With aggressive, sporty styling and a wealth of creature comforts, you might expect the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz to cost thousands more than it does. This well-built mid-size crossover is available in the base GLS model and the top-of-the-line Limited, which we test-drove.
Introduced in 2007, the Veracruz remains unchanged for the '09 model year. Its styling gives the impression of an SUV that wants to be a sports car. The sleek curves of the taillights blend neatly into the corners of the lift gate.
The standard 3.8-liter V6 sends 260 horsepower and 257 pound feet of torque to the front wheels or available all wheel drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy ranges from 15 miles per gallon city, up to 23 miles per gallon highway.
With the help of a 60/40 folding second row and a 50/50 third row that folds flat, the Veracruz provides 86.8 cubic feet of cargo room. Other features encompassed in the Veracruz include available saddle leather interior, DVD entertainment for the rear seats, heated front seats, and dual zone climate control.
Features that impressed us were the smart key, which doesn't have to be in the ignition to start the car as well as the 8-way power adjustable seat and the power telescoping steering wheel, both of which retracted fully for entry and exit and returned to their pre-set positions when driving. Also standard are the AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/ six speakers, complete with steering wheel mounted audio controls and a built-in anti-theft system.
Safety features include advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control, 4 wheel anti-lock brakes, and active head restrains that sway in an accident to absorb the potential energy that would cause head injury.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Hyundai Veracruz at the time of our test drive is $27,145. A fully loaded all wheel drive Limited like our test model can cost as much as $41,000. The Veracruz is backed by a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
A nimble and stylish SUV that has its sights set on a piece of the crossover market, the 2009 Hyundai Veracruz delivers a wealth of standard features backed by the peace of mind of an industry-best powertrain warranty.