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Used car guide
Used Hyundai Veloster: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Hyundai Veloster from 2012 to 2021, across 2 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $5,500 to $20,500), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2012–2017. Look harder at or skip 2019–2021.
2019–2021 Hyundai Veloster
A sporty hatch with an asymmetrical door layout, sharp handling and an available manual.
No year in this generation is clear of problems. Shop carefully. Look harder at or skip: 2019–2021. It has a strong reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16,500 | Theft risk | Not rated | ~90,000 |
| 2020 | $18,500 | Theft risk | Not rated | ~80,000 |
| 2021 | $20,500 | Theft risk | Not rated | ~70,000 |
Worth knowing
- Theft risk for 2019–2021. Many key-start cars from these years lack an engine immobilizer. Confirm the free anti-theft update.
- The ride is firm and rear seats are tight, and key-start cars need the anti-theft update.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the 2.0 Premium or a Turbo trim: they add a sunroof, heated seats and wireless charging, and Turbo models add 201 hp. Apple CarPlay is standard on all.
On the test drive
Confirm the theft-deterrent software update was done on key-start cars and test the dual-clutch if equipped. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: optional from 2019, never standard in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2019, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Corolla 2021–2022 · $17,500–$18,500
- Toyota Prius 2018–2019 · $17,000–$19,000
- Acura ILX 2015, 2017 · $16,000–$19,500
Find one near you
2012–2017 Hyundai Veloster
A quirky hatchback with an extra rear door on the passenger side, sporty looks and good fuel economy.
Years to target: 2012–2017. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $5,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~130,000 |
| 2013 | $6,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~120,000 |
| 2014 | $6,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2015 | $7,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~105,000 |
| 2016 | $8,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~95,000 |
| 2017 | $8,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Non-turbo models are slow, rear headroom and visibility are poor, and key-start cars are theft targets.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the Style package or a Turbo: Style adds a panoramic sunroof and premium audio, while the Turbo brings 201 hp versus the sluggish 138-hp base engine.
On the test drive
On turbo dual-clutch cars, check for jerky low-speed engagement and ask about the anti-theft update. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Acura TSX 2010 · $7,500
- Hyundai Accent 2015–2016 · $6,500–$7,000
- Mitsubishi Mirage 2015 · $7,500
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.