Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 7A)
Value Edition w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Value Edition w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
SE FWD
Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 7A)
w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Turbo R-Spec FWD
Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 7A)
w/Yellow Interior Accent 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
Value Edition w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?Turbo Rally Edition 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
Value Edition w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 7A)
Turbo R-Spec FWD
w/Yellow Interior Accent 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
w/Yellow Interior Accent 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Turbo 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 7A)
w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Overall Rating
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster may have an eye-catching exterior design and a below-class-average starting price ($18,100), but it comes with its fair share of disappointments. Don't let the low price tag fool you; there are other affordable compact cars that offer both popular features and satisfying performance.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is an average compact car with relatively good overall performance. The combination of style and practicality in this hatchback has given the car-buying community a good value for their money. There are two engines on offer for the Veloster. First is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine making 132 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque, while the transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed DCT. The more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
We recommend you take a look at the R-Spec trim. This trim level stands out from other trims in the lineup because it adds sports-tuned suspension and steering, red-trimmed leather upholstery with an eye-catching exterior design, which is perfect to be called a hot hatchback. We would advise you to get the Tech package available for $2,700, which includes a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, predictive traffic, and the Blue Link system.
Turbo R-Spec FWD
Value Edition w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
w/Yellow Interior Accent 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
w/Yellow Interior Accent 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
Value Edition w/Black Interior 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6AM)
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster may have an eye-catching exterior design and a below-class-average starting price ($18,100), but it comes with its fair share of disappointments. Don't let the low price tag fool you; there are other affordable compact cars that offer both popular features and satisfying performance.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is an average compact car with relatively good overall performance. The combination of style and practicality in this hatchback has given the car-buying community a good value for their money. There are two engines on offer for the Veloster. First is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine making 132 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque, while the transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed DCT. The more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is offered in four trim levels, namely base, Value Edition, R-Spec, and Turbo trim. The base Veloster ($18,100) comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, LED exterior accent lights, a center-mounted trapezoidal exhaust outlet, and a trip computer. The Veloster Value Edition ($21,350) adds 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a proximity key with push-button start, a 7-inch navigation system with predictive traffic, an upgraded audio system with 8-Speaker Dimensions, and more.
Trims |
Base |
Value Edition |
Turbo R-Spec |
Turbo |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (Manual) |
$18,100 |
$21,350 |
$21,600 |
$22,600 |
MSRP (Automatic) |
$19,200 |
$21,350 |
N/A |
$23,800 |
Features |
Six-speaker sound system |
All Features on the Base trim Plus |
All Features on the Base trim Plus |
All Features on the Base trim Plus |
|
17-inch alloy wheels |
18-inch alloy wheel |
Sport-tuned suspension and steering |
Dual-clutch automatic as an option |
|
7-inch Touchscreen |
Panoramic sunroof |
Projector headlights and special interior trim |
|
|
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Keyless ignition and entry |
B&M short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual transmission |
|
|
Navigation system |
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
Aerodynamic body kit |
|
|
|
Premium eight-speaker sound system and a |
|
|
The R-Spec ($21,600) is the new edition that has been launched by the company. It is certainly edgier, but slightly less luxurious than the Veloster Turbo. It comes with lower-trim features with some unique touches, including exclusive design cues, a sport-tuned suspension, red-trimmed leatherette upholstery, and a B&M sports shifter. The Turbo ($22,600) is the highest trim available. This trim includes most base trim features and adds unique 18-in alloys, exclusive exterior styling elements, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a quicker steering ratio.
We Recommend
We recommend you take a look at the R-Spec trim. This trim level stands out from other trims in the lineup because it adds sports-tuned suspension and steering, red-trimmed leather upholstery with an eye-catching exterior design, which is perfect to be called a hot hatchback. We would advise you to get the Tech package available for $2,700, which includes a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, predictive traffic, and the Blue Link system.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster allows buyers choices when it comes to mixing engines and transmissions. Under the hood, things start out with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 132 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque. That’s fairly average for the subcompact segment. It is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
For the Turbo R-Spec and top-end Turbo trim, Hyundai swapped out that engine for a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that also features direct injection. Power level jumps up to 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. You can still equip the same six-speed manual or you can get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The six-speed manual transmission pairs nicely with the turbocharged engine and make the Veloster more engaging to drive.
Models |
Hyundai Veloster |
Honda Civic Hatchback |
Toyota Corolla iM |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$18,100 |
$20,150 |
$18,850 |
$18,095 |
Engine |
1.6L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder |
1.5L Turbo Inline-4 |
1.8L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
2.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
6-speed manual |
6-Speed Manual |
6-speed manual |
Power |
132 hp @ 6300 rpm |
174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
137 hp @ 6100 rpm |
155 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Torque |
120 lb-ft. @ 4850 rpm |
167 lb-ft. @ 1800 rpm |
126 lb-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
150 lb-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
The 2017 Honda Civic hatch stands out from the crowd by offering the best power and torque figures in this competition. Next to it is the Mazda 3 hatch with 155 horsepower. With just a few ponies behind, the Veloster falls down to the last place on the table while the Toyota Corolla iM grabs the third spot. While other rivals stick to the $18,000 mark, the Civic hatch is auctioned at $$20,150.
The Veloster's base engine is underpowered and struggles at highway speeds. It takes 9.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph. It does not fare well at all with respect to its other competitors. On the other hand, the Veloster Turbo is a very different kind of vehicle. There’s a bit more turbo lag than you find in the Civic but it manages to accomplish the performance tests with good timings.
Even in the quarter-mile test, it lags behind. Upgrading to the turbocharged engine is the way to go. The Turbo offers a little more punch and gets you up to the highway and passing speeds with ease. The added 69 horses helped the Veloster to finish the 0-60 mph test in 7.3 seconds, whereas the quarter-mile run was done in 14.3 seconds. These are some really good competitive numbers.
Models |
Hyundai Veloster |
Honda Civic Hatchback |
Toyota Corolla iM |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
9.5 |
7.5 |
9.1 |
7.6 |
Quarter mile (sec) |
17.0 |
15.5 |
16.4 |
16.0 |
Engine |
1.6L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder |
1.5L Turbo Inline-4 |
1.8L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
2.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
Top Speed (mph) |
130 |
125 |
110 |
130 |
With no turbo, the Veloster stays behind its competitors and fills in the last spot. Undoubtedly, the Honda Civic hatch clears the acceleration and drag tests with good timings, while the Mazda 3 hatch strives to get to the Civic. Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla iM is just a tad faster than the Veloster. When it comes to top speed, both Mazda 3 and Veloster take the lead with 130 mph.
The Hyundai Veloster may not be the best in its class in terms of handling. The Veloster can be a frugal economy car thanks to its two turbocharged models. It is fine for straight roads and highway driving, however, it disappoints on curvy roads. Imperfections and bumps on the road make the drive really rough.
The Turbo R-Spec model has a sport-tuned suspension, but that makes the ride too firm and harsh. The Veloster corners flat and turns in sharply. The steering is electronically powered-assisted, and critics have commented on the system's lack of feedback. For a compact car with superb handling and steering, look to the new Volkswagen GTI, which both takes corners with ease and has precise steering.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster has a decent set of brakes. The brake pedal provides a smooth and progressive feel that is very easy to manage. It gives one of the best results in the brake tests. Its braking performance is quite average in its class.
A braking distance of 121 feet is recorded when the vehicle decelerates from 60 mph. The Veloster also comes with a safety feature called Smart City Brake Support, which can automatically apply the brakes if the vehicle senses that you are about to hit something. The all-season tires also provide a good grip.
Model |
Hyundai Veloster |
Honda Civic Hatchback |
Toyota Corolla iM |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front(in) |
11.0 |
11.1 |
11.7 |
11.0 |
Brake Rear(in) |
10.3 |
10.2 |
11.0 |
10.4 |
Curb Weight(lbs.) |
2778 |
2822 |
2943 |
2899 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
121 |
115 |
126 |
120 |
Unsurprisingly, the Civic hatch has the strongest brakes in this competition and takes the shortest braking distance of 115 feet. It is followed by the Mazda 3 hatch while the Veloster slips to third place with a difference of just one foot. The Corolla iM takes the longest stopping distance in this segment.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster gets great fuel economy for the class, checking in at 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. It gets 28 mpg for city drives and 35 mpg on the highway with the automated manual transmission. Even though power increases by a healthy 69 horses, fuel economy doesn’t drop too far. With its optional turbocharged engine and manual transmission, the Veloster gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. With an automatic transmission, the fuel estimates are 26 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.
Model |
Hyundai Veloster |
Honda Civic Hatchback |
Toyota Corolla iM |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
27 |
29 |
27 |
28 |
MPG (Highway) |
34 |
38 |
35 |
38 |
MPG (Combined) |
30 |
33 |
30 |
31 |
Fuel Capacity |
13.2 |
12.4 |
14 |
13.2 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) |
356/449/402 |
372/484/428 |
378/490/434 |
356/488/422 |
Once again, the Honda Civic hatch flashes up in the first place due to its incredible fuel economy. Both the Veloster and the Mazda 3 hatch share the same fuel tank capacity, but the latter’s fuel economy is slightly better than Hyundai. On the last spot is the Toyota Corolla iM standing along with Veloster with a combined mileage of 30 mpg.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is a compact car that can accommodate four people. Although the center rear seat is a little raised up and would be a bit uncomfortable for adults during long journeys because of the sloping roofline. The Hyundai Veloster's interior has a mix of hard plastics and soft materials. It has a modern design and quality standard cloth upholstery with a great color selection.
The body-hugging seats do give a sense of sportiness. The driver seat bottom is a bit hard and narrow. Still, it remains reasonably comfortable even for longer drives. The head and legroom offered in the front row are quite good, but things get awkward when you hop in the back row because the headroom is compromised. Hence, six-footers may not be comfortable especially while traveling long distances.Â
Model |
Hyundai Veloster |
Honda Civic Hatchback |
Toyota Corolla iM |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.0/55.6/43.9 |
39.3/57.0/42.3 |
39.7/54.3/41.6 |
38.6/57.2/42.2 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
35.3/54.0/31.7 |
37.4/55.0/36.0 |
37.5/54.1/32.7 |
37.6/54.4/35.8 |
The only drawback of the Veloster is that it seats only four passengers while the rest of the competitors extend the number to five. It offers good legroom in the front row but falls short in the rear row. The Honda Civic hatchback interior offers class-leading legroom in the rear row. Some of the noticeable interior features include:
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster’s infotainment system gets a standard 7-inch touchscreen really sets it apart when compared to other affordable hatchbacks. The infotainment system is simple to use, and all the controls are easily accessible to the driver and front passenger. The touchscreen is responsive with well-organized menus. The Veloster offers plenty of features to keep you connected.
Hyundai knows its target buyers want to be on the grid at all times, so virtually every imaginable connectivity feature comes standard. The Blue Link system connects your smartphone, an Android Wear device, and Apple Watch. Standard features include:
The Hyundai Veloster has a respectable 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use and 34.7 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area is very deep and square-shaped for this category. You’ll actually find more cargo space than many subcompact crossovers, and the rear seats fold almost completely flat. The cargo area shape and size is made possible by the rear suspension design in the Veloster.Â
Model |
Hyundai Veloster |
Honda Civic Hatchback |
Toyota Corolla iM |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
---|---|---|---|---|
Behind 2nd Row (ft. Cube) |
15.5 |
25.7 |
20.8 |
20.2 |
2nd Row Folded (ft. Cube) |
34.7 |
46.2 |
N/A |
47.1 |
The Hyundai Veloster offers more room than most compact cars offer but less than rival hatchbacks. The Mazda 3 hatchback takes the top spot this time with a cargo space of 47.1 cubic feet, followed by the Civic hatchback. With only 20.8 cubic feet of space, the Toyota Corolla iM is the least practical vehicle in this competition, while the Veloster sits behind the Civic.Â
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster has an impactful exterior design. It looks much more stylish with its new strong lines and stance. It has a contemporary and conservative design, still, its striking aggressive look gives it a sporty ambiance all around. The car's unique single right rear door preserves sportiness without sacrificing too much practicality. Upfront, the Hyundai’s distinctive grille occupies a much larger area than we find in many Hyundai models. It gives the Veloster a sort of hungry appearance.
The Veloster is a solid compact hatchback in America that measures 166.1-inches in length. This is more than a foot shorter than the Hyundai Elantra. The overall style of the Veloster is sort of a coupe meets hatchback. A casual glance at the Veloster looks symmetrical but one side is not actually like the other because you don’t get a door on the driver’s side. The aggressive styling that is seen in the front is mirrored out back too. On the lower fascia, a large blacked-out rear bumper and large twin center exhausts steal the rear show.
Model |
Hyundai Veloster |
Honda Civic Hatchback |
Toyota Corolla iM |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight(lbs.) |
2778 |
2822 |
2943 |
2899 |
Length(in) |
166.1 |
177.9 |
170.5 |
180.3 |
Width(in) |
70.5 |
70.8 |
69.3 |
70.7 |
Height(in) |
55.1 |
56.5 |
55.3 |
57.3 |
Ground Clearance(in) |
5.6 |
5.1 |
5.5 |
6.1 |
Wheelbase(in) |
104.3 |
106.3 |
102.4 |
106.3 |
Track width(in) F/R |
61.5/62.0 |
60.9/61.5 |
59.36/59.3 |
61.2/61.4 |
A ground clearance of 6.1 inches is offered in the Mazda 3 hatchback, which is really unique for its class. It shares the same wheelbase of 106.3 inches with the Civic hatch and is the longest hatch in this competition. The Corolla iM carries the most curb weight of 2,943 pounds. Some of the exterior features include:
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is one of the safest hatchbacks in this segment. It received a perfect 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, whereas the IIHS honored the Veloster with ‘Good’ ratings for its tough roof strength and good crash test scores. Additionally, six airbags are installed in the cabin of the Veloster. The Veloster comes fitted with top safety systems, which include:
The Honda Civic hatchback and the Hyundai Veloster have similar features, like safety and interior quality. The Civic hatch sits near the top of the compact car class, thanks to its quality interior and driving dynamics.
If you favor a comfortable cruiser with good gas mileage, choose the Civic. It's also the better car overall. However, if you're looking for more of a bargain or sportier look, go with the Veloster.
The Toyota Corolla's base engine has more power, though the Hyundai Veloster is more fuel-efficient. Additionally, the Corolla iM outclasses the Mazda 3 and almost every other competitor in cargo capacity as well as in solid overall performance. The Veloster has a worse predicted reliability rating. Hence, the Corolla iM is probably a better choice.
The Mazda 3 hatch also offered in basic or hot variants, is nicer on the inside, and it offers a smoother automatic transmission. Both the cars deliver better handling while maintaining a smooth ride, and their engine lineup is powerful for a compact car.
Furthermore, Mazda has one of the nicest interiors and infotainment systems in the class. Hence, the Mazda 3 hatch can be a good alternative for the Veloster.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster has matured into a better overall package that does manage to pull off its tricky balance of style, performance, and practicality. It offers a decent amount of engine and transmission options and fuel economy likewise. The interior has a nice design language and the infotainment system is on par with its rivals. There's really no other car like this, and if you're looking for a stylish, reasonably quick, unique hatch that has some coupe tropes thrown in, all for a reasonable price, the Veloster should definitely be on your shortlist.