2010 Hyundai Veracruz

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The Hyundai Veracruz's stable and predictable performance pleases reviewers, although many point out that it's not very fun to drive. Still, what really impresses the majority of reviewers is the Veracruz's quiet ride.

• "Tuned more as a luxury cruiser than an apex clipper, the ... Hyundai Veracruz offers a pleasant drive, if not a sporting one. Handling is sure and predictable, and the ride is supple and very quiet." -- Edmunds
• "[T]he most notable characteristics of the driveline are quietness and lack of vibration. Helping with the former is carpet that has four layers of padding, whereas the latter is handled in part by semi-active mounts that actually harness engine vacuum to help offset vibration." -- Road and Track
• "Comfortable and car-like ride over most road surfaces, but there are a few unwanted body motions over washboard and cracked pavement. There is little difference in ride quality between a GLS with its 17-inch tires and the Limited with 18s." -- Consumer Guide
• "While the Veracruz offers a number of options and accessories and excellent safety features, its Achilles' heel is performance. ... Driving the Veracruz every day on Interstate 75 felt more like piloting a skiff on the Detroit River." -- Detroit News

Acceleration and Power

The Veracruz comes with a 3.8-liter V6 that it shares with the Azera sedan and Entourage minivan. The engine makes 260 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Though the engine has plenty of horsepower, some test drivers find it sluggish due to the Veracruz's hefty curb weight. According to the EPA, the 2WD Veracruz achieves 17/23 mpg city/highway, while the 4WD model achieves 16/22. Though these numbers aren't too dismal, they still fall in the bottom half of the Veracruz's competitive class. The Ford Edge and Toyota Venza each offer more power and better fuel economy -- and they even cost a bit less than the Veracruz.

• "A bit slow from a stop, but Veracruz has acceptable power once underway. The transmission is occasionally slow to downshift for passing and merging, but its manual shift gate helps." -- Consumer Guide
• "On the road, the Veracruz feels swifter than the heavier Outlook, but not as quick as the CX-9, even though it's slightly lighter than the Mazda." -- Cars.com
• "Veracruz does not accelerate from a standstill as quickly as we would have expected, given the engine's horsepower rating." -- MSN
• "We found the Veracruz to be happiest when the engine is spinning, and we expect it'll make the dash to 60 mph in less than 8.0 seconds." -- Edmunds
• "Kudos to the Hyundai's six-speed automatic transmission. It has one more gear than does the Lexus's, shifts smoother without being mushy, and responds quickly to downshift demands." -- Motor Trend

Handling and Braking

The Veracruz features an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension that contributes to good ride quality for highway cruising. However, its vague rack-and-pinion steering and predictable ride leave much to be desired - but only if you're looking for a sporty SUV. As an around-town cruiser, the Veracruz is quite comfortable.

• "Dynamically, the Veracruz is pretty forgettable, with little in the way of steering feedback and the kind of body control that discourages aggressive direction changes. Ride quality is decent enough, but the suspension clunks loudly over bumps and potholes." -- Automobile Magazine
• "With a focus on serene cruising, its handling isn't as responsive as most rivals." -- Consumer Guide
• "The steering feels squishy, and I sensed a fair amount of body roll going around curves." -- BusinessWeek
• "Although the Veracruz answers the wheel with more liveliness than the Lexus [RX 350] can manage, a little weightier steering effort and more road feel would be welcome, even at the expense of some harshness." -- Edmunds