Since arriving in the United States in 1986, Hyundai has garnered a reputation for building vehicles that consistently offer high levels of safety, a long warranty and style not expected from a company whose vehicle prices average less than $20,000. In recent years, the company has started to expand its focus to include convenience and luxury that competes with cars costing twice as much.
After creating successful crossovers such as the Santa Fe and Tucson, and showcasing its luxury capabilities with the Azera, Hyundai set its sights on the more upscale and highly competitive midsize crossover SUV market with the 2007 Veracruz.
Some reading this review may huff at the big Hyundai’s even bigger price tag ($38,225), but our 2007 Veracruz Limited AWD came with just about every available option and an attractive, well-built interior that drivers demand from a vehicle in this price range. The base Veracruz GLS starts at a more modest $26,900. While the exterior featured a no-frills design similar to most other midsize crossovers, inside is where the almost $40,000 price tag can be justified.
The most noticeable aspect of the Veracruz Limited is the premium interior with the brown, saddle-colored leather seats and door inserts. The instrument panel is soft and curvaceous and uses a vertical aluminum center stack and horizontal wood-trim accent to break up the wide expanse. The door panels offer saddle leather and wood trim accents in addition to soft, plush armrests, while the driver receives the added benefit of memory seating that automatically adjust the position of the eight-way power seat and power tilt and telescoping steering wheel as well as the heated, dimming outside mirrors. At night, Hyundai adds an eye-catching, luxurious touch by using a blue backlit Veracruz logo on the doorsill scuff plates. The only downside of the Hyundai’s interior is the glaring omission of a navigation system – this was addressed on the 2008 model as a $1,750 option (and replacing the six-disc CD changer).
Don’t rush to sit up front, though. The second-row seating provides the most luxurious position in the Veracruz. In addition to sliding fore and aft up to 5 inches, the 60/40 split bench can also recline up to eight inches, which makes watching the optional rear seat entertainment system even more enjoyable and relaxing. With A/C vents located in the headliner and the B-pillar and separate rear A/C controls, rear seat passengers are afforded further comfort.
Among midsize crossovers, a third-row seat is almost necessary to compete successfully in the segment. The problem is that, save for maybe pets and small children, most third row seats are utterly useless when it comes to legroom and headroom. With the adjustable second-row seat all the way forward, a six-foot tall passenger had no qualms about legroom from the third row. The 50/50 split third row seats utilize seatbacks that can recline as much as 3 inches and feature adjustable headrests. Access to the third row is made easy with a lever located on the outboard edge of the second-row seats, and when pulled the seat back angels forward and the seat base slides forward almost a foot. With the second- and third-row seats folded flat, the Veracruz offers 86.8 cubic feet of storage capacity.
Outside, the Veracruz uses a more subtle design than some of Hyundai’s other vehicles. Up front, the large projector-style headlights flank the slim, wire mesh grille, while the gaping lower intake opening provides ample airflow to the engine. The high, sweeping beltline follows the sculpted crease that runs from the front headlights back to the taillights and provides for an attractive profile shot. Out back, the sloped rear glass and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlet give the Veracruz a sporty touch, while additional convenience and safety coming from the power liftgate and backup warning system (both standard on the Limited).
All Veracruz models share the same 3.8-liter V-6 as the Hyundai Azera. This engine features variable valve timing to produce 260 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque without getting too loud or rev-happy. The plastic engine cover makes the engine appear to be longitudinally mounted, but in fact, it is a transverse assembly. While this model had the benefit of all-wheel drive, base Veracruz models come standard with front-wheel drive. The six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission provides smooth shifts and a fun-to-drive manual-shift mode. This drivetrain gives the Veracruz Limited AWD decent fuel economy with EPA ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The Veracruz uses front and rear independent suspension (McPherson struts up front and multi-link in the rear) that gives the 4,431–pound SUV a smooth ride without negatively affecting the handling. On some long, sweeping turns, a hint of understeer is felt, but the standard Electronic Stability Control kicks in to help the driver maintain his or her intended path.
With a variety of safety features that include six airbags and front active headrests, the Hyundai Veracruz earned a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in both frontal- and side-impact protection. Similar to the majority of SUVs on the market, the Veracruz received a four-star rollover rating. Along with the standard Electronic Stability Control, the Veracruz uses a highly sophisticated four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution to help keep the Veracruz safely on the road.
Representing the largest and most expensive vehicle in Hyundai’s current lineup, the Veracruz is a great indication of things to come in regards to the upcoming V-8-powered, rear-wheel drive 2009 Genesis luxury sedan.
2007 Hyundai Veracruz Pictures and Wallpapers
Review written by: Jeffrey Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2008
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