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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| 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 | $19,974–$26,734 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is a hatchback that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10, while Technology at 6.8/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.6/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.8/10 — 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 $19,974–$26,734, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Veloster sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hatchback market. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Hyundai Veloster will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good hatchback should — quietly and competently.
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 2021 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 $19,974 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $23,280 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Hyundai Veloster scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021'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 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $19,974 | |
| 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 | 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 2021 Hyundai Veloster's reliability 7.6/10 — 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 2021 Hyundai Veloster starts at $19,974 and ranges up to $26,734 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/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.