The Hyundai Veloster 2017 interior represents a significant evolution in the compact coupe segment, blending sporty aesthetics with surprisingly accommodating functionality. Unlike its quirky three-door predecessor, this generation focused on maximizing the usable space within its two-plus-two seating configuration. The result is a cabin that feels more refined, better equipped, and genuinely comfortable for daily driving, whether navigating city streets or embarking on a weekend road trip.
Design and Ergonomics: A Driver-Centered Cockpit
Upon entering the 2017 Veloster, the first impression is one of purposeful design rather than gimmickry. The interior layout is decidedly driver-focused, with a tilted steering column and a centrally positioned instrument cluster that places critical information directly in the line of sight. The dashboard features soft-touch materials and clean lines, avoiding the harsh plastics common in its class. This deliberate ergonomic approach ensures that every control feels intentional and within easy reach, contributing to a cockpit environment that is both supportive and engaging during spirited drives.
Trim Levels and Material Quality
Hyundai offered the 2017 Veloster in a hierarchy of trims—SE, Sport, Premium, and the performance-oriented Turbo—each dictating the quality of materials and available features. The base SE model provided functional vinyl and cloth composites, while the Sport and Premium grades introduced upgraded synthetic leather surfaces and enhanced metallic accents. The Turbo variant, designed for enthusiasts, incorporated real aluminum trim and more tactile, bolstered surfaces. This tiered approach allowed buyers to specify a level of luxury or ruggedness that matched their personal driving persona and budget.
Seating and Space: Practicality Unleashed
One of the most significant improvements in the 2017 model was the transformation of the rear seating experience. The new cabin provided substantially more headroom and legroom compared to the previous generation, allowing two full-sized adults to sit comfortably in the back for short to medium-distance journeys. The front seats, bolstered with firm yet supportive padding, offer excellent lateral support during aggressive cornering. The overall seating configuration successfully delivers on the promise of a "4-door sports car" experience without sacrificing real-world utility.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The centerpiece of the modern driving experience is the infotainment system, and the 2017 Veloster handled this with a blend of standard and optional technology. An available 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly, turning the smartphone into the car’s primary interface for navigation, music, and messaging. The inclusion of a premium audio option, typically from Boston Acoustics, ensured that the cabin remained a serene and immersive environment, whether listening to podcasts or enjoying a high-fidelity music collection.
Features and Comfort Amenities
Beyond the core driving experience, the 2017 Veloster excelled in providing a suite of convenience features that elevated its daily driver status. Dual-zone automatic climate control allowed front-seat passengers to maintain their preferred temperature, a feature often reserved for much more expensive vehicles. Power-adjustable front seats with memory settings on higher trims meant that multiple drivers could save their ideal seating position with the touch of a button. These details, combined with ample cargo space behind the rear seats, underscored Hyundai’s commitment to building a practical yet exciting vehicle.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety was a cornerstone of the 2017 Veloster’s design, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The suite of available active safety technologies, branded as Hyundai’s Safety System, included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. These systems worked cohesively to monitor the road ahead and intervene subtly when necessary, reducing driver fatigue on long commutes and enhancing overall peace of mind. The integration of these technologies felt natural rather than intrusive, contributing to a safer and more confident driving experience.
