The 2019 Hyundai Veloster marks the sports-oriented compact’s second-generation debut, and it remains a one-of-a-kind hatchback.
A sharper-edged new exterior design is immediately appealing. But the symmetrical configuration is still a signature feature, with one longer driver’s side door and two shorter front and rear passenger doors. The three-door scheme is not available on any other vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Still the only three-door hatchback on the market: One long driver’s door, two shorter passenger doors, and a hatch remain the Veloster’s signature configuration. No other vehicle copies the asymmetric layout.
- 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo in the Turbo Ultimate: Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and paddle shifters, the top trim carries Normal, Sport, and Smart drive modes with real differences in throttle and steering feel.
- Under 3,000 pounds keeps it genuinely fun: Light curb weight turns the modest horsepower into a quick, agile car that corners sharply and connects driver to road.
- Smartphone connectivity leads the segment: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touchscreen are standard across all five trims, alongside forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist.
- $29,160 as-tested Turbo trim: Roughly $3,000 below the average new-vehicle transaction price, with Hyundai’s industry-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for ownership reassurance.
The three-door approach may seem awkward at first. The passenger side rear door rests high and the handle is positioned high and flush on the frame. It’s easy to miss. But the extra entry option means no difficulty for rear seat passengers to entry or exit. The one rear door is also convenient for non-human cargo.
Much else is also new for the Veloster, including a 2.0-liter inline-four base engine and a revised suspension for improved handling. All of the five versions now have forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, lane keeping assist and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The smartphone connectivity is the best in the segment.
Cruise control, Bluetooth and 7.0-inch touchscreen display are also standard. Additional safety features include six airbags, high-beam assist (with the optional LED headlights) and driver attention warning.
New optional features for 2019 on higher-priced trims include an Infinity eight-speaker audio system, wireless charging pad, automatic climate control and an eight-inch infotainment system.
The 1.6-liter, 201 horsepower turbo ultimate trim combines the features of other models and gives the Veloster a peppy personality with its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and paddle shifters. The Veloster has three driving modes — Normal, Sport and Smart. The Sport mode is the most responsive and is absent of the turbo lag in the normal driving mode. The modes alter shift timing, throttle progression and steering heft.
Gas mileage averages are 28 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 miles per gallon on the freeway. Hyundai is among the few manufacturers with an industry-best 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Hyundai also approaches seating capacity honestly. Two seatbelts are available in the back seat. Many smaller vehicles are touted with seating for five and are equipped with three rear seatbelts based on minimal but unrealistic standards.
With its appreciable power for a lightweight car (it weighs less than 3,000 pounds), the Veloster scoots around town defining its fun-to-drive persona. Its sportiness is further enhanced with adept handling and cornering. The driver and car feel connected.
In fact, the overall Veloster experience is enjoyable despite its compact category. Seating is comfortable and supportive because of improved ergonomics. The instrument panel and other equipment are thoughtfully positioned. Cupholders, a 12-volt outlet and two USB plugs add to the strong mix of standard features.
The contrasting fit and finish interior color scheme is attractive, the hatchback opening is deep and rear seats fold down nearly flat.
The compact hatchback has a few warts. Seat adjustments are manual and rear visibility is sub-par with a small viewing area and obstruction via the hatchback lid. Hyundai also decided to infuse synthetic, amplified noise into the cabin of the Turbo model. Good thing it can be turned off; the natural sound of the engine is pleasing.
Quality compact hatchbacks are available throughout the industry, with strong offerings like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte5 and Mazda3. The Veloster more than holds its own and stands alone among the competition with its three-door appeal and sportiness.
With its out-the-door price of $29,160, the turbo trim is about $3,000 less than the average current price of a new vehicle in the United States. That qualifies the Veloster as a good value with some attitude as part of the deal.
What We Like
- Unique three-door layout with easy rear-passenger access
- 201-hp 1.6L turbo with 7-speed DCT feels quick in Sport mode
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup
- 28/34 mpg city/highway fuel economy from the turbo
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
What We Don’t
- Rear visibility is restricted by a small rear window and hatch lid
- Manual-only seat adjustments even on higher trims
- Synthetic engine noise piped into the cabin by default
- Only two rear seatbelts (though this reflects honest seating)
- Hatch passenger door handle sits high and flush, easy to miss
Facts & Figures: 2019 Hyundai Veloster
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | Automatic (AM7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city / 34 hwy / 30 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2019 Honda Civic | |
| 2019 Mazda Mazda3 | |
| 2019 Kia Forte5 | |
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf | |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 2019 Hyundai Veloster have three doors?
The Veloster uses one long driver’s-side door plus two shorter passenger-side doors (front and rear) and a hatch. The asymmetric layout is unique in the industry and makes rear-seat access easy without sacrificing sporty coupe looks on the driver’s side.
How much horsepower does the 2019 Veloster Turbo have?
The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 201 horsepower in the Turbo Ultimate trim, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and paddle shifters.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Veloster Turbo?
EPA ratings are 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined on regular gasoline. The base 2.0-liter delivers similar fuel efficiency with less power.
How much does the 2019 Hyundai Veloster cost?
The Turbo trim tested had an out-the-door price of $29,160, roughly $3,000 below the U.S. average new-vehicle transaction price.
What standard features come on the 2019 Veloster?
All five trims include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, cruise control, Bluetooth, six airbags, and driver attention warning.
Does the 2019 Veloster come with a warranty?
Yes. Hyundai’s warranty is among the industry’s best: 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain.
How many people fit in the 2019 Veloster?
Four. The rear seat has only two seatbelts, which Hyundai marketed as an honest choice compared with rivals that advertise five-person seating with cramped middle seats.
What are the main rivals to the 2019 Hyundai Veloster?
Primary competitors include the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Kia Forte5, Volkswagen Golf, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback in the compact hatchback segment.
Article Last Updated: May 1, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.