like this: "the driver approaching that side of the vehicle sees a sporty coupe, while passengers approaching the other side view an inviting sedan."

While the concept remains unchanged, the execution is much improved over the outgoing model. Up front, the blending of slimmer headlights, prominent grille, and deep front fascia more closely resembles the rest of the Hyundai lineup. The A-pillars have been pushed rearward, elongating the hood, the roofline has been tapered, while the wheel arches are more stylized. Things wrap up in back with narrow, angular taillights, a larger upper spoiler, and a new diffuser flanking the center-exit exhaust port. The overall design is cleaner, chiseled, and more mature.

It's wrapped around an interior with a Kona-inspired dash and a unique theme for each of the five trim levels. A seven-inch display is standard on the 2.0, with all other models receiving a larger eight-inch unit – both coupled to a simple and intuitive infotainment system that puts those found on many luxury models to shame. Cloth seats are standard on 2.0 models, replaced with cloth and leather on the 2.0 Premium. The Turbo R-Spec has black cloth with yellow accents, while Turbo models feature black leather and cloth with red accents. Meanwhile, the Turbo Ultimate retains the black and red dash while adding beige leather upholstery.

The cabin has also received a thorough makeover, with more supportive front seats and a cleaner dash with an attractive center stack that contains logically-arranged HVAC buttons and knobs, and redundant controls for the infotainment system. In addition to its other functions, the center console also delineates the space between the driver and passenger: the driver's side is framed in black, while the passenger side is framed in gray. The door panels are thicker, more sound deadening has been added, and – although hard – the trim is nicely grained, giving the interior a class-up look and feel.

The Veloster also sports hatchback versatility with a release handle cleverly built into the rear wiper housing that exposes 19.9 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats that expands to nearly twice that with the rear seats folded.

At the same time, only the front seats are comfortable for larger adults, while getting into the left rear seat requires either moving the driver's seat forward and climbing in, or entering from the passenger door and stepping over a seat. And while the driver's view to the front and sides is very good, the thick C-pillar and small rear window result in poor visibility out the rear three-quarters and back.

The Best and Worst Things

The 2019 Veloster boasts of improvements across the board: a slick, cohesive design, higher quality interior, and more capable handling.

At the same time, the dual-clutch automatic isn't always smooth at low speeds, the back seat is on the small side, while the ride might be too firm for some tastes.

Right For? Wrong For?

Hyundai Veloster

The latest Veloster is a good choice for singles thanks to its vastly improved ride and handling, a slick-looking exterior, and a trim level for nearly every pocketbook.

Enthusiasts will note that the Veloster's improved ride and handling still can't touch class leaders like the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si, or even the Mazda3.

The Bottom Line

Despite a recalcitrant dual-clutch automatic transmission, steering that lacks on-center feel, and a suspension too firm for some tastes, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster is a solid offering in its class because of its slick design, high-quality cabin, and intuitive infotainment system.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 147 HP / 132 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd SHIFTRONIC w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
4
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 147 HP / 132 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
109.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
90 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
166.9 "
Exterior Width
70.9 "
Exterior Height
55.1 "
Front Headroom
38.1 "
Rear Headroom
35.9 "
Front Legroom
42.6 "
Rear Legroom
34.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.0 "
Rear Shoulder Room
54.3 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,822 Lbs. / 2,899 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
3 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated, Convex Spotter Driver
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
4
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (fca) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist (lka) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention Warning (daw) Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
12 Months / Unlimited Miles

Used 2019 Hyundai Veloster for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Hyundai
Turbo R-Spec 3dr Hatchback
Color: Black
Price

$14,999

Mileage

110,930 mi

Map location icon

O Cars Group (28 mi)

Phone: (714) 770-0001
Hyundai
Turbo
Color: Orange
Price

$18,000

Mileage

68,661 mi

Map location icon

Garden Grove Hyundai (28 mi)

Phone: (714) 741-3100
Hyundai
Turbo R-Spec 3dr Hatchback
Color: Gray - Thunder Gray/Black
Price

$20,999

Mileage

46,195 mi

Map location icon

Reliable Auto (19 mi)

Phone: (310) 740-4752
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