Compare the2022 BMW 2 Series VS 2021 Hyundai Veloster

The BMW 2 Series has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Veloster doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 2 Series offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Veloster doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The M240i has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Veloster doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The 2 Series offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Veloster only offers a rear monitor.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 2 Series has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Veloster Premium/R-Spec/Turbo/N has a cross-path warning system.

Compared to metal, the 2 Series’ plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Hyundai Veloster has a metal gas tank.

Both the 2 Series and the Veloster have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the Veloster’s (12 vs. 7 years).

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 2 Series has a standard 170-amp alternator (210-amp - 2 Series 6 cyl.). The Veloster’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the 2 Series is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 2 Series’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Veloster’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The 2 Series has more powerful engines than the Veloster:

	Horsepower	Torque
230i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	255 HP	294 lbs.-ft.
M240i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder	382 HP	369 lbs.-ft.
Veloster 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder	147 HP	132 lbs.-ft.
Veloster Turbo/R-Spec 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder	201 HP	195 lbs.-ft.
Veloster N 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	275 HP	260 lbs.-ft.

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series gets better mileage than the Veloster:

			MPG
2 Series
	RWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	26 city/35 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl.	23 city/32 hwy
Veloster
	Manual	1.6 turbo 4-cyl.	26 city/33 hwy
		2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	25 city/33 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
	Auto	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/27 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the 2 Series’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Veloster doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The BMW 2 Series comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the Veloster.

All wheel drive, available in the 2 Series, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Hyundai Veloster is not available with all wheel drive.

For better traction, the 2 Series has larger standard tires than the Veloster (225/45R18 vs. 215/45R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 230i has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Veloster 2.0.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 2 Series can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Veloster doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 2 Series’ wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the Veloster (107.9 inches vs. 104.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 2 Series is .9 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Veloster.

The 2 Series’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.6% to 48.4%) than the Veloster’s (63.8% to 36.2%). This gives the 2 Series more stable handling and braking.

The front grille of the 2 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Veloster doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series offers cargo security. The Veloster’s hatchback body style, non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the 2 Series. The Veloster doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The 2 Series uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Veloster uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the 2 Series is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Veloster. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Hyundai. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 26% lower rating, Hyundai is ranked 24th.

When two different drivers share the 2 Series, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Veloster doesn’t offer a memory system.

The 2 Series’ front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Veloster’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the front windows are left open on the 2 Series w/Comfort Access the driver can close them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Veloster can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 2 Series’ rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Veloster’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 2 Series offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Veloster doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the 2 Series is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Veloster’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The 2 Series’ standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Veloster doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

On extremely cold winter days, the 2 Series’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Veloster doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 2 Series has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Veloster doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The 2 Series’ standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Veloster doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the 2 Series has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Veloster doesn’t offer rear vents.

The 2 Series’ optional Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Veloster doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The M235i/M240i was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 7 years. The Veloster has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.