TheCarConnection.com's car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new Hyundai Veracruz crossover to produce this conclusive review, and to give enthusiastic approval of the new Veracruz. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the car, and to help you figure out the truth where other car reviews might differ.
Likes:
- Standard third-row seating
- Upscale interior styling and appointments
- Choice of front- or all-wheel drive
- Comforts and conveniences aplenty
Dislikes:
- Tight space in and behind the third row
- Lack of an available backup camera
- Not so sporty to drive
The seven-passenger Veracruz was introduced last year as an all-new crossover utility vehicle that comes with a 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
The Veracruz offers a driving experience that's in the middle of the pack, with respect to the especially crowded pack of mid-size crossover competitors, but what makes it noteworthy is its flair; it borrows styling, design attributes, and features from luxury-brand crossovers in a class above while keeping prices more affordable. The more curvaceous design sacrifices interior space only slightly, Hyundai's impressive quality is a strong point, and it's among the safest vehicles in its class.
The Bottom Line:
Hyundai's most expensive model may not quite be a Lexus, but it's impressive in its own right.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz, also consider:
- Ford Edge
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
- Mazda CX-9
Reason why
Although the Veracruz was designed to rival the RX 350, it really takes on more modest, mainstream competition such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Compared to those models, the Veracruz has a different style that's not quite as simple and stark. And although it's closer in appearance to the Edge and CX-9, those two models are sportier than the comfortable, feature-oriented Veracruz.
Buying Tip:
Go with a base-model Veracruz GLS for the best deal, as you'll get the third-row seating, along with the same powertrain and refinement as the Limited model, for thousands less.
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
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