2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Not Yet Ranked

MSRP: $26,900 - $35,750
Invoice: $25,536 - $33,141
MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:NA
Performance:NA
Exterior:NA
Interior:NA
Safety:NA
Reliability:NA
Pros
  • Upscale interior with lots of standard features
  • Extremely quiet cabin
  • Excellent crash test scores and safety equipment
  • Longer powertrain warranty than most competitors
Cons
  • Numb steering and sub-par handling
  • Meager cargo space with all rows of seats in use

Hyundai Veracruz - What the Auto Press Says

The Veracruz offers a predictable, family-friendly ride with a luxurious cabin for a very affordable price. However, it can't match the sportier handling of some competitors. Since the Veracruz just made its debut in 2007, it is relatively unchanged for this year.

The young SUV's high-quality interior is largely modeled after the luxurious Lexus RX 350 and gains plenty of praise. USA Today proclaims the Veracruz is "worthy of a shopper's -- even a luxury shopper's -- short list." The seven-passenger SUV may be Hyundai's highest-priced model ever, but most still see it as a great value. Most of the price advantage is due to the fact that the new crossover is better-equipped than its competition. The Veracruz is available in three trims -- the GLS, SE and Limited -- in either front- or all-wheel drive.

  • "Equip the Veracruz properly, and it has the mojo to compete with the higher-priced vehicle. It doesn't yet match the Lexus's overall levels of polish, but it's darn close, which makes it very nice indeed, measured against most other offerings." -- Motor Trend
  • "The Veracruz fails to close the luxury gap in the crossover market in the same way the 2006 Azera did in the sedan sector. That car feels luxurious at a modest price. The Veracruz is just a photocopy of a photocopy." -- Detroit News
  • "If you want a loaded-up, smooth-riding midsize family SUV, it's hard to find one at a better price than the Veracruz." -- BusinessWeek
  • "As a sport/utility and minivan alternative in the large-crossover segment, the Hyundai Veracruz is better executed than many of its American and Japanese competitors. It's not groundbreaking and it has no cutting-edge engineering technology, but it's worth a serious look." -- Truck Trend

Veracruz Performance - NA

Most test drivers are pleased with the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz's performance as a stable highway cruiser, but many point out that it's not very fun to drive. "While the Veracruz offers a number of options and accessories and excellent safety features, its Achilles' heel is performance," says the Detroit News, adding that "[d]riving the Veracruz every day on Interstate 75 felt more like piloting a skiff on the Detroit River." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why test drivers are disappointed in the Veracruz's V6 engine. continue

Veracruz Exterior - NA

Reviewers have mixed feelings on the styling of the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz, with some calling it boring and dated while others find it clean and attractive. Automobile Magazine says the exterior styling "may be anonymous, but it's also inoffensive, and that seems to be the benchmark for this unadventurous segment." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how the Veracruz looks similar to the Lexus RX 350, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue

Veracruz Interior - NA

Reviewers generally find the interior of the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz comfortable, with high-quality materials, even if it's lacking in cargo space behind the third-row seat. "The interior has a quality look, with good workmanship on the panels and upholstery," says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "In all three rows, the seats, though flat, offer decent comfort and support." Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers are somewhat disappointed with cargo space, or check out our interior photos. continue

Veracruz Safety - NA

The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz does extremely well in federal government crash tests and is one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Picks." The Detroit News says, "I cannot find a flaw on the Veracruz when it comes to safety features." Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the Veracruz's competitive level of accident avoidance systems. continue

Veracruz Reliability - NA

The Veracruz is covered by several competitive warranties, including a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the Veracruz's powertrain warranty. continue

Review Last Updated: 5/1/08