“If you enjoy driving performance vehicles at the track, but need to commute every day, and can only afford one car, the Hyundai Veloster N is your car.”
2021 Hyundai Veloster: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2021 is the Veloster N's expanded standard performance equipment, which raises every N to 275 hp. The five non-N trims carry over without changes.
About the 2021 Hyundai Veloster
2nd generation (2019-2022), third model year and final year for non-N trims; major enhancement year for Veloster N
Hyundai positioned the Veloster as an unconventional compact performance hatchback with one driver-side door, two passenger-side doors, and a practical rear hatch. Its core appeal combined distinctive sports-coupe styling, responsive handling, useful cargo space, and everyday technology. The 2.0 models emphasized accessible daily use, Turbo models added stronger acceleration and sharper handling, and the N transformed the same practical shape into an everyday sports car built for serious road and track driving.
For 2021, the lineup ranges from straightforward 147-hp 2.0 models to 201-hp Turbo trims, including a manual-focused R-Spec and a more fully equipped version with leather, navigation, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. Hyundai positions the 275-hp N as an everyday sports car, with an electronic limited-slip differential, adjustable suspension and exhaust, larger brakes, lightweight sport seats, and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Every Veloster N moves to the 275-hp performance specification. An eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission joins the six-speed manual.
Structural
The N makes its former Performance Package hardware standard, including an electronic limited-slip differential, adjustable suspension and exhaust, and larger performance brakes.
Styling
The N gains lightweight cloth and synthetic-leather sport front seats. There is no meaningful exterior redesign.
Safety
The N gains standard forward collision avoidance, lane following and lane keeping assistance, driver attention warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.
Tech
The N gains a standard 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with updated performance menus.
2021 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 Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic |
| 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 | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 33 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 275 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 | ||||||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Hyundai Veloster?
The biggest change is the Veloster N's expanded standard equipment. Every 2021 N has the former Performance Package's 275-hp tune and performance hardware, plus lightweight sport seats, navigation, and added driver-assistance features.
Is the 2021 Veloster N more powerful than the 2020 model?
Yes. Every 2021 Veloster N is rated at 275 hp because the former Performance Package specification became standard; the standard 2020 N was rated at 250 hp.
Does the 2021 Veloster N have an automatic transmission?
Yes. The 2021 Veloster N added an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission alongside the six-speed manual, so the transmission should be checked on an individual used car.
Did the non-N 2021 Veloster trims change from 2020?
No. Hyundai made no changes to the five non-N trims for 2021; the year's substantive updates were limited to the Veloster N.
Was 2021 the final year for the regular Hyundai Veloster?
Yes. The 2021 model year was the last in the United States for every non-N Veloster trim.
2021 Hyundai Veloster Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Veloster.
4.6
2021 Hyundai Veloster
(39 reviews)
“The Veloster N is a true driver's car. if you like driving, this car is engaging. It's not the fastest car, but it's fast enough to have fun legally. There aren't many hot hatches in the US anymore, this is probably the best of them all.”
“The more I drive it and learn it's features the better I like it and the smarter I feel for having bought it.”