The Veracruz transmission shifts smoothly and precisely, whether in full automatic or in the Shiftronic manual mode. A brief encounter with the electronic stability program showed a gentle hand, not a fist, one that calmly reined in our over-extension without chopping the throttle or slamming on the brakes. Miles on the Interstate cause no discomfort, a credit to the long wheelbase, which damps weathered pavement heaves.
Noise levels are reasonable, though not Lexus quiet. We experienced some wind noise in one of two vehicles we tested. One vehicle was remarkably quiet even at freeway speeds, while another produced an irritating whistle from the vicinity of the right-hand outside mirror on lower-speed two-lane roads. A third-row passenger had to speak louder than normal to be understood by the driver. Tire and road noise wasn't bothersome, and there were zero buzzes, squeaks or rattles regardless of pavement quality. Hard acceleration produces no unsettling or troublesome sounds from beneath the hood, and the exhaust note was pleasant, if a bit weak.
Brake feel is firm, and reassuringly consistent between test vehicles. Steering assist varies between parking lot and highway speeds and feels about right at both extremes.
We did not try the available all-wheel-drive system, which Hyundai calls Intelligent Torque Controlled Coupling. Wheel-speed sensors monitor for any loss of traction, and the system's electronics automatically re-rout power to the rear wheels as necessary through a multi-plate clutch, without requiring any input from the driver. For extreme conditions at low speed, a 50:50 torque ratio can be locked in at the touch of a button.
New for 2008, the navigation system, made by electronics giant LG, is available on Limited models includes touch-screen functions, point-of-interest features, and audio/visual prompts to assist in getting drivers to where they want to go. Next Page