Hyundai Motors, South Korea's largest automaker, continues expanding its lineup here in the U.S. As with Japan's Toyota Motors and General Motors' Chevrolet Division, Hyundai deals in volume sales. Competitive pricing is also a hallmark of all three, although Hyundai may take the crown as having the lowest starting prices in most segments. All three offer compact and mid-size cars and a nice SUV selection. Unlike Toyota and Chevrolet, however, Hyundai does not currently market a gas-electric hybrid vehicle. Our test vehicle this week, the 2008 Veracruz, is Hyundai's largest- of-three sport utility offerings, and its newest. It debuted in the 2007 model year, joining the long-running Santa Fe SUV and compact Tucson SUV. All are uni-body, or car-based SUVs, designed for on-road travel. Enter off-road adventures at your own risk. All have a five-door hatchback body style.
The South-Korean-built Veracruz (190.6 inches in overall length) is built off a stretched version of the Santa Fe (184.1 inches in overall length). Both have three rows of seating, and both fall into the mid-size range. In addition, both are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. For those who enjoy a touch more room and a hint of luxury with their Hyundai SUV, Veracruz is the pick to click. Santa Fe is the volume leader, while Veracruz (named for the Mexican vacation destination) is the more potent, pricier choice.
Powering Veracruz is a dual overhead camshaft, 3.8-liter, V-6 delivering 260 horsepower. It's the sole engine available and is mated to a standard, electronically-controlled six-speed automatic transmission. Santa Fe gets its boost from a 2.7-liter, V-6 delivering 185 horses. The Veracruz transmission includes a "shift-tronic" feature, enabling manual transmission shifting without a foot clutch when desired. Fuel economy is a bit disappointing. Fifteen miles per gallon on the highway, and 22 m.p.g. highway for our all-wheel-drive test model. One nice aspect is the engine requires regular, 87-octane fuel, not the more expensive premium (as some competitors recommend). The larger GMC Acadia and its V-6 engine average two miles per gallon better in both categories in its all-wheel-drive edition. (utilizing regular, unleaded fuel). With front-wheel-drive, Veracruz mileage improves to 18 mpg and 25 mpg respectively. The tank holds 20.6 gallons of fuel.
Not much changes in Veracruz from the first model year. An all-new in-dash navigation system is optional in the top trim level. Also optional in the top trim level are adjustable gas and brake pedals and power tilt steering wheel. Three trim levels return: GLS SE and top-of-the-line Limited. At 4,431 pounds, Veracruz tips the scale on the heavy side. Handling is average at best. Veracruz gets better-than-average marks for its up-scale good looks (and for a lot less money than a Lexus or Infiniti counterpart).
Pricing starts at $27,595 for a front-drive GLS. Hyundai supplied a top-line all-wheel-drive Limited for testing purposes. Starting at $35,750, the bottom line ended up at $38,525 with $695 destination fee, $1,750 optional in-dash navigation system, $125 carpeted floor maps and $205 roof rails.
The top-line Limited adds leather seating surfaces, moon roof, power tail gate and heated front seats standard (in addition to the new-for-2008 power pedals and power tilt steering wheel). All three trims include XM Satellite radio (and the first three months of subscription free) standard. GLS and SE come with cloth seating standard. A second-row entertainment package is optional only in Limited.
Veracruz comes with three rows of seats accommodating seven travelers, including the driver. The third row has a 50/50 split and folds flat into the floor when not in use. Third-row seat backs are pulled up into place from the open cargo area by pulling up a floor (back rest) latch and brining each half up into place. There's quite a bit of leaning forward into the cargo region involved to accomplish this task. Hyundai may want to consider adding pull straps to make the process easier. Second row seats incorporate a 60/40 split and seatbacks fold semi flat onto cushions for increased cargo carrying ability with the third row folded flat into the floor. Headrests do not have to be removed when folding the second or third rows. For passenger access to the third row, the second-row seat bottoms slide forward on a track while seat backs tilt forward. It's a narrow, but manageable isle way into the two-seat third row. Knees ride up a bit, but for trips under an hour in duration, two adults could handle the adventure with ease. Drivers and front passengers do not have to 'hop' up into the front seats when entering. Front seats are below most folks' hip height,' so it's more of a sit down motion.
Air vents are found on the inside B pillars and the ceiling for a nice flow of air through the vehicle. The button unlocking the left-side fuel door is found on the driver's door. The standard rear wiper activates from a right-side steering column stalk, which also controls the front wipers. Standard cruise control functions are on the steering wheel face. The parking brake is foot operated, opening up room between the front bucket seats for dual beverage holders, a couple of covered storage pockets and a large arm rest/storage bin area.
The instrument panel includes three analog semi circles. The right-side info-circle includes a large digital window displaying a letter indicating what gear the vehicle (P-R-N-D) is in. It's a little item, but is great when a quick reference is needed.
The rear hatch, hinged at the top, opens up as one unit. Limited editions (with standard power hatch) have an easy-to-spot power button to close the door with a simple button push. In front, the Veracruz grille is understated, but attractive.
Other standard features in all three trims include: air conditioning; power windows, locks and outside mirrors; rear window defroster: outside temperature display and compact disc player.
Turn signal flashers are built into the side view mirrors; great for letting those around you know of your future intentions. Exterior door handles are strap-like in design. The compact spare tire stows under the cargo area of the vehicle.
All three trims include a nice assortment of safety nuances including: traction control, anti-lock brakes, front side impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows, child safety rear door locks, energy-absorbing steering column and remote keyless entry.
Hyundai was the first automaker to successfully pioneer an extended powertrain warranty on a large scale, helping the company overcome a perception of nicely priced, but poorly built products dating back to the early and mid 1990s. The extended warranty worked. The general public gave Hyundai a second chance and others in the automotive sector have added extended warranties of their own. Hyundai's powertrain warranty is good for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
From a value stand point, Veracruz is tough to beat. Three-seat mid-size rivals including the Mazda CX-7 and Saturn Outlook are worthy competitors and have a slight performance edge, but both cost slightly more. Veracruz matches them with a great cadre of standard safety features and the 10-year powertrain warranty unmatched.
In the second half of calendar year 2008, Hyundai expands its lineup again with its first upscale, rear-wheel-drive sedan, the 2009 Genesis available with a V-6 or V-8 engine. It's the new entry-luxury face of Hyundai. A two-door Genesis coupe is on tap to debut soon after the sedan. |