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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 28 / 35 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 290 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Base Price | $16,682–$22,333 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2016 Hyundai Veloster earns a Good rating among the hatchbacks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.5/10, while Technology at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional hatchback — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $16,682–$22,333, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Veloster sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hatchback market. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Hyundai Veloster ranks #70 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 30% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $16,682 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $23,280 by about 28%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →
Across the Veloster model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $20,633 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $19,974 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $19,316 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $18,657 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $17,999 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $17,340 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $16,682 | |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $16,023 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Engine 01/12/2020 · 20V746000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.