The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is just one of many Consumer Guide long-term test ­vehicles.

As Hyundai continues to grow and mature, so do its products. Low-price/high-feature cars such as the subcompact Accent are still the order of the day, but lately, the company is offering larger products that are decidedly more upscale. It's daring for Hyundai to move into territory where it's never played, and we're eager to see how it works. As such, Consumer Guide is taking an extended look at Hyundai's largest, most expensive SUV: the seven-passenger Veracruz.

Our extended-use 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is an all-wheel-drive version of the top-line Limited trim level. Its standard equipment list is quite impressive, with such luxury touches as power-adjustable pedals, power tilt/telescopic steering column, leather upholstery, and keyless entry and starting. Our test Limited's lone option package includes DVD entertainment and an uplevel audio system.

Veracruz has sufficient power courtesy of a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is smooth and quiet. Its handling is competent, and we appreciate Veracruz's tight turning radius. The suspension tuning favors ride quality over handling, but we notice some mild harshness over bumps.

Interior refinement is where this crossover really shines. The controls and gauges are large, clearly marked, and have a very classy blue backlighting at night. Materials quality also impresses, with generous use of padded surfaces, brushed metal accents, and convincing faux wood trim. Passenger room also is impressive in all three rows of seats. The third row is hospitable for adults, with entry and exit among the easiest of any seven-passenger crossover SUV.

In addition to our issue with the Veracruz's ride control, our extended-use test model's fuel economy is not impressive. This tester's 16.9 mpg average is low even for a vehicle of this size.

Where Veracruz is creating the most contention among our editors is its price/value equation. Our Limited has lots of standard features, but a navigation system is not one of them--that costs extra. Even without navigation, Veracruz's price doesn't drastically undercut other seven-seat midsize crossover SUVs. It's a solid people mover, but the big question is, will people in the market for such a vehicle consider paying almost $39,000 for a Hyundai?

Editors' Comments

Tom Appel: The hype is well founded. Hyundai has built a road-going Lexus knockoff that undercuts the original by thousands of dollars. What's the catch? A little chassis sophistication and not much else. $39,000 is a lot of money for a Hyundai, but it's a bargain for a well-equipped RX350.

John Biel: The interior's sound isolation, cargo and incidental storage space, and ride are all good on the Veracruz. All the better is the fact that it doesn't require anteing up for the costliest model to enjoy these benefits. On the not-so-good side is the fact that some of CG editors' early rides in this long-term test vehicle have produced unimpressive mpg figures. Fuel mileage will bear watching as this Veracruz "loosens up" in our hands.

Rick Cotta: Our loaded Limited stickers for upwards of $39,000, and that doesn't include a navigation system. Compared to many other midsize SUVs, that's a bunch. But with its refined powertrain and lavish interior appointments, Veracruz crosses the border into premium territory, at which point its price tag looks like a bargain.

Jennifer Geiger: My passengers were pleasantly surprised with Veracruz's level of refinement and comfort. Veracruz's affordability and high features-per-dollar factor also added greatly to its appeal. Our thirsty tester needs to work on its fuel consumption, however.

Ed Piotrowski: For powertrain refinement, quietness, and interior ambiance, one could easily argue that Veracruz is superior to the Lexus RX. For all its strengths, though, the Hyundai's asking price is its Achilles heel. It's certainly a bargain compared to the RX. Cross-shopped against the GMC Acadia or Mazda CX-9, however, Veracruz is a less compelling value due to its subpar ride control and fuel economy.

Veracruz's third row is hospitable for adults, with entry and exit among the easiest of any seven-passenger crossover SUV.