The Hyundai Veloster has always been a bit of an enigma. While the Veloster is a sporty vehicle, its three-door design gives it a touch of character most cars on the market lack. But its unique styling isn’t all that sets this model apart. 

Safety is always top-of-mind for car shoppers when considering a new vehicle. For many, sporty cars often don’t make the cut simply because they don’t seem safe. In the case of the Hyundai Veloster, that assumption couldn’t be more wrong. When it comes to safety, the Veloster shouldn’t be overlooked. 

It’s common for car shoppers to lean more toward larger models when considering security. Rugged SUVs like the Subaru Forester and Kia Telluride are known for safety, and smaller, more sleek cars are often passed over. But the Hyundai Veloster was named one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Picks for 2020, making it a contender for those who strongly value safety.  

So what exactly makes this uncommon vehicle a top choice for safety? Let’s take a closer look at precisely what the 2020 Hyundai Veloster has to offer and why it just may be worth a test drive. 

Hyundai goes the extra mile with its smart safety systems

The Hyundai Veloster always looked sporty, but it hasn’t always played the part. That changed when Hyundai completely redesigned the Veloster for the 2019 model year. The all-new Veloster came with more upscale features and better performance than ever before. However, some may have overlooked the increased presence of driver-assistance technologies.

The 2019 Veloster offered a boatload of standard safety systems, and the list has grown even more ever since. Those in the market for the latest release, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster, will be pleasantly surprised with its offerings. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, a driver attention monitor, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.

Buyers can also add some available safety features to gain even more situational awareness. For instance, highway driving can be made easier and safer thanks to the available adaptive cruise control system. This technology monitors the distance between the Veloster and the car in front of it. Once a speed is set, the system will automatically accelerate or brake to keep pace with traffic while maintaining a safe distance.

Other available technologies include blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, a head-up display, and more.

What experts are saying about the Hyundai Veloster 

The IIHS is one of the most well-respected sources in the automotive world. That’s why it’s such an honor that the organization named the 2020 Hyundai Veloster a Top Safety Pick. Notably, this designation comes with the stipulation that the Veloster is equipped with optional front-crash prevention systems and specific headlights.

The IIHS gave the Veloster the highest rating of “good” in all six crashworthiness tests. However, the 2020 Veloster earned lower scores for its headlights and LATCH system.

Other industry experts concur that the Veloster is one of the safest vehicles in its class. The U.S. News & World Report gave the 2020 Hyundai Veloster a safety rating of 9.9 out of 10. However, the publication gave the car a middling overall score, as it knocked the Veloster for its small rear seats, low fuel economy, and cheap interior materials.

Is the Veloster worth considering as your next vehicle?  

Many people say that the car you drive says a lot about your personality. That’s why many people seek out more visually attractive models rather than your run-of-the-mill SUV. If you’re looking for a unique vehicle, then the Hyundai Veloster may already be on your radar. It’s been widely praised for its performance and style. However, many consumers may not realize that it’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

It’s irrefutable that most consumers keep safety top-of-mind when car shopping. Those who value safety but love to drive around with a little flair will be right at home inside the Hyundai Veloster.