“It's a lot of fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. It's quicker than you might expect so get familiar with the cruise control. Stereo system needs some work on the firmware because the volume isn't source independent and will deafen you if you disconnect from Bluetooth.”
2016 Hyundai Veloster: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster is the arrival of the limited-production Turbo Rally Edition. This is otherwise a light update, with a new automatic option for the Turbo plus modest styling and tech revisions.
About the 2016 Hyundai Veloster
1st generation Veloster (2012-2017), fifth model year and second year after the 2015 update.
Hyundai marketed the Veloster as the antidote to ordinary small cars: a sporty-looking three-door hatchback with one extra passenger-side rear door, useful cargo space, and a cabin aimed at tech-focused younger buyers. Its main draw was being different without giving up day-to-day usefulness. Buyers could choose an efficient base setup or a much stronger turbo engine, but the model’s core appeal was always standout design plus hatchback practicality.
The 2016 Veloster ranges from an everyday base hatchback with a 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera to several 201-hp turbo models. The Turbo balances stronger performance with heated leather seating and premium audio, while the manual-only R-Spec and Rally Edition focus more on sharper handling. The Rally Edition stands out with lightweight RAYS wheels, firmer suspension tuning, blue-accented sport seats, and rally-inspired exterior details.
What changed, by category
Lineup
The limited-production Turbo Rally Edition joins the lineup, while the RE:FLEX trim is dropped.
Powertrain
The Turbo adds a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option, which is an automatic designed to shift quickly. The engines and basic layout otherwise carry over.
Styling
The lineup gets revised hood details, a darker grille treatment, and updated wheel designs. The Turbo also receives updated sport seats, while the Turbo R-Spec adds red seatbelts.
Tech
Models equipped with navigation receive updated software with Siri Eyes Free and newer Blue Link connected-car functions.
2016 Hyundai Veloster specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd EcoShft DCT | Auto, 7-Spd EcoShft DCT | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 132 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 120 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
The biggest change is the new limited-production Turbo Rally Edition. It combines the 201-hp turbo engine and manual transmission with lightweight RAYS wheels, firmer suspension tuning, blue-accented sport seats, and rally-inspired exterior details.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster a full redesign?
No, the 2016 Veloster is not a full redesign. It keeps the first-generation three-door body, engines, and overall layout, with only light styling, technology, and trim updates.
Did the 2016 Veloster Turbo get a new automatic transmission?
Yes, the 2016 Veloster Turbo adds a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option. This type of automatic uses two clutches to provide quick shifts; the R-Spec and Rally Edition remain the more focused manual-transmission models.
How does the 2016 Veloster look different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Veloster has revised hood details, a darker grille treatment, and updated wheel designs. These are modest changes rather than a major exterior makeover.
Is the 2016 Veloster meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Only slightly. The 2016 model is most appealing if you want the Rally Edition, the Turbo’s new 7-speed automatic option, or the updated navigation functions; otherwise, the basic body, engines, and layout are much the same as in 2015.
2016 Hyundai Veloster Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster.
4.2
2016 Hyundai Veloster
(236 reviews)
“Awesome vehicle, fun to drive easy to handle great on gas. I give Hyundai 2 thumbs up!”
“the Veloster rally edition is a great vehicle, a lot of pickup and everyone loves seeing the matte finish.”