Newcomers: 2007 Hyundai Veracruz

When Hyundai announced pricing of its all-new seven-passenger Veracruz-starting at just $26,995-Toyota no doubt breathed an irritated sigh of discomfort, especially considering its seven-seat V-6 Highlander, which offers less horsepower and standard equipment, costs nearly $500 more. And Honda? Probably feeling a bit squirmy, too-its Pilot, equipped with fewer horses and goodies, runs almost $700 extra.

More for less is a persuasive formula that’s proved of great value, so to speak, for Hyundai. Yet it hasn’t garnered the brand-copious comparison-test victories in this magazine. Hyundais often come close, but while high on value and warranty, they’ve tended to register a notch lower in such categories as handling and refinement. That said, with each new model the gap shrinks.

While we’re not ready to declare the Veracruz as the Hyundai that bridges the gap-we’ll wait until we can conduct an extensive comparison evaluation-it certainly offers the credentials and dynamics seemingly to be that vehicle. Hyundai sure thinks so. At the press launch near San Diego, the Korean challenger brought along a Lexus RX 350 for comparison. Target: Toyota? Make that Lexus.

The Veracruz crafts a compelling argument as an easy-on-the-pocket RX 350. For roughly $11,000 less, the Hyundai offers more torque (257 pound-feet versus 251) and nearly as much horsepower (260 versus 270) from its 3.8-liter Lambda V-6, while providing two additional seats and an extra cog in its tranny, thanks to a new Aisin six-speed manumatic. Styling? As fresh and clean as the bod of any Lexus sport/ute, with a front fascia that suggests the RX and a rakish D-pillar like a Honda CR-V’s.

The Hyundai Veracruz’s interior is as Lexus as, well, a Lexus, based on the luxuries in our Limited test vehicle. Senior photographer John Kiewicz notes, “Were you to remove the Hyundai logo from the steering wheel, then look around at the Veracruz’s interior, would it make you think you were in a new Lexus? Absolutely.”

Dimensionally, the Veracruz, at 190.6 inches long, 76.6 wide, and 68.9 tall, closely copies the Honda Pilot and the upcoming 2008 Highlander and is a smidge longer than both. Third-row room is paramount in these minivan alternatives-at least the idea of it-and the Veracruz delivers ample space for kids and enough freedom for six-footers on a jaunt. Moreover, access to the third row is trouble-free, as the second-row cushions and seatbacks move forward for easier ingress and egress. And with the second and third rows folded flat, cargo room, at 86.8 cubic feet, dwarfs that (83.3) of a Mercedes-Benz GL450.

Besides wanting a dozen or so additional pound-feet of torque, more responsive on-center steering, and an integrated nav system (Hyundai says this option will be available later in the year), we came away impressed with the Veracruz. Three model trims-base $26,995 GLS, midlevel $28,695 SE, and flagship $32,995 Limited-allow a wide breadth of budgets and tastes, with each level available in front or all-wheel drive, the latter at a $1700 premium that includes an Intelligent Torque Controlled Coupling and a lock mode for a 50:50 torque ratio. The GLS is packed with six airbags, stability control, active front head restraints, rear-seat HVAC controls, heated sideview mirrors, 17-inch alloys, and a six-speaker MP3/XM audio system. Move up to the SE for some sporty flavor, and Hyundai tacks on 18-inch wheels, foglamps, a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a cooled front center console. Got more greenbacks in the wallet? Then opt for the Limited, which adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, an ultrasonic backup warning system, and an Infinity audio system with a subwoofer. Options include an Entertainment Package (rear-seat DVD system with eight-inch LCD) and an Ultimate Package (power-adjustable steering wheel and power tailgate).

The Veracruz is a formidable player in the seven-passenger crossover segment and will no doubt be a strong contender in next year’s Sport/Utility of the Year competition. Every automaker, not just Toyota and Honda, should be nervous.

By Ron Kiino

Hyundai’s Veracruz offers ‘extras’ as standards

Hyundai’s new Veracruz is a stylish and luxurious vehicle that offers better performance and value than many competing models, says a spokesman for Gaddis Hyundai of Muncie.

Veracruz models began arriving at the local dealership a few weeks ago.

“Value is the big story with Hyundai,” said Jim Raines, a sales representative at Gaddis Hyundai. “At a base price of $26,305, the Veracruz offers a lot for the buyer’s dollar.”

Many standard features on the base Veracruz GLS cost extra on most other vehicles, Raines said, citing the base model’s XM satellite radio and three-zone automatic climate control as examples.

He added that the Veracruz offers more than features — it also has the “feel” and performance of a luxury vehicle.

When Hyundai introduced the vehicle this past January at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, the company issued a statement saying, “Veracruz takes on the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander and beats them in terms of powertrain performance and standard safety features while adding sophisticated design, high-quality craftsmanship and seating for seven adults.”

One of a growing number of “crossovers,” the Veracruz has the appearance, space and driving position of a sport-utility vehicle, but it is built on a car chassis.

Raines said the crossover design appeals to buyers because it offers better handling and fuel economy than a truck-based SUV.

“SUV buyers as well as luxury car buyers would find that the Veracruz could meet their needs,” Raines said. “Many potential buyers and car reviewers are comparing the Veracruz to the Lexus RX350.”

The Veracruz has a standard “hideaway” third-row seat that folds flat into the floor, allowing the vehicle to carry seven passengers with the third seat up, or 40 cubic feet of cargo with the third seat down.

With the second-row seat folded down as well, the vehicle’s cargo capacity increases to nearly 87 cubic feet. Raines said Hyundai’s warranty program inspires confidence in buyers.

The Veracruz is covered by a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Owners also receive free roadside assistance for five years and an unlimited number of miles.

“Compare Hyundai’s warranty to any other warranty — no one else can even come close,” Raines said.

All Veracruz models have a 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine and a “Shiftronic” six-speed automatic transmission. The Shiftronic feature allows the driver to shift gears manually if desired.

Gas mileage estimates are 18 city and 25 highway for front-drive versions of the Veracruz; all-wheel drive models are rated at 17 city and 24 highway.

Three Veracruz trim levels — GLS, SE and Limited — give the vehicle a base price range of $26,305 to $32,305.

Standard features on the $26,305 Veracruz GLS include three-zone automatic climate control, XM satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system with steering-wheel mounted controls, 17-inch alloy wheels and heated mirrors.

At $28,005, the SE model also has an eight-way power driver’s seat, HomeLink garage door transmitter, fog lights, automatic headlamps and an automatically- dimming rearview mirror with an integral compass. In addition, the SE has larger 18-inch alloy wheels.

The $32,305 Veracruz Limited offers a leather interior, four-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, backup warning system, 314-watt Infinity sound system, power tailgate and heated seats.

Safety features on all models include front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, stability control and front active head restraints that move forward in a rear-end accident to help prevent head and neck injuries.

By KEN WICKLIFFE
For The Star Press

Hyundai’s Veracruz crossover is stylish

Hyundai has done it — moved across the $25,000 starting price level for a new vehicle.

The brand that for years was known in the United States for its low-priced vehicles and industry-leading warranty coverage now has a new model that’s priced upwards of $26,900.

It’s the 2007 Veracruz crossover sport utility vehicle that joins nearly a half dozen other new crossovers in the market this year.

With standard three-row seating, comfortable ride and handling, rich styling and amenities and healthy 260-horsepower V-6, a two-wheel drive Veracruz starts at $26,995. With all-wheel drive added, the starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $28,695.

The previous most expensive Hyundai — the 2007 Azera sedan with luxury appointments — has a starting price of $24,895.

Indeed, the test top-of-the-line Veracruz Limited with all-wheel drive, was priced at just over $38,000.

What’s going on at South Korean automaker Hyundai?Like officials at other car companies, Hyundai product planners see potential in the growing crossover SUV segment, where buyers are expected to be willing to pay for the latest trendy vehicle.

A crossover combines a car-like ride with a higher-than-a-car ride height and eminently flexible interior.

Crossovers, especially those with three rows of seats inside, are becoming popular family vehicles.

The back two rows of seats in the Veracruz, for example, can be folded down and out of the way to provide 86.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Competitors include the 2007 Honda Pilot, which starts at $27,690 for a two-wheel drive LX with 244-horsepower V-6, and the 2007 GMC Acadia, which starts at $29,990 for a two-wheel drive SLE with 275-horsepower V-6.

The Veracruz rides on a platform that’s longer and wider than Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV.But the personality of the Veracruz is more refined than that of a Santa Fe.The interior of the test vehicle was surprisingly quiet, almost like that of a Lexus, and while the Veracruz felt well-planted to the pavement, the ride was compliant and pleasant — not busy or harsh, even in the tester with uplevel, 18-inch tires.

It clung to off-camber, downhill curves with tenacity and passengers didn’t feel unsettling, abrupt body sway. Rather, the body structure seemed well-controlled and weight shifted predictably to give the driver confident handling.

And the turning circle of 36.7 feet was surprisingly tidy.

The only engine — a 3.8-liter, double overhead cam V-6 with continuously variable valve timing — was readily responsive from the get go, had plenty of passing power on highways and seems well-matched to a vehicle that can carry up to seven people.

It’s the same engine that’s in the Azera and Hyundai’s Entourage minivan and needs only regular gasoline.

Torque peaks at 257 foot-pounds at 4,500 rpm, which is more than the 240 foot-pounds at 4,500 rpm in the 244-horsepower Pilot.

At 18 miles a gallon in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway for a two-wheel drive Veracruz, this Hyundai’s government fuel economy rating is even a tad higher than that for the Pilot.

est of all, the Veracruz comes with all safety equipment standard, including six air bags, active front head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries, antilock brakes and electronic stability control.

And it earned the top rating — five out of five stars — in the federal government’s front and side crash testing.

There was nary a vibration or nuisance sound in the Veracruz drive. I kept listening for wind noise, especially at highway speeds, but there was little of it and there was little road noise from the tires.

Hyundai uses active engine mounts under the hood that change from soft to firm to manage engine idle vibrations at idle as well as on the highway.

Another expensive component in the Veracruz is a new six-speed automatic transmission — a first for a Hyundai. It shifted with impressive smoothness in the tester, even when I manually shifted via the Shiftronic, no-clutch-pedal mechanism. This shift-it-yourself ability isn’t offered in some other crossovers, such as the Acadia.

ll this, plus the nicely appointed interior on the test Limited model, conveyed a sense of luxury. I sat on seats covered in leather that was so soft and pliable, it would never be mistaken for vinyl. The front seats were heated, too. The upgraded Infinity audio system filled the cabin with strong, clear tunes, the audio controls looked like those in a Lexus, and wipers turned on by themselves as raindrops hit the windshield.

Standard equipment on all models includes air conditioning with controls for rear-seat passengers, steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio system and cruise control, a dual exhaust and audio system with MP3 and XM satellite radio capability that comes with free, three-month XM radio service.

There also are new features never associated with a Hyundai before. These include optional key-free vehicle access, power adjustable pedals and a 115-volt power outlet.

But a navigation system still isn’t offered in the early Veracruz models.

Then there’s the Hyundai warranty. Bumper-to-bumper, limited coverage lasts for five years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first, while limited powertrain coverages goes for 10 years/100,000 miles.

Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

By Ann M. Job

2007 Hyundai Veracruz Expert Review

The number of three-row crossover SUVs has grown dramatically over the past few months, with new models like the Mazda CX-9 and Saturn Outlook offering alternatives to the traditional SUV. Hyundai’s new seven-seat Veracruz is the latest to join the category, and on the whole it matches up well against the competition with its smooth ride, quiet cabin and interior quality, making it a must-drive for consumers in this market.

Ride & Handling
The Veracruz has a four-wheel independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. The setup is tuned for cruising, sensible for a vehicle like this. The crossover feels stable on the highway, and it’s rather quiet, which means Hyundai’s sound-deadening efforts, including four layers of padding under the carpet, have paid off.

On the negative side, there’s some play in the steering wheel at the center position, and the rack-and-pinion system doesn’t offer a lot of feedback for the driver. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the Veracruz both weigh more than two tons, and while the crossover’s weight isn’t usually noticeable, it does make itself known the moment you encounter a twisty road. That encounter produces pronounced body roll, and the Veracruz doesn’t feel as comfortable in this setting as the CX-9 does.

Going & Stopping
All trim levels are powered by a 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6, and its standard transmission is a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic with a clutchless-manual mode. Front-wheel-drive models get an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg (city/highway), while all-wheel-drive estimates dip to 17/24 mpg. These figures are nearly identical to the Outlook’s gas mileage estimates and slightly better than the CX-9’s.

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. The V-6 is quiet, builds revs smoothly and provides adequate acceleration; like the Outlook, though, you can tell it’s a bit burdened by the vehicle’s weight.

The Veracruz’s all-disc antilock brakes have no trouble bringing this crossover to a stop, but the brake pedal’s mushy feel is a little disappointing.

Cabin & Features
The Veracruz’s cabin has a few issues, but overall it’s nicely executed and features a number of upscale details, like a padded dashboard, matte-finished plastic trim and tight panel gaps. Even the silver-colored center panel with the air conditioning and audio controls looks good. (Most of the time I think this color scheme cheapens an interior.)

Perhaps the best aspect of the Veracruz’s cabin is its lack of the heavy chemical smell that’s plagued a number of Hyundais I’ve tested in the past. The rich leather odor permeating the leather-trimmed versions I drove is a huge improvement and wouldn’t be out of place in a luxury car.

On the downside, the Veracruz’s standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel is a bit clunky to adjust. At first it appears to be infinitely adjustable for angle and reach, as many are, but if you try to set it you’ll discover notches for the tilt adjustment. The troubling part is that you may feel like you’ve locked the steering wheel in place, but if it’s not set at one of the notches, it can move up or down until it hits one — definitely something you don’t want to have happen while driving. The brown faux-wood trim isn’t very realistic, either, but better-looking gray wood-patterned inserts are available.

Cloth seats are standard and leather is optional. The leather front bucket seats are surprisingly plush, but not so soft they compromise on support. The tall driving position makes for great forward visibility and decent rear views despite the small rear-quarter windows; I always felt confident changing lanes on the highway and wasn’t worried about missing any small cars in the lane next to me.

The Veracruz’s 60/40-split second-row seats are roomy and comfortable. The seats slide backward and forward, and the seatbacks recline via a lever on the outer side of either seat cushion — much easier to reach than the handles some manufacturers put at the top of the seatbacks. Access to the third row is possible from either the driver or passenger side; both second-row seat sections slide forward and out of the way. The standard 50/50-split third-row seat offers passable comfort for adults, which bodes well for the most likely users: children.

Other standard features include air conditioning with rear-seat controls, cruise control, heated power side mirrors, a trip computer, a CD stereo and audio buttons on the steering wheel. While Hyundai thinks drivers will increasingly choose aftermarket navigation systems that can be moved from one car to another instead of in-dash units, it’s offering an optional built-in navigation system for the 2008 model year.

A number of upscale options, like a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless entry and engine start and metal plates with blue illumination located at the bottom of the door frames, are bundled together in the top-level Veracruz Limited’s optional Ultimate Package. However, some features a buyer might like to add individually — like a sunroof or leather seats — are only available in pricey option packages.

Safety
Standard safety features include side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, an electronic stability system and front-seat active head restraints. Power-adjustable pedals and rear parking sensors are optional, but a rearview camera isn’t an option.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Veracruz its best, five-star rating in its frontal crash test. As of publication, the Veracruz hadn’t been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Cargo & Towing
With the second- and third-row seats folded flat, the Veracruz has 86.8 cubic feet of cargo room. Cargo room drops to 40 cubic feet when the second-row seats are raised, and only 6.5 cubic feet when the third row is up. While the CX-9 and Outlook offer more cargo room whether the seats are up or down, both are also about 10 inches longer than the Veracruz. The Veracruz also has less cargo room than the similarly sized Honda Pilot, especially behind the third row — the Pilot has more than double the space, at 15.9 cubic feet. The Hyundai’s maximum towing capacity is a respectable 3,500 pounds.

Veracruz in the Market
Hyundai got most things right in the Veracruz. It’s a solid start for an all-new model, and that’s what’s required for an automaker to be successful in today’s car market.

To be sure, there are other good crossovers available, including the ones mentioned here. However, when you look at the Veracruz’s combination of comfort, versatility and a class-leading warranty — all at the right price, the appeal is clear.

By Mike Hanley
Cars.com
April 25, 2007