Overview & Reviews

Although it wasn't around for very long, the Hyundai Veracruz could be a worthwhile choice for a crossover SUV. As with other Hyundai models, the Veracruz boasted plenty of features for a price that was typically less than the competition. On top of this, the Veracruz also provided an impressively luxurious cabin and a quiet ride that was comparable to many luxury-branded crossover SUVs.

On the downside, it came up short in terms of interior space compared to some other large crossovers, and didn't offer much in terms of design flair. Hyundai also didn't sell very many of them, so finding a used model that fits your desires might be hard. But overall, the Veracruz is worth a look for shoppers interested in a feature-packed midsize or large crossover.

Most Recent Hyundai Veracruz
The seven-seat Hyundai Veracruz was produced from 2007 through 2012. Under the hood was a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 paired to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional.

Originally, Hyundai offered the Veracruz in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the base GLS trim initially included 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio. The SE was pretty similar. Major options for these trims included a sunroof, Bluetooth, heated front seats and a power driver seat. On the SE you could also get a power liftgate, leather upholstery and a premium audio system.

The Veracruz Limited came with most of the lower trims' options as standard. It also had dual-zone climate control and a power front passenger seat. Options included a navigation system and a surround-sound audio system.

Feature content largely remained the same throughout its run, although a navigation system and power liftgate became available for 2008. The following year the SE trim was dropped in favor of two optional packages available on the GLS. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system was offered for 2009 and '10 only.

When the Veracruz was introduced, it drew comparisons to luxury models rather than more pedestrian-badged competitors. The comparisons were not far-fetched. In our reviews, we found the Veracruz luxurious, well-built and very quiet on the road. Top crash test scores were another draw. On the downside, total interior cargo space and third-row rear seat room weren't quite as spacious as some competitors like the GMC Acadia. The Veracruz also looked pretty plain, which could be a turnoff for some buyers.

User Reviews:

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  Still love it - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Going on 3 years and over 36000 miles with no major problems. Vehicle runs great and loaded with extras that are standard. Read some reviews on this site that complain about the Hyundai but this was our third Hyundai and my wife now has an Elantra which is our fourth. Exceptional value for the money. Car looks good, is comfortable, roomy and reliable. Best vehicle I have ever owned and Im 62 years old and have owned a lot of different vehicles.

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  2011 Hyundai Veracruz -- Not bad at all - 2011 Hyundai Veracruz
  By joshregenold - September 8 - 10:30 am

  Coming from the nightmare that was a 2011 Jeep Compass (read my review over there; what a disaster), the Veracruz is a dream come true. Ive never owned a Hyundai, but the build quality is exceptional, the interior is roomy and comfortable, the ride is quiet and smooth on the highway (a bit rough at low speeds on rough roads), and the gas mileage is just as advertised. Driving 4,000 miles or so mostly on the highway (I do about 90/10 hwy/city), I average between 21 and 23 MPG. The third row is not bad at all, either. I regularly have adults at about 56" tall back there with no complaints.

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  Veracruz Ltd - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By The_Ductor - August 1 - 1:46 am

  We looked at multiple vehicles - eg Mazda CX9, Ford Fusion. Overall this was the best buy by several thousand dollars given the specs. The model we chose was the AWD limited. There were few options as it already had most of them. The ride is comfortable and quiet although not exciting. Audio excellent. Fuel economy is not as good as advertised but is it ever? The exterior is stylish but the colour choices are limited. Most suprising was the internal colours which on this vehicle (Ltd) was limted to a saddle brown leather despite the dash etc being grey. Seats are comfortable,easy to move to allow exit and loading. Overall I am pleased. We have to wait for command start. Recomended.

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  Two Years and 19K miles later - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Mike - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Going on two years now the Veracruz has been decent, but Ive had the rear DVD player replaced and now the rear heat and A/C doesnt work. It started with a squeak in the right rear compartment. It was a part on the rear blower system. The dealer has been great but should I have had these problems so soon? Let me answer my own question NO! I hope this is not the beginning of a lemon car. I gave Hyundai a chance I hope I dont regret it. This is their top of the line SUV, right? Ive taken it on two decent size trips. It has performed flawlessly. I gotten as high as 24 mpg. Enough of the silly problems already. If I had the ging I would have bought an RX Lexus. Good luck to us Veracruz owners.

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  Too many recalls - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By cjunbug - June 2 - 4:00 am

  The first couple of months it was fun to drive; we enjoyed the comfort, quietness and styling, until the recall notifications start to come. In the two year span that we owned it we have about 4 recalls. Then the last incident is the one that really prompt me to dump the vehicle, it wont drive faster than 5 miles per hour, turn it off and then re-start it and it will drive normal. then you drive it again and while it is moving at various speeds, it will just quit on you and will not go no more than 5 MPH. They fixed it for free, and finally traded it in for TOYOTA VENZA. I dont think I will buy another Hyundai, even if they guarantee it for 200,000 miles

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  Great During the Daylight Hours - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By conr2286 - December 9 - 6:00 pm

  The Veracruz has absolutely the best 3rd row seating available in a crossover suv. And if youre filling those seats, the fuel economy per passenger-mile is great. But, our vehicle has averaged only 16 mpg in mostly city travel. And at $4.00/gallon... A hybrid might be worth the extra cost.

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  Electrical problems - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Mark, CO - September 18 - 1:36 pm

  My wife and I bought a new Veracruz 6 weeks ago. Our main reason for purchasing the Veracruz is its safety features. Our main concern is that this vehicle has now been back to the dealership twice with electrical problems. On both occasions the vehicle would not start - the dealership seems to think it is just the battery (despite the battery checking out OK). The electrical equipment is also behaving very oddly. Clearly there is a major electrical problem with this vehicle which makes us concerned about the many electrical and safety features on this vehicle. Our advice - wait before buying this vehicle. We either have a lemon or Hyundai has a major electrical issue to resolve.

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  Transmission Trouble - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Craig Christiansen - March 19 - 12:50 pm

  We purchased the 2007 Veracruz and actually loved it for a while. After 10,000 miles, the transmission starts to have some serious problems. When traveling at 45-50 mph, the transmission automatically drops into a low gear, where it becomes noisy and starts rumbling and vibrating. We took the vehicle in for service on 4 occasions. The service dept would not even admit a problem until a corporate technician verified it. Even then, they said that there was nothing they could do to fix it. The reviews comparing it to a Lexus might apply when brand new, but not with 10k miles on it. We tested 3 other Veracruz models at the dealer, but the same problem was present in each (to different degrees).

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  A contender - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Anders - March 17 - 11:00 am

  I have the 2008 base model. I am very impressed by how good the car is, both in performance, comfort and design. It is very competitive with the 2005 Honda Pilot I also have. In exterior design and ride it is even better. My only peeve is the audio quality, which lacks resolution and "life" compared to may other OEM systems.

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  Problems with being reliable - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Dianna - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The first week I had It I had to have the battery replaced. The other day I started it up, put it reverse and it gave a hard jolt. 5 minutes later I pressed the gas pedal down and It would only go 5 miles an hour. I stopped, call road service and when he arrived it miraculously was back to normal. The next day, it wouldnt start at all. I do have a 100,000 mile warranty but this is my very first Hyundai. I have always owned Toyotas. I am very discouraged and only hope whatever the problem is, they find it, fix it and I have no more problems. I have never had any problems with any of my new cars before. 4 xs in 2 years is 4 times too much. I have to have a reliable car.