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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 28 / 34 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 296 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Base Price | $19,316–$24,000 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2020 Hyundai Veloster at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this hatchback. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.4/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.7/10 — 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 $19,316–$24,000, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Veloster sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hatchback market. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2020 Hyundai Veloster is a solid, well-rounded hatchback that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2020 Hyundai Veloster ranks #37 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 64% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $19,316 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $23,280 by about 17%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Hyundai Veloster scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.5 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $20,633 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $19,974 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $19,316 | |
| 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 | 7.1/10 | $16,682 | Read review → |
| 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 28/04/2021 · 21V301000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2020 Hyundai Veloster's reliability 7.4/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #37 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 64% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster starts at $19,316 and ranges up to $24,000 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.