If you hadn't noticed, Hyundai is getting into the crossover SUV game big time. In 2005, the South Korean automaker introduced the Hyundai Tucson, a five-passenger compact SUV that competes with vehicles like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. Last fall, Hyundai introduced a completely redesigned Santa Fe. Larger than Tucson, Santa Fe has available seating for seven and competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Murano.
This March, Hyundai introduced the Veracruz. It's set to compete with large midsize crossover SUVs like GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Subaru B9 Tribeca, and Toyota Highlander. Lika Santa Fe, Veracruz seats seven passengers, but it has a wheelbase that's four inches longer and is six inches longer overall.
It also has a larger engine. At 3.8 liters, Veracruz's V6 makes 260 horsepower and 257 pounds-feet of torque and runs fine on regular-grade gasoline. The V6 mates to a new 6-speed automatic transmission that has a separate shift gate for clutchless manual operation. Front- and all-wheel drive models are offered. All feature standard traction control. Veracurz's all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and, according to Hyundai, is not indented for severe off-road use.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, active front-seat head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front side, and curtain side airbags. The curtain side airbags protect all three seating rows. Hyundai claims Veracruz will get five-star ratings for front and side impacts in NHTSA crash testing.
Three models are offered: GLS, SE, and Limited. All come standard with front and rear air conditioning, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system, steering-wheel audio controls, power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, rear spoiler, and privacy glass.
SE adds to GLS power driver seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic headlights, roof rails, fog lights, and a cooled center console. The line topping Limited adds to SE leather seats, heated front seats, power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Infiniti audio system with CD changer, power sunroof, power liftgate, conversation mirror, and backup warning system.
Key available features include DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system, proximity unlocking and keyless starting, 115-volt power outlet in the rear compartment, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, and MP3 input jack.
Veracruz is manufacturered in South Korea and, like all Hyundai models, comes with a 5-year / 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Base price for the 2WD GLS is $26,305. All models have a destination charge of $690.
| | GMC Acadia | Honda Pilot | Hyundai Veracruz | Toyota Highlander |
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| Wheelbase, in. | 118.9 | 106.3 | 110.4 | 106.9 |
| Length, in. | 201.1 | 188.0 | 190.6 | 184.6 |
| Width, in. | 78.9 | 77.5 | 76.6 | 71.9 |
| Height, in. | 72.8 | 71.3 | 68.9 | 67.9 |
| Passenger Capacity | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 | 41.9 | 40.3 | 40.0 |
| Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.4 | 42.6 | 40.7 |
| Middle Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 40.1 | 39.9 | 39.8 |
| Middle Leg Room, in. | 36.9 | 37.4 | 38.4 | 36.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 38.6 | 36.1 | 32.3 |
| Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.2 | 30.2 | 31.5 | 30.2 |
| Curb Weight, lb | 4720 | 4341 | 4266 | 3704 |
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft. | 119.9 | 87.6 | 86.8 | 80.6 |
| Fuel Capacity, gal. | 22.0 | 20.4 | 20.6 | 19.2 |
| Towing Capacity, lb | 4500 | 3500 | 3500 | 3500 |
| Engine | DOHC V6 | DOHC V6 | DOHC V6 | DOHC V6 |
| Size, liters | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| Horsepower @ RPM | 275 @ 6600 | 244 @ 5750 | 260 @ 6000 | 215 @ 5800 |
| Torque @ RPM | 251 @ 3200 | 240 @ 4500 | 257 @ 4500 | 222 @ 4400 |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| EPA Fuel Economy 2WD | 18 / 26 mpg | 18 / 24 mpg | 18 / 25 mpg | 18 / 24 mpg |
| MSRP | $29,255 | $27,095 | $26,305 | $28,190 |
