2007 Hyundai Veracruz Review
The Veracruz is a brand-new luxury crossover from Hyundai. It’s based on the Hyundai Santa Fe platform, but is larger overall. Starting at just under $30,000, the Veracruz is Hyundai’s most expensive vehicle, though it is far cheaper than most luxury SUVs.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Hyundai Veracruz promises Lexus quality at a Hyundai price. Unfortunately, it does not deliver on this front. While it has a luxurious interior and good fit and finish, its driving dynamics and features do not even come close to the Lexus RX 350. On these two points, the Veracruz even struggles to compete with many mid-level SUVs. However, the Veracruz is overall a safe, reliable, and comfortable ride that is well worth your attention. Just don’t buy one under the impression that it’s a less expensive Lexus.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power information is not yet available. No technical service bulletins or recalls have been issued. Hyundai’s recent reliability has been fantastic and on par with Toyota or Honda. However, since it’s a brand-new model, expect some hiccups and design flaws. We predict average to above-average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Veracruz earned perfect 5-star government crash test scores. IIHS data is not yet available. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, active head restraints, tire-pressure monitoring, and stability and traction control come standard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Great fit and finish
+ Superior warranty
+ Excellent safety
Cons
– Uncertain reliability
– Leather seats not standard
– AWD not standard
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Suzuki XL-7 Luxury, at the same price, comes with AWD and leather seats, though it lacks the Veracruz’s six-speed transmission. The Toyota RAV4 Limited offers AWD and a CD changer at the same price, but it also lacks a six-speed. If you’ve been looking at a Honda Pilot, then the Veracruz is a suitable alternative, costing about $800 less than the Pilot and adding a six-speed.
What Others Are Saying:
“Hyundai hasn’t built a premium crossover SUV, but they’ve built a very decent one that’s going to make some waves. But be careful, Hyundai: It’s more fun to sell luxury cars than economy cars, but it takes more than blatant assertion to move your brand from one tier to another.” – About.com
“It’s a responsive powertrain, although that V-6 is a little too vocal at high revs. There’s also too much torque steer under hard throttle, especially through sharp corners in the front-wheel-drive model (all-wheel drive is optional). 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
“It’s a heavily loaded knockoff that doesn’t hold its own against similarly priced crossovers such as the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander and the Saturn Outlook. Those are the real competitors, not the Lexus RX 350.” – The Detroit News
Read more about the 2007 Hyundai Veracruz at the Hyundai manufacturer web site.
