Now in its second year after being all new for the 2019 model year, the 2020 Hyundai Veloster only gets minor changes. The six-speed manual transmission is no longer an option on the Turbo Ultimate trim. Both the Turbo and Turbo Ultimate trims get wireless charging as part of their standard equipment. Lastly, the Turbo R-Spec gets rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring as standard.
These changes are exactly revolutionary, and they don’t do much to improve the Veloster’s recipe, but the little hatchback doesn’t need much. It’s still as quirky as ever, standing out on the market thanks to its three-door design, its Veloster N guise that's a rip to drive, and it being an excellent value proposition when you consider its standard equipment.
Choosing Your Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai offers the Veloster in six trims: 2.0, 2.0 Premium, Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, N, and Turbo Ultimate. Pricing starts at $19,520 including destination for the base 2.0 and goes up to $29,070 for the Turbo Ultimate.
Engine Choices
Every Hyundai Veloster is offered with a four-cylinder engine, though three different versions are available. While the Veloster N's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the clear choice if you want performance, it’s the 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder that'll be the happy medium for the majority of consumers.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L 4-Cylinder | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft | 30 mpg |
1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 201 hp | 195 lb-ft | 30 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 250 hp | 260 lb-ft | 25 mpg |
Front-wheel drive is standard throughout the range, while all-wheel drive isn't available. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2.0, Turbo R-Spec, and Veloster N. A six-speed automatic is standard on the 2.0 Premium, and available for $1,000 on the 2.0. Turbo and Turbo Ultimate models come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
All Velosters can seat up to four in a 2+2 layout. With the sloping roofline and short wheelbase, cargo capacity isn’t exactly stellar in the hatchback. With the rear seats in place, the Veloster has 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the seats down and that opens up to 44.5 cubic feet.
Those numbers trail the Volkswagen Golf and the sporty Golf GTI, which offer 22.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a total of 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety Features
For an affordable hatchback, the Veloster comes with a good list of standard safety features. Forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and automatic emergency braking are standard.
Moving up to the 2.0 Premium brings blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. If you want more features, you have to go all the way to the range-topping Turbo Ultimate trim to get forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control as standard.
Connectivity
A 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 3.5-inch display in the instrument cluster are standard. Higher trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, voice recognition, Hyundai’s Blue Link system, wireless charging, and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display.
Extra standard connectivity features that are only found on the Turbo Ultimate include a head-up display, Hyundai Blue Link Guidance, an HD radio, and navigation. These features are all standard on the trim.
2.0 - From $19,520
Automatic LED headlights, heated exterior mirrors, and 17-inch wheels are standard on the Veloster 2.0. The interior features a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
2.0 Premium - From $23,720
The 2.0 Premium comes with 18-inch wheels and a sunroof. The most noticeable differences are on the inside, as the trim comes with heated front seats, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, automatic temperature control, and remote keyless entry with push-button start.
Turbo R-Spec - From $24,070
The Turbo R-Spec is the most affordable trim to come with the turbocharged engine. Performance wise, it comes with stickier Michelin tires. Other extra standard features include LED taillights, unique cloth upholstery, and alloy pedals.
Turbo - From $26,370
The Veloster Turbo comes with power-adjustable lumbar support, an auto-defogging windshield, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
N - From $28,320
As the sportiest model in the family, the N comes with a rev-matching feature, torque vectoring control, drive mode select, sport-tuned steering, high-performance summer tires, adaptive suspension, and a more aggressive body kit. The interior has bespoke sport seats.
Buyers can increase the N's abilities with the $2,100 Performance Package. It adds 19-inch wheels, a variable exhaust system, a limited-slip differential, Pirelli performance tires, and larger brakes. Power is also increased to 275 hp.
Turbo Ultimate - From $29,070
Over the Turbo trim, the range-topping Turbo Ultimate brings a two-tone roof and leather upholstery, on top of the aforementioned safety and connectivity features.
Compare Veloster Trims Side-By-Side
Fun, affordable, and well equipped, the 2020 Hyundai Veloster is more than just an entry-level compact vehicle. With the stylish exterior, not going with the turbocharged engine seems like a crime, especially as it gets the same fuel economy as the non-turbo base motor.