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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  super suv - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By northern man - December 28 - 7:30 pm

  we love it,comfort great options and style. very quite ride and fun to drive. we have taken a couple of trips and got 23 mpg at 75mph. we have used the rear 120 pleg to charge our camera. my son loves the dvd player and the wireless headphones mom and i like. the automatic wipers are great. i would diffently suggest the limited over the other model. we found its just 1500.00 more but you a ton more options. the dealer has been great and helpful. the proxsimity key is wonderful and we love the two memory seating. overall we highley reccomand the car. we checked out all the suvs out there and this is by far the best!!

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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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  Look for Months - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By cal - October 24 - 1:03 pm

  Have been looking for an intermidate size crossover/etc for 6 months. The veracruz was the best value for the money. Also the great warranty.

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  Great Job Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Frank - October 3 - 7:36 am

  Great car very comfy and stylish. Love the seat memory option, only had it for couple of weeks so far so good.

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  SUV I ever want to be driving - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Praveen - September 25 - 9:03 pm

  We went shopping for an SUV 2 years ago. Test drove Toyota, VW and third in line was this babe. Both myself and my wife were so baffled with the quality of the vehicle, we decided to buy it immediately. sort of "love at first drive". Gives us about 19 in city driving and has given as much as 27 on highway. 2 years and we still love this babe. Engine revs freely (responds well with Shell gasoline) and is surprisingly quick off the line. Quality of materials inside the vehicle is awesome.

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  Why I wont buy a Hyundai again - 2010 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Alan - September 11 - 6:53 am

  11/5/17: I sold the car last month. Replacement vehicle will be a Honda CRV. 5/3/17: Since my review I posted concerning an oil leak recall I have had the following issues with the vehicle which now has 68,000 miles. Discussed two additional oil leaks on two different occasion and late last month the engine seized up and the dealer found metal shavings in the oil pan. Had to replace the entire engine. So the net is 3 oil leaks and an engine replacement all by 68,000 miles. The cost to repair all of this is over $10,000. Since the I bought my Veracruz as a 2 year old vehicle with 20000 miles on it. I got a good price from a dealer. While I havent needed to have the car into the shop very often (currently 66,000 miles) there are things about the vehicle that will keep me from buying another Hyundai. I have found you get what you pay for. First, the car was modeled after a Lexus RX, meaning Hyundai used the RX and the standard for the product. A couple of years into ownership I received a recall from Hyundai that there was an oil leak on my car and that it had to be repaired. Vehicles today are largely designed to go 100,000 miles or more without any major issues, but having an oil leak on a car at less than 50,000 miles is unheard of; it just doesnt happen any more. A few thousand miles later, after it had be repaired by the dealer, it was determined it was still leaking oil The dealership replace the defective gasket with the same gasket system, which proceeded to leak. Hyundai has not redesigned the defective part. Duh! The new gasket seems to have fixed the problem. Fingers crossed. Also the driver seat is wearing very fast (poor material quality). There is a clanking noise when I put the car in reverse (transmission problems??). Who knows. Im going to go back to my Japanese imports. While they are not perfect, I havent experiences problems like this in 25 years of ownership of Toyotas and Hondas.

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  good choise - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By jack - September 10 - 5:40 pm

  I have the limited and it is the best suv I had ever owned. I had an 2007 honda pilot and the veracruz wins by far. it is so quite on the road its hard to believe your moving, and the ride is the best, very smooth. This is my fourth Hyundai and they just get better, I had two Santa fe,s 01 & 03 and both were great. My wife has an 04 XG350L and had no problems. Hope this helps anyone looking at Hyundai.

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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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  I LOVE THIS SUV!!!! - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By danacandy - September 1 - 7:06 am

  This car is really nice to drive. My husband who is 64" fits comfortably in the middle row, my 3 kids also fit very well, with room to spare(including a car seat). We have really enjoyed taking this car on trips. It has a lot of get up and go power, it rides smooth like a luxury sedan. We have been so happy with this purchase, we will more than likely purchase an upgrade in a few more years. I definitely recommend this SUV!!!

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  2008 veracruz - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By SG - August 14 - 12:16 pm

  overall its a decent vehicle; however it developed multiple rattles which the dealer can never seem to find. Not very comfortable driving position for tall drivers. I do like the entertainment system w/dvd, however headphones are flimsy & can easily break..both of ours did...the front seats could be more comfortable.Reason we purchased is it gave us more features for less money than the cx9 which we strongly considered. Those rattles take all the joy out when driving the car, which to me is a sign of workmanship