2020 Hyundai Veloster Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Hyundai Veloster, which debuted in 2011, combines mainstream features and tech with a funky hatchback style. After a 2018 hiatus, the Veloster returned with a redesign for 2019. It gets feature updates for 2020. The Veloster faces off against the likes of the Mazda Mazda3 and Honda Civic.
The Veloster features a unique 3-door design and a low, aggressive profile with a dual-centered exhaust hinting at the car’s sporty attitude. For 2020, the front grille, side skirts, and fascia trim are gloss black, instead of last year’s flat black.
The Veloster’s base powertrain is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder rated for 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque with the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Turbo and R-Spec trims feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder, which makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. It's available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. However, the Turbo Ultimate trim is no longer available with the manual.
Handling is great, thanks to a multi-link rear suspension. Automatic versions get the best fuel economy regardless of engine, topping out at 28 mpg city, 34 highway, and 30 combined with the turbo engine and shedding one mpg city with the base engine. With the manual transmission, the turbo engine gets 26/33/29, and the base engine loses 1 mpg in city and combined ratings.
The Veloster’s cabin also features asymmetrical design to enhance the driver’s focus and concentration, angling or placing everything within easy reach. Sport seats reinforce the car’s athleticism in terms of looks and comfort, and there are plenty of colorful touches throughout the cabin. Cloth upholstery comes standard, with upper trims getting a cloth and synthetic leather combo or genuine leather. For 2020, all Velosters get tie-down hooks in the cargo hold.
Standard infotainment and tech features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Options include an 8-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, and wireless device charging. For 2020, the wireless charging system comes standard on Turbo and Turbo Ultimate trims.
The 2019 Veloster earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard features include a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and brake assist. Options include high-beam assist, lane-keep assist, forward-collision avoidance, and driver-attention warning. This year, the Turbo R-Spec trim gets standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Hyundai Veloster is an attractive, competitive sport compact car, and these updates make it an even better value.
