2021 Hyundai Veloster Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Drivers in need of an affordable commuter car should take a serious look at the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. Many people love this small hatchback’s exclusive styling and rewarding list of standard equipment. While the Veloster’s base powertrain is efficient, available turbocharged engines promote an even more fun driving experience. Furthermore, advanced safety technologies come standard.

What’s New for 2021?

For 2021, no big changes were made to the Veloster lineup. Last year, certain trims received upgraded features.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Hyundai Veloster – The Pros

1. Very Strong Value

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is among the most affordable cars in America. Prices for the base model start at less than $19,000. However, the Veloster isn’t just a cheap economy car. It comes loaded with highly desired features. Some of the perks include a 7.0-inch touch display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone support, Bluetooth, and a reversing camera. Buyers will also benefit from Hyundai’s segment-leading warranty package, which covers the powertrain for 100,000 miles.

2. Can Deliver a Fun Driving Experience

Most people will enjoy driving the new Veloster. Its standard 147-horsepower engine is ideal for driving to and from the workplace. However, upgrading to the turbocharged engine brings more excitement. This boosted engine pushes out 201 horsepower, which promotes much stronger acceleration. Drivers can also expect the new Veloster to handle better than the previous generation. Michelin Sport performance tires and a stiffer sport suspension further enhance the Turbo R-Spec trim’s athleticism.

3. High-Performance N Model

Drivers who want a true “hot hatch” will love the new Veloster N. It easily ranks among the most exciting hatchback’s in America. Hyundai designed the Veloster N to be a capable track machine. Putting this high-performance in motion is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower. An optional Performance Package further bumps output to 275 horsepower. Along with the Performance Package also comes an electronic limited-slip differential and performance exhaust. When tested, the Veloster N scampered to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

4. Drive Mode Select

Every new 2021 Hyundai Veloster comes standard with Drive Mode Select. At the touch of a button, this feature enables you to change the way the car behaves. The Normal mode is recommended for daily commuting. Meanwhile, activating the Eco mode lowers the car’s throttle response to improve fuel economy. Of course, drivers looking to have more fun will enjoy the Sport mode. Aside from give the steering system a sportier feel, it also enables the transmission to shift quicker.

5. Exterior Styling That Makes a Statement

No other car in the class looks bolder than the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. Its coupe-like design stands out on the street. Drivers also love the Veloster’s center-exit exhaust setup, which looks racy. Higher trim levels are upgraded with LED headlights. Black 18-inch wheels and a blacked-out mesh grille are featured on the Turbo R-Spec trim. The most aggressive trim is the powerful Veloster N, which comes equipped with a larger rear spoiler and exclusive 19-inch wheels. An exclusive Performance Blue paint colors is also reserved for the N model.

6. A Practical Car

The Veloster will showcase its practicality on an everyday basis. Its hatchback design offers nearly 20 cubic inches of rear cargo space. This extra storage room gives the Veloster a key advantage over a compact sedan. Although the Veloster may look sleek like a coupe, a hidden third door enables rear-seat passengers to easily hop inside. This is a key advantage for drivers who often ride with family and friends. A highway fuel economy rating of 34 mpg adds to the Veloster’s practicality.

7. Well-Designed Infotainment System

Hyundai’s Blue Link infotainment system is a gem. Fortunately, it’s standard equipment on every new 2021 Hyundai Veloster. Unlike some other modern infotainment systems, Blue Link is not complicated to use. The display screen sits near the top of the dash, which helps eliminate the need for drivers to glance down. Drivers can connect their smartphone using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Folks who plan to travel a lot should consider upgrading to the larger 8.0-inch display with navigation.

8. Infinity Audio System Brings a More Exciting Sound

Most drivers won’t have anything terrible to say about the Veloster’s standard six-speaker audio system. However, the optional Infinity premium audio system is more pleasing to the ears. Clari-Fi music restoration technology helps make your favorite songs sound clearer. A 350-watt amplifier sends power to a total of eight speakers. To ensure drivers can feel the bass, Infinity adds a subwoofer to the rear hatch.

9. Advanced Safety Technologies Don’t Cost Extra

Last year, the Veloster was given a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The 2021 Hyundai Veloster also doesn’t force you to pay extra for today’s most sought-after safety technologies. According to testers, Hyundai’s forward collision warning system does a great job of predicting a potential crash. Automatic emergency braking is built into the system. Driver attention warning is another security blanket for folks who spend a lot of time on the road. Lane-keep assist also comes standard on the new Veloster.

10. Good City Vehicle

City dwellers will appreciate the Veloster’s compact design. It’s a relatively easy car to park. A tight turning diameter helps drivers to get in and out of tight places. Fuel economy in city traffic is also decent. Drivers can get up to an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in urban areas.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Hyundai Veloster – The Cons

1. Not a Great Pick for Growing Families

If you have a growing family or need to accommodate your tall friends, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster may not be the best choice. Its rear passenger area can be a bit tight. Most adults will desire more legroom. This hatchback’s compact interior will be especially evident on long trips. Also, only four people can fit inside. If passenger room is a big priority, consider the roomier Volkswagen Golf.

2. Slow With Base Engine

Drivers simply looking for an efficient commuter car will have no issues with the Veloster’s base engine. On the other hand, driving enthusiasts will prefer one of the available turbocharged engines. Models equipped with the standard powertrain won’t accelerate nearly as quickly. When launched from a dead stop, the Veloster 2.0 takes around 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. Although you’ll be able to keep pace with traffic, don’t expect to be blown away by the car’s performance.

3. Not a Great Vehicle for the Snow

Front-wheel drive is found on every new 2021 Hyundai Veloster. Folks who must often deal with wintry weather may need a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive. In contrast to virtually every other car in the class, the 2021 Subaru Impreza comes standard with a full-time AWD system.

4. Some Luxuries Aren’t Offered

The new Hyundai Veloster provides many must-have features. However, certain luxuries are simply not offered. Like most cars at this price point, it does not offer ventilated seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also not on the list of options.

5. No Crash Rating from the NHTSA

The federal government has yet to stamp the Veloster with an official crash rating. While this hatchback is deemed to be a secure vehicle, some buyers may still want more evidence.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

2021 Hyundai Veloster vs 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback

Car reviewers applaud the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback for its roomy interior. However, it costs thousands of dollars more than the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. Buyers will also appreciate the Veloster’s much longer warranty and better standard infotainment system.

2021 Hyundai Veloster N vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Driving enthusiasts rank the Volkswagen Golf GTI among the top “hot hatchbacks” on the market. However, the Hyundai Veloster N gives you more value for the money. Some of the Veloster N’s standard features are optional on the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

2021 Hyundai Veloster vs 2021 Subaru Impreza Hatchback

The Subaru Impreza Hatchback is another value-packed model to consider. Its standard Symmetrical AWD system is a major plus for drivers living in snow-prone regions. However, it does not offer a more powerful engine upgrade. Drivers seeking more fun will be happier with the Hyundai Veloster. A longer powertrain warranty gives the Veloster another edge over the Impreza Hatchback.

Conclusion

While the 2021 Hyundai Veloster may have a few weaknesses, its many great attributes are hard to overlook. Excellent cargo space and cool styling help make the Veloster a highly recommended commuter car. In-demand features, like a touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and automatic emergency braking, are standard. Buyers will also love this car’s exceptional warranty coverage. Drivers seeking a vehicle that can compete on the track will want the high-performance N model.

Before buying a new 2021 Hyundai Veloster, car shoppers should take note of its small rear seat. Families may need more space. Performance with the base engine is also adequate at best.