Consumer Guide Says Goodbye to the Extended-Use Hyundai Veracruz
by Dave Hall
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Consumer Guide Says Goodbye to the Extended-Use Hyundai Veracruz
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Consumer Guide spent more than 13,000 miles behind the wheel of a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited.
Veracruz is a midsize SUV with room for seven passengers. Veracruz is 6 inches longer and has 8.3 more square-feet of interior room than Hyundai’s next-smallest SUV, Santa Fe. Veracruz is offered in three trim levels: GLS, SE, and Limited. The sole powertrain consists of a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift gate. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Limited models come with such features as rear-obstacle detection, dual-zone automatic climate controls, and keyless access and starting.
Our test car was a top-line Limited model with the rear-seat entertainment package for an as-tested price of $38,370. Rivals in the crowded midsize SUV class include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota Highlander, among others. Our well-equipped tester carried a sticker price in the high end of this class, which led many editors to compare it to premium midsize SUVs like the Lexus RX. This raises a question: Are buyers willing to spend almost $40,000 for a Hyundai?
Editors liked the Veracruz’s refined powertrain. Although a bit slow from a stop, it is adequate once moving. The transmission was occasionally slow to downshift when passing and merging, but the manual shift gate was helpful in this respect. Some editors complained of an overly-firm ride, but others agreed it is car-like and composed, except over washboard pavement. The suspension is tuned for comfort, not performance, so the body leans around even slow turns, but is composed. The steering lacks road feel, but never seems unstable as a result. Fuel economy was one of this vehicle’s weak points. It averaged only 16.9 mpg over 13,730 miles, which is disappointing, even for an SUV.
The Veracruz is big on the outside, and doesn’t disappoint inside. Most editors, except the very tall, thought there was good headroom in the first row. One editor observed that the driver’s seat can be adjusted high enough to accommodate shorter drivers. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a standard feature on Veracruz, and is power-operated on the Limited. That model also has a unique feature: Power-adjustable pedals. These can make a world of difference, because every driver can find their ideal seating position for best comfort.
The gauges and controls in the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz are large, easily deciphered, and easy to read at night.
The gauges and controls are large, easily deciphered, and easy to read at night because of the blue backlighting. The few complaints in this area focus on a lack of front-seat controls for the rear-seat DVD entertainment system, which would help when the rear-seat occupants are children who cannot understand or operate the system. An editor also commented that the automatic wipers do not work as well in falling snow as they do in rain.
As for cargo space, there is room enough for everyday items behind the 3rd row when it is raised, but both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold easily to create a much larger cargo hold. The 2nd row does not fold completely into the floor, but the space created is still ample. As for front-seat storage, there are many places to stash items, like the center console, two storage bins, map pockets in the doors, and two console cupholders.
The interior is nicely trimmed in textured, soft-touch materials. One editor commented that the Veracruz’s interior materials “look and feel uplevel, with pleasing textures,” while another editor said the interior is “second only to the Lexus RX among midsize SUVs.” The noise level in the interior was remarkably low at all times, and was said to rival many premium SUVs. Engine noise was very low and only noticed upon hard acceleration. Some wind rush around the driver’s door came up in a few editors’ comments, but most agree this vehicle is very subdued at speed. Some coarse-surface tire thrum intruded into the cabin, but was not disturbing.
In a Consumer Guide Midsize SUV comparison test, a 2007 front-wheel-drive Veracruz went head-to-head against three model-year-2007 classmates: Ford Edge AWD SEL Plus, Mazda CX-9 AWD Grand Touring, and Subaru Tribeca 5-Passenger Limited.
Test-Car Specifications Model: Limited Engine: 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Total Miles Driven: 13,730 CG Observed Fuel Economy: 16.9 mpg Problems During Test: None Base Price: $35,750 Price As Tested: $38,370 Major Options: Rear Seat Entertainment Package (Rear seat DVD entertainment with 8-inch LCD, Infinity Logic 7 Audio), Carpeted floor mats, Roof cross rails, Auxiliary audio input jack |
During its time with us, the long-term 2008 Veracruz was mostly liked by the staff. Its level of refinement and workmanship is impressive, and was often compared to vehicles in the more-pricey premium midsize SUV class. Midsize-SUV class rivals lack certain luxury touches, but do cost less. However, we weren’t thrilled by the subpar fuel economy: 16.9 mpg over the course of our one-year test period. The close-to-$40,000 sticker price (when well equipped) is sobering for the class, as well. An editor noted, though, that certain niceties, such as “interior quiet, cargo and incidental storage space, and ride” can be enjoyed without purchasing the top-of-the-line model. Qualities like these make the Veracruz a “bargain Lexus RX 350,” and earned it a Consumer Guide Recommended rating.
03.12.2009
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