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Hyundai Veracruz - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz ranks 22 out of 27 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 44 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Veracruz, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The seven-passenger Veracruz is a surprisingly luxurious family-friendly ride. The well-equipped base trim represents a good value within its class. However, the Veracruz still can't match the sportier handling of competitors such as the Mazda CX-7 and Nissan Murano.

The Veracruz may be one of Hyundai's highest-priced models ever, but it's also especially upscale. Despite its price, it still has a value advantage due to its high level of standard features and lengthy powertrain warranty. But too-predictable performance is the Veracruz's weak point -- although that's only a weakness if you expect a sporty ride. As a daily driver, the comfortable Veracruz may be just the ticket. "Veracruz shines for its refined powertrain, hushed cabin, and upscale interior décor," says Consumer Guide. "It trails similarly sized rivals for handling response and fuel economy." Reviewers overwhelmingly recommend the competitively-priced GLS base model, which starts at around $27,000, rather than the top-of-the-line Limited, which costs nearly $35,000.

The Veracruz's three comfortable rows of seating make it ideal as a family vehicle. Still, many reviewers find the third row cramped. More comfortable third rows do exist -- consider the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia if third-row comfort is especially important to you. However, note that these vehicles cost a bit more than the Veracruz. Neither of them can beat its excellent value.

For 2010, the Veracruz is nearly unchanged, so you may be able to get a great discount on a 2009 model as dealers scramble to make way for the 2010s on their lots. Due in large part to the government's popular Cash for Clunkers program, Hyundai Motor Company's July 2009 sales increased for the first time in seven months. To keep up the sales momentum now that the program has ended, Hyundai will likely continue to offer incentives on the Veracruz and other models.

The Veracruz is now available in just two trims -- the base GLS and Limited -- in either front- or all-wheel drive.

• "The largest Hyundai on the market, the 2009 Veracruz crossover strives for, and generally achieves, the luxury comfort and smooth ride of more upscale brands like the Mercedes-Benz ML and Lexus RX-350. What distinguishes the Veracruz from these, besides being the largest crossover in its class, is its solid five-star safety profile and a much more affordable pricetag." -- Car Gurus
• "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." -- Business Week

Veracruz Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)

Most test drivers are pleased with the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz's performance as a stable highway cruiser, but many point out that it's not very fun to drive, and its V6 engine is underpowered. "The bottom line is that this isn't a driver's SUV like, say, the Acura MDX," says BusinessWeek. "Like the Santa Fe, the Veracruz has been heavily focus-grouped. And it has the soft, comfortable ride and easy-steer handling that appeals to suburbanites." Read More

Veracruz Exterior - NA

While some describe the Veracruz's exterior as boring, others find its simple styling clean and attractive. The Veracruz looks similar to the luxurious Lexus RX 350. "You don't have to stare too hard to figure out what Hyundai was looking at when it styled the Veracruz; think of it as an RX 350 at about 110 percent," says Motor Trend. "Both are attractive, clean, and modern, devoid of unnecessary gingerbread." Read More

Veracruz Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The Hyundai Veracruz's interior is so upscale that it surprises many reviewers. "When you hop into a higher-end version of this vehicle, you can't believe it's a Hyundai," writes BusinessWeek. "The saddle-leather upholstery is soft and well-made, the dash and center stack are tastefully designed, and all the instruments are intuitive to use." The seven-seat Veracruz stands out for comfort and quality materials, but there isn't room to haul much cargo. Read More

Veracruz Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz does extremely well in federal government crash tests. The Detroit News says, "I cannot find a flaw on the Veracruz when it comes to safety features." The Veracruz comes with a competitive level of accident avoidance systems. Read More

Veracruz Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Veracruz is covered by several competitive warranties, including a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Read More