2007 Hyundai Veracruz Review: A Safety-Conscious Hauler
by Jessica Howell
The skies showed no mercy as I pulled onto the dirt roads of Michigan's backcountry in Hyundai's latest addition to the "freshest model lineup in the industry"—the mid-size SUV, Veracruz. From the dark clouds above, rain poured down at an alarming pace as I frantically tried to implement the swish of windshield wipers. As it turns out, Veracruz's rain-sensing wipers leave little to figure out, adequately swiping rain drops quickly from view.
Once on paved roads, Veracruz zipped along comfortably—an ideal option, I thought, for families seeking a practical, safety-conscious people hauler. Equipped with six standard airbags that protect all three rows, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, and Anti-lock Braking (ABS), the seven-passenger vehicle also boasts 5-star NHTSA ratings for front and side crash testing. Safety-wise, that's a steal.
The last of seven completely new models launched within 24 months, the Veracruz rounds out Hyundai's list of smart vehicle offerings. If you haven't shopped this automaker lately, I'm here to say that they are definitely worth a look.
The highest ranking non-luxury brand in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study (IQS), Hyundai falls into third place, beat out only by luxe labels Porsche and Lexus. Hop into the 2007 Veracruz and you’ll find out why.
Powered by a 3.8L V6, the vehicle moves quickly with sturdy strength and precision. Standard is a six-speed automatic transmission that can shift into manual mode for sportier driving. Handling during our test drive proved sweetly smooth.
With three rows, Veracruz offers easy convenience within and boasts more cargo volume than competitors, like the full-size Mercedes-Benz GL, in what Hyundai classifies as Veracruz's "dimensional sweet spot."
The vehicle also offers a few standard features that we love, including a MP3-compatible AM/FM/SM/CD audio system, vents located within the B-Pillar for second row passengers (no more freezing feet), under-floor storage bin in rear, and a conversation mirror that drops down so a driver can view backseat passengers without awkwardly twisting.
Optional features that deserve mention are a DVD rear-seat entertainment system, proximity key, rear-view mirror backup warning system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Bluetooth Hands-Free phone system.
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Don't think that all this interior chatter, however, is reason to believe you can't judge a book by cover. Catch one of these SUVs on the highway and you'll likely take a second glance. Sleek and smooth, Veracruz is an attractive crossover SUV that does a good job of emulating much of its competition with a blend of subtle sportiness and luxe detailing. In fact, during Hyundai's consumer research stage, many unknowing test drivers dubbed the vehicle a "luxury import." When unidentified employees pulled back a sticker to reveal the brand's badge, testers were visibly surprised—exchanging raised-eyebrow stares and "Oh wow, I never would have guessed Hyundai" statements.
With a brand strength that's on the up and up, Hyundai continues to prove itself worthy of savvy shopper's garages. With standard-setting safety, great value and sleek style inside and out, there's no doubt that Veracruz sets the bar high for practical car buying.
Note: ROAD & TRAVEL road tested the 2007 Hyundai Veracruz Limited equipped with the Ultimate Package for this review.
| 2007 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ |
Description: |
7-seat midsize crossover utility vehicle |
Model options: |
GLS
SE
Limited
|
Engine size: |
3.8L DOHC (Continuously Variable) V6 |
Transmission: |
6-speed electronic automatic
|
Wheelbase: |
110.4 inches |
Overall Length: |
190.6 inches |
Rear/Front Drive: |
FWD, AWD optional |
Braking: |
4-wheel ABS, ESC and Traction Control standard |
Air bags: |
2 (dual-stage front)
2 (seat mounted side air bags)
Roof-mounted side curtain air bags that reach all three rows of seating
|
Fuel Economy: |
2WD: 18/25 mpg
AWD: 17/24 mpg |
MSRP: |
GLS: $26,305
SE: $28,005
Limited: $32,305
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