“I would like the car manual to be more specific. I get symbols on my dash and don't know what they mean and are not in the book”
Hyundai Veloster: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Hyundai Veloster is a compact, front-wheel-drive three-door coupe-like hatchback in the performance and sports-car segment. It is known for its unusual passenger-side rear door, distinctive styling, useful cargo area, and performance versions such as the Turbo and N.
The Veloster has always blended coupe-like style with the everyday usefulness of a small hatchback. Its unusual three-door layout gives rear passengers a dedicated door on one side while preserving its sporty shape. The model started with an emphasis on style, efficiency, and technology, then developed a stronger enthusiast side through the Turbo, R-Spec, and N.
Strengths
- The passenger-side rear door makes the back seat easier to reach than it is in a typical two-door coupe.
- Its hatchback cargo area gives it more everyday usefulness than its sporty shape suggests.
- The lineup spans economical non-turbo models, quicker Turbo versions, and the more focused Veloster N.
- Turbo and N versions add meaningful performance without giving up the Veloster’s small footprint.
- Second-generation models brought standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and several driver-assistance features.
- The 2022 Veloster N produced 275 horsepower while retaining the model’s practical hatchback layout.
Who it's for
The Veloster fits someone who wants a small daily driver with more personality than a conventional hatchback. Regular versions suit commuting and errands, while Turbo, R-Spec, and N models are aimed at drivers who value stronger acceleration and sharper handling. It is less suited to shoppers who regularly need a roomy back seat for several passengers.
Hyundai Veloster lineup
Pick the base Veloster if distinctive styling and straightforward daily use matter more than speed. The Turbo adds stronger acceleration and a more aggressive character while keeping the practical hatchback layout. The first-generation Turbo R-Spec is the more focused, manual-only choice for drivers who prefer a simpler performance setup. Introduced for 2019, the Veloster N goes further with track-capable handling, adjustable performance hardware, and a stronger turbo engine; by 2022, it was the only Veloster sold in the U.S.
Hyundai Veloster generations
From 2012 to 2022, the Veloster spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2019, following the 1st Generation (2012–2017).
2nd Generation (2019–2022)
A full redesign brought a new body and cabin, a lighter and stiffer structure, a new base engine, and more standard safety and touchscreen technology. This generation also introduced the high-performance Veloster N to the U.S.
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2022Trim changes
Regular Veloster trims leave the U.S. lineup, making the 275-hp Veloster N the only version for the model’s final U.S. year.
2021
The Veloster N gets 275 hp as standard, lightweight sport seats, an 8-inch navigation screen, more driver-assistance features, and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Non-N trims carry over.
2020
Regular models gain fixed cargo tie-down hooks, while selected Turbo trims get added safety or phone-charging features. The Veloster N is largely unchanged.
2019New generation
The redesigned Veloster gets a new body and cabin, a lighter and stiffer structure, a new 2.0-liter base engine, independent rear suspension, and more standard safety and touchscreen technology. The Veloster N also makes its U.S. debut.
1st Generation (2012–2017)
The original Veloster paired coupe-like styling with hatchback usefulness and an unusual passenger-side rear door. It launched with a 1.6-liter engine and 7-inch touchscreen, then added Turbo and other specialized trims over time.
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2017Trim changes
The Value Edition joins the lineup, pairing the non-turbo engine with features such as a panoramic sunroof, navigation, premium audio, and keyless start.
2016Trim changes
The limited-production Turbo Rally Edition joins the lineup. The Turbo also gains a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, along with small styling and technology updates.
2015Trim changes
The design-focused RE:FLEX special edition joins the lineup, while the Turbo R-Spec continues. The rest of the range sees no major changes.
2014Trim changes
The lighter, manual-only Turbo R-Spec joins the lineup, and the RE:FLEX replaces the RE:MIX special edition. A rearview camera and LED daytime running lights become standard across the range.
2013Trim changes
The 201-hp Veloster Turbo and limited RE:MIX special edition join the lineup. The base Veloster changes little.
2012New generation
The Veloster launches in the U.S. with its distinctive three-door hatchback design, a 1.6-liter engine, and a standard 7-inch touchscreen.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Veloster.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Veloster a coupe or a hatchback?
It is a small hatchback with coupe-like styling. Its unusual layout has one door on the driver’s side, two on the passenger side, and a rear hatch, combining a sporty shape with easier rear-seat access and useful cargo space.
Is the Hyundai Veloster practical for everyday use?
Yes, within the limits of a small car. It has a rear hatch, a split-folding rear seat, and a passenger-side rear door that simplifies back-seat access. The final Veloster N seats four, so it suits singles, couples, or small households better than frequent family duty.
Does the Hyundai Veloster come as a hybrid?
No. The Veloster lineup uses gasoline four-cylinder engines. Depending on the trim and era, used examples have a non-turbo engine, a 201-hp turbo engine, or the Veloster N’s stronger turbo engine.
Does the Hyundai Veloster have all-wheel drive?
No. The Veloster is a front-wheel-drive car, including the high-performance Veloster N. The N improves cornering traction with a special front differential rather than using all-wheel drive.
How many generations of the Hyundai Veloster are there?
There are two U.S. generations. The first ran from 2012 through 2017. Hyundai skipped the 2018 model year, then introduced a fully redesigned second generation for 2019 that continued through 2022.
Is the Hyundai Veloster discontinued?
Yes. The 2022 model year was the Veloster’s final U.S. year. Regular non-N trims ended after 2021, leaving only the 275-hp Veloster N for the final year.
What is the Hyundai Veloster known for?
It is known for its unusual three-door shape, hatchback usefulness, and playful handling. Regular models emphasize style and everyday usability, while Turbo trims add stronger acceleration and the Veloster N adds road-and-track performance hardware.
Hyundai Veloster Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Veloster.
4.3
Hyundai Veloster
(833 reviews)
“The Veloster has a great style. It is a lot roomier than it looks. I can fit my kayak inside the car. Having three doors is magical due to being the first car I can think of that actually has three doors. BUT...the pick up on the vehicle is AWFUL. There is a fear of stepping on the gas pedal and having the car not move.”
“I really love my Veloster Turbo 2015. I've been eyeing this car. I get a lot of compliments about it. I love it not because of the compliments I'm getting but because I know I'll keep this car and it's what I really wanted. I might upgrade it in the future but trading it in is not in my options. I'll take care of this car and hopefully will last.”
“If you want a car that's both fast and affordable, with some bells and whistles, this is the one.”
“My Veloster Car is amazing. Completed all of the expectations that I have. I am really happy”
“If you want a truly FUN driver's car that you can get a manual transmission (or DCT), is affordable, has nice modern day features and is practical, too, with performance and handling punching above its weight...and you LOVE TO DRIVE...this is a terrific little "hot hatch"!”
Sources
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- hyundai.com — 2018 / Attach / Hyundai Reveals All new 2019 Veloster and Veloster Turbo