2007-2008 Hyundai Veracruz: Road Test

Acceleration is a bit sluggish from a stop, but Veracruz has acceptable power once underway. The transmission is occasionally slow to downshift for passing and merging, but its manual shift gate helps. No difference in acceleration is noticeable between 2WD and AWD models. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 pounds. Fuel economy earns no awards, but is roughly on par for this class. A test 2WD model averaged 15.5 mpg in mostly city driving. Test AWD models averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. Veracruz uses regular-grade gasoline. Occupants enjoy a comfortable and car-like ride on most road surfaces, but a few unwanted body motions are likely to occur over washboard and cracked pavement. There is little difference in ride quality between a GLS with its 17-inch tires and the Limited with 18s. Some test-drivers have felt the Limited did not feel as composed over bumps and cracks as top class rivals. Veracruz's suspension tuning favors ride quality over sharp handling response. Body lean is apparent even during moderate cornering, and steering lacks road feel. Still, Veracruz never feels unstable, even on slick roads. Brakes have adequate stopping control and pedal feel. For hushed travel, Veracruz rivals many premium SUVs. The engine makes a classy growl while accelerating, but is nearly silent while cruising. Some wind rush and coarse-surface tire thrum are noticed, but hardly intrusive. Easy-to-read gauges and large, handy controls have classy blue backlighting at night. A navigation system has been available on Limited models. Ample use of textured, soft-touch materials creates a very pleasing interior ambience. Front headroom is good, but inadequate rearward seat travel will cramp tall occupants. The steering wheel tilts/telescopes on all models, but has been power-operated only on the Limited. Those models may also include power-adjustable pedals, allowing for fine-tuning of a comfortable driving position. Seats could use slightly more lateral support, but remain comfortable on long trips. Visibility is a bit pinched to the rear corners, but fine otherwise. Second-row seats slide and recline, providing good headroom, legroom, and knee clearance, even with front seats fully aft. Access to the third row requires some twisting, but adults will fit if the second-row seat isn't all the way back. Otherwise, the third-row seat is best left to youngsters. Only grocery-bag space is available behind the third-row seat, but it folds flat in one motion to create a larger cargo hold. The second-row seat also folds easily, but isn't quite flush with the floor. Interior storage includes a center-console compartment, two large console cupholders, two smaller bins, and door map pockets.

Value for the Money
Veracruz shines for its refined powertrain, hushed cabin, and upscale interior. With its focus on serene cruising, handling isn't as responsive as most rivals'. Our Recommended nod goes to the competitively priced GLS and SE models. Limited versions could approach $38,000 when new, though the difference between models is likely to be less on the used-vehicle market.