Finding a Used Hyundai Veloster N May Prove Impossible
When Hyundai released the Veloster N model in 2019, it was well-received by many reviewers as Hyundai’s challenger to Volkswagen’s Golf R and Honda’s Civic Type R. With an unusual three-door configuration (one on the driver side, two on the passenger) and a sporty, turbocharged 2.0-liter powertrain, it offered Hyundai’s reputation of value in a hot hatchback package.
However, the Veloster N will be discontinued in 2023. It’s one of three models being retired, joining the Accent and Ioniq sedan models. That leaves the Veloster N’s run to just four model years (2019-2022). So, if you’re looking to buy a used model, you might be in trouble.
Why is Hyundai discontinuing the Veloster N?
In a word, sales. The Hyundai Veloster’s sales figures have plummeted in recent years, according to data from GoodCarBadCar. In 2016, Hyundai sold 30,053 models. Since Hyundai introduced the Veloster N in 2019, Veloster sales haven’t reached that figure again. Sales dropped off significantly in 2020. Data shows just 6,785 Veloster models were sold that year compared to 12,849 in 2019. More recently, sales in 2022 failed to reach 2,000 models.
According to a release from Hyundai, that makes the Veloster one of the worst-selling models in its fleet. For perspective, Hyundai’s best-selling model of 2022, the Tucson, sold 49,682 models in Q4 alone. The discontinued Accent even outsold the Veloster’s entire year in a quarter, selling 2,524 models in Q4 compared to the Veloster’s 1,920 overall in 2022.
This data does not specify the number of Veloster N models sold. However, even if all Veloster models sold were the N trim, those numbers are very low. Car and Driver also details that Hyundai is introducing N trims for the Elantra sedan and Kona SUV as a reason to discontinue the Veloster N.
Hyundai Veloster N specs and features
Car and Driver calls the Hyundai Veloster N one of its favorite hot hatches for good reason. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, putting it right between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power.
Hyundai also packed a lot of features into the later Veloster N models. Sport features like an adaptive exhaust system, custom drive modes, adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential, sport bucket seats, and a sport steering wheel come standard on all Veloster N models. You also get tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED exterior lighting, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and an eight-speaker sound system with a subwoofer.
A minor performance feature Cars.com reviewers like: N Grin Shift. This feature sets up 20 seconds of turbocharger overboost, likely bringing a grin to the driver’s face.
It doesn’t skimp on the safety features, either. Standard features of the Veloster N include blind-spot monitoring, driver attention warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. It also comes with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranties.
How many Veloster N models are available?
Nationwide, not many. Despite great features and good reviews, the Hyundai Veloster N did not sell well. This leaves few models on the used market. GoodCarBadCar data shows 23,496 Veloster models were sold from 2019 through 2022 ( with these years including the N trim). Even if half of those were Veloster N models, that’d still be fewer than the number of Volkswagen Golf GTI models sold in the last two years, at 12,386, according to Motrolix.
Cars.com states its inventory listed 250 used models and two dozen new models. The used models have a median price of nearly $30,000, roughly the same starting price for a new VW Golf GTI, per Volkswagen. So, you’ll likely be paying a premium for one of the rare hatchbacks in the U.S., but it’ll be worth it as one of the more exciting driving experiences.
