The Hyundai Veloster, known for its unique three-door design and sporty appeal, underwent rigorous testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This report delves into the safety performance of the 2019-2022 Hyundai Veloster models, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts.
Initially tested in its 2019 redesigned model year, the Hyundai Veloster hatchback presented an anomaly during the side impact crash test. In the first test conducted by the IIHS, the driver’s side door unexpectedly opened. While this door opening didn’t drastically alter the crash dynamics or dummy readings, it raised a safety concern. A door opening during a side crash can increase the risk of occupant ejection, particularly for those not wearing seatbelts.
Alt text: Hyundai Veloster side impact crash test showing opened driver door, minimal dummy movement impact.
Hyundai addressed this issue promptly, implementing a modification to prevent door openings in vehicles manufactured after January 2019. Furthermore, a recall was initiated to apply the same fix to earlier models, demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to safety. A subsequent test, performed by Hyundai on a modified vehicle, confirmed that the door opening issue was resolved. The safety ratings for the Hyundai Veloster are based on the combined results of both the initial and modified vehicle tests.
Hyundai Veloster’s “Good” Overall Safety Rating
Despite the initial door opening incident, the Hyundai Veloster achieved an overall “Good” rating from the IIHS in the side crash test, the highest rating possible. This rating reflects the vehicle’s robust structure and effective safety measures in protecting occupants during a side impact collision.
Alt text: Hyundai Veloster post-crash, door removed, showcasing side airbags and occupant compartment integrity.
Key Safety Performance Indicators
The IIHS evaluation criteria provide a detailed breakdown of the Hyundai Veloster’s safety performance:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The Veloster earned a “Good” rating for its structure and safety cage, indicating that the vehicle’s structural design effectively maintained its integrity during the side impact, providing crucial occupant space protection.
- Driver and Rear Passenger Injury Measures: Across all critical body regions – head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg – both the driver and rear passenger dummies registered “Good” injury measures. This signifies that the Veloster’s safety systems, including airbags and structural design, effectively minimized the risk of significant injuries in these areas during a side impact.
- Driver and Rear Passenger Head Protection: The Hyundai Veloster also received “Good” ratings for head protection for both driver and rear passenger. This confirms the effectiveness of the side curtain airbags in preventing head contact with hard structures during a side collision.
Alt text: Driver-side curtain airbag deployment in Hyundai Veloster crash test, greasepaint marks head protection zone.
Alt text: Rear passenger side airbag effectiveness in Hyundai Veloster crash test, greasepaint indicates head safety.
Technical Measurements and Data
Detailed technical measurements from the crash tests are available, providing engineers and safety analysts with in-depth data on occupant compartment intrusion and injury metrics. These measurements include B-pillar intrusion, head injury criterion (HIC), neck tension and compression forces, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection and viscous criterion, pelvis forces, and femur forces and moments for both driver and passenger. These data points are crucial for understanding the nuanced performance of the vehicle’s safety systems.
While the initial door opening issue was a concern, Hyundai’s swift response and the Veloster’s overall “Good” rating demonstrate its commitment to safety. The Hyundai Veloster, after the implemented fix, stands as a safe option in its class, offering robust protection in side impact collisions, as validated by the IIHS crash testing. For detailed technical specifications and measurements, refer to the original IIHS report.
