What is it?
2007 Hyundai Veracruz
What's special about it?
Either Hyundai is about to spin off its own luxury division or it's going out on a limb with the Veracruz. It's not that we doubt the company's ability to build an inexpensive near-luxury vehicle — the Azera is proof of that, but the company compared the Veracruz to the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and even the ultrasmooth Lexus RX 350. Bold predictions given that only a decade ago Hyundai's American future seemed cloudy at best.
Although it's a midsize crossover, Hyundai says the Veracruz has more cargo volume than the Mercedes-Benz GL even though it's shorter overall. The SUV has some of the goods to back up its luxury aspirations. Available features include a Logic 7 Infinity sound system, rain-sensing wipers, power rear liftgate, keyless entry and a rear-seat DVD player. All-wheel drive with stability control is also part of the Veracruz package. Power comes from a 3.8-liter V6 with 260 hp.
Styling is somewhat conservative but there's still an elegance that belies the crossover's expected high-$20Ks starting price. A rear spoiler, sweeping beltline and 18-inch wheels give the SE version an athletic look while the Veracruz Limited adds interior comfort and amenities like heated front seats, automatic climate control and backup warning system. Inside, all Veracruz trim levels include a fold-flat third-row seat — a must-have in almost any SUV segment.
What's Edmunds' take?
Lexus comparisons look good on paper and generate great sound bites on the show floor but the real proof won't come until it hits the road. If Hyundai can deliver on this new crossover's implied luxury and refinement plus do it for a Hyundai level price, the Veracruz will surely give plenty of Honda and Toyota shoppers pause before they plunk down $30K for a new family crossover. — Brian Moody
2007 Hyundai Veracruz
What's special about it?
Either Hyundai is about to spin off its own luxury division or it's going out on a limb with the Veracruz. It's not that we doubt the company's ability to build an inexpensive near-luxury vehicle — the Azera is proof of that, but the company compared the Veracruz to the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and even the ultrasmooth Lexus RX 350. Bold predictions given that only a decade ago Hyundai's American future seemed cloudy at best.
Although it's a midsize crossover, Hyundai says the Veracruz has more cargo volume than the Mercedes-Benz GL even though it's shorter overall. The SUV has some of the goods to back up its luxury aspirations. Available features include a Logic 7 Infinity sound system, rain-sensing wipers, power rear liftgate, keyless entry and a rear-seat DVD player. All-wheel drive with stability control is also part of the Veracruz package. Power comes from a 3.8-liter V6 with 260 hp.
Styling is somewhat conservative but there's still an elegance that belies the crossover's expected high-$20Ks starting price. A rear spoiler, sweeping beltline and 18-inch wheels give the SE version an athletic look while the Veracruz Limited adds interior comfort and amenities like heated front seats, automatic climate control and backup warning system. Inside, all Veracruz trim levels include a fold-flat third-row seat — a must-have in almost any SUV segment.
What's Edmunds' take?
Lexus comparisons look good on paper and generate great sound bites on the show floor but the real proof won't come until it hits the road. If Hyundai can deliver on this new crossover's implied luxury and refinement plus do it for a Hyundai level price, the Veracruz will surely give plenty of Honda and Toyota shoppers pause before they plunk down $30K for a new family crossover. — Brian Moody
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