Hyundai Veloster Safety Review: A Sporty Hatchback That Protects

The automotive world was pleasantly surprised when Hyundai's redesigned Veloster achieved remarkable safety scores despite its compact dimensions. This sporty hatchback proves that big safety can come in small packages, earning prestigious recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Let's examine what makes the Veloster stand out in safety while maintaining its distinctive character.

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IIHS Top Safety Pick: What It Means for the Veloster

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, the agency's second-highest safety designation. This achievement places it among the safest vehicles in its class, competing with traditionally safety-conscious brands. The Veloster's accomplishment is particularly impressive considering its unconventional design and sporty positioning.

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Crash Test Performance Breakdown

The Veloster demonstrated exceptional protection capabilities across multiple impact scenarios. Here's how it performed in specific test categories:

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The Headlight Factor: Understanding the Nuances

While the Veloster earned its Top Safety Pick designation, the headlight performance created some complexity in the ratings:

• Higher Trims Only: Only Veloster Turbo, Turbo Ultimate, and Turbo R-Spec models built after August 2018 qualified due to their acceptable-rated headlights
• Base Model Limitation: Standard headlights received a poor rating due to excessive glare for oncoming drivers
• Top Safety Pick Plus: The Veloster missed the highest "Plus" designation by needing good-rated headlights instead of acceptable

This distinction is crucial for buyers to understand when evaluating different Veloster trims and model years. The headlight performance significantly affects both safety and the vehicle's award status.

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The Door Design Challenge and Recall

The Veloster's unconventional three-door configuration (two on the passenger side, one on the driver side) presented unique safety challenges:

• Initial Test Results: The driver's door opened during side-impact tests in pre-2019 models, creating potential ejection risk
• Hyundai's Response: The manufacturer addressed the issue in models built after January 2019
• Recall Action: Hyundai issued a recall for earlier models to rectify the door latch mechanism
• Retest Success: Post-update models kept the door securely closed during subsequent IIHS testing

This situation highlights how innovative designs sometimes require refinement to meet rigorous safety standards. Hyundai's proactive response demonstrates their commitment to safety.

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Crash Avoidance Technology: Superior-Rated Systems

The Veloster's standard front crash prevention system earned a superior rating—the highest possible—from IIHS. This system includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects impending collisions and applies brakes if the driver doesn't respond
• Forward Collision Warning: Alerts drivers to potential front-end impacts
• Pedestrian Detection: Enhanced capability to detect and react to pedestrians in the vehicle's path

In IIHS track tests, the system avoided collisions or significantly reduced impact speeds in both 12 mph and 25 mph scenarios.

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Buyer's Guide: Identifying the Safest Veloster Models

For consumers seeking the safest possible Veloster, consider these factors:

The door jamb sticker contains the manufacture date information. Always verify this detail and check for recall completion when purchasing a used Veloster.

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How the Veloster Compares to Competitors

When stacked against other sporty compact cars, the Veloster's safety credentials stand out:

• Versus Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86: The Veloster offers better small overlap protection and standard crash prevention
• Compared to Honda Civic Hatchback: Similar safety scores, but the Veloster has more distinctive styling
• Against Volkswagen GTI: The Veloster matches safety while often costing less

Few vehicles in this segment combine the Veloster's safety credentials with its unique design and driving dynamics.