“Very cute and sporty appearance. Roomy interior and trunk. The brakes are a little sensitive and it doesn't accelerate very quickly, but it is not problematic and can be adapted to. Decent amount of road noise.”
2019 Hyundai Veloster: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is fully redesigned as an all-new second-generation model after Hyundai skipped the 2018 model year. Its new body, cabin, structure, engines, suspension, safety systems, and infotainment make this a major change year.
About the 2019 Hyundai Veloster
2nd generation, first year; first U.S. model year for the Veloster N
Hyundai positions the Veloster as a sporty compact hatchback that combines a coupe-like shape with useful everyday access through its unusual one-door driver side and two-door passenger side. Its identity centers on distinctive styling, an easy-to-load rear hatch, responsive handling, and straightforward smartphone technology. The broad performance range—from the 2.0L model to the track-capable N—lets the Veloster serve as either an expressive daily car or a serious driver-focused hatchback.
The lineup ranges from the straightforward 147-hp Veloster 2.0 to 201-hp Turbo models and the first U.S.-market Veloster N, a manual-transmission performance version with adjustable suspension and larger brakes. Comfort-focused versions feature equipment such as heated seats, premium audio, navigation, leather seating, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder replaces the previous base 1.6-liter engine. The first U.S.-market Veloster N also joins the lineup with a high-output turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission.
Styling
The exterior and interior are completely redesigned for the second-generation Veloster while retaining its unusual three-door hatchback layout.
Safety
Forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assistance, and driver attention monitoring become standard on mainstream trims. Some higher trims add blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, while the most extensively equipped turbo trim adds pedestrian detection.
Tech
Mainstream trims receive a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims use an 8-inch system, with equipment such as premium audio, wireless phone charging, navigation, and a head-up display depending on trim.
Structural
A lighter, stiffer body and independent multi-link rear suspension are introduced across the lineup. Turbo models also receive firmer chassis tuning and larger front brakes.
2019 Hyundai Veloster specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift DCT | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 250 hp | 201 hp | 147 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 44.5 cu-ft | 44.5 cu-ft | 44.5 cu-ft | 44.5 cu-ft | 44.5 cu-ft | 44.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.1 in | 34.1 in | 34.1 in | 34.1 in | 34.1 in | 34.1 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Hyundai Veloster fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2019 Veloster begins the second generation with a new exterior, cabin, body structure, base engine, suspension setup, safety technology, and touchscreen system. Hyundai did not offer a 2018 Veloster model year.
What engines are in the 2019 Hyundai Veloster?
The 2019 Veloster 2.0 and 2.0 Premium use a new 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Turbo trims use a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine, while the performance-focused Veloster N has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Was 2019 the first year for the Hyundai Veloster N in the United States?
Yes. The 2019 model is the first U.S.-market Veloster N. It features a high-output turbo engine, a six-speed manual with automatic rev matching, adjustable suspension, selectable performance settings, and larger brakes.
What safety features became standard on the 2019 Veloster?
Forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assistance, and driver attention monitoring became standard on mainstream 2019 Veloster trims. Higher trims add equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, or pedestrian detection.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Veloster have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every mainstream 2019 Veloster trim has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The Veloster N also has an 8-inch touchscreen with both smartphone systems.
2019 Hyundai Veloster Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Hyundai Veloster.
4.4
2019 Hyundai Veloster
(123 reviews)
“Suspension and handling are awesome adequate power but would like a little more. RSpec is great for the value because it can easily be upgraded.”
“This vehicle is a lot of fun to drive! If you're a techy person I'd definitely recommend going with the premium model for overall functionality.”